Art Farm Iowa to Host July 4th Arts Festival Featuring Felt Artist Lucy Sparrow, Americana Legend Dan Bern, and Folk-Noir Troubadour Nigel Wearne
Art Farm Iowa invites the public to an unforgettable weekend of art, music, and celebration with its ARTFARMAGANZA! Arts Festival taking place Friday, July 4th through Sunday, July 6th, 2025. The festival will bring together internationally acclaimed felt artist Lucy Sparrow, celebrated singer-songwriter Dan Bern, and Australian folk-noir musician Nigel Wearne for a one-of-a-kind event in the heart of the Iowa countryside.
The family-friendly festival offers and immersive cultural experience that blends creative expression with community celebration. Highlights include:
• Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Installation – Known worldwide for her hand-sewn, full-scale environments, British artist Lucy Sparrow brings
her playful and poignant soft-sculpture work to Iowa and the Midwest for the first time, including what may be the world’s largest felt
SPAM sculpture. Lucy developed an exhibition for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Lucy will be in attendance on July 4th-6th.
• Live Concerts – Iowa’s own Dan Bern returns for homecoming performances – July 4th and July 6th – filled with wit storytelling, and
Americana charm. Dan has recently toured with Roger Daltrey and The Who, and is a member of the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Australian Nigel Wearne is an award-winning musician who has played at The Kennedy Center. Nigel’s music spans folk, blues, and
outlaw country, and he will be performing on July 4th.
• Art Exhibitions & Installations – In addition to the installation from Lucy Sparrow, the Art Farm Iowa gallery will feature paintings
from Dan Bern. The paintings are portraits of well-known Iowans or individuals from the region. Other artworks are featured in the
gallery and on site from local and international artists.
• Food, Family Activities & Fireworks – Enjoy food trucks, open-air art stations, kids’ crafts, and a nearby fireworks display at dusk.
“This festival is about celebrating creativity and community in one of the most inspiring rural settings in the Midwest,” said Art Farm Iowa co-founder Steve Hanson, “Bringing together independent voices like Lucy Sparrow, Dan Bern, and Nigel Wearne makes this a truly special way to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend.”
The event will be held at Art Farm Iowa, located just outside of Northwood, with festivities beginning at noon on July 4th and continuing through Sunday until 6 p.m. Event times are listed on the Art Farm Iowa website. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and an open mind.
Event Details
What: ARTFARMAGANZA! Arts Festival
When: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
Where: Art Farm Iowa, 4953 Olive Avenue, Northwood, IA 50459
Tickets & Info: Attendance is FREE! Only tickets are required for Sunday, July 6th Dan Bern performance.
Art Farm Iowa, Inc., is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit public charity based in Northwood, Iowa.
