Rolling Hills Music Festival - Homegrown Classical Music

Rolling Hills Music Festival is a new festival of homegrown classical music in Ames, celebrating its inaugural season August 6-9, 2026. Putting a spotlight on the art and artists of Iowa and the Midwest, the weekend-long festival features top local musicians and compositions with regional roots, both historical and contemporary. The festival includes 5 events, all either free or low-cost with discounted options for seniors and students! A WALK IN THE PARK (Free) Thu 8/6, 6:30-8pm @ McFarland Park (Rain date: Sun 8/9) Stroll through the park to the sounds of solo and small ensemble classical music — from Mozart to original works by local musicians. HOMEWARD BOUND (Ticketed) Fri 8/7, 7:30pm @ Reliable Street String works on themes of home and belonging, including two uniquely Midwestern works: Shelley Washington’s Middleground, Ravel’s Sonata for Violin & Cello, and Antonín Dvorák’s String Quartet No. 12, “American.” COMMUNITY PLAY-ALONG (Free) Sat 8/8, 1-3pm @ Ames History Museum Bring your instrument and join the band for an afternoon of casual chamber music. Plus, local musical artifacts from the museum’s collection will be on display. IOWAN SOUNDS (Ticketed) Sat 8/8, 7:30pm @ Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames Discover Midwestern music of today with a program of contemporary compositions by regional composers, including a world premiere! CHILDREN'S CONCERT (Free) Sun 8/9, 3-4pm @ Ames Public Library A concert of Iowa-rooted music curated for children 0 & up!