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Photo credit: Gaby Deimeke | download high res
“this year's Hinterland festival competed with Coachella for Instagram-worthy moments.”
–The Minnesota Star Tribune
“Hinterland for president”
–Kacey Musgraves
“Glastonbury, take note”
–Jack Antonoff
"Iowa was so special. One of my favorite crowds ever."
–Clairo
"Hinterland, you were phenomenal. Got to see so many amazing artists today. Heart happy."
–Gigi Perez
SAINT CHARLES, IL - The 10th annual Hinterland Music Festival wrapped up on Sunday, August 3 to a resounding success. The 10th edition of the festival, held just 30 minutes south of Des Moines, IA featured headliners Tyler, The Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray and garnered praise from local attendees as well as fans who came from across the country to enjoy top-tier entertainment in the peaceful Iowa countryside. The bands also made note of the atmosphere and sang praises throughout the weekend.
Beyond the music, 2025 marked a year of innovation and impact for the festival. A standout new addition was Hinterland Uncharted, a mobile game and immersive experience that premiered to great excitement. The interactive experience added a new digital layer to the festival’s atmosphere.
Festivalgoers and performers alike praised the laid-back yet energized atmosphere, with several artists calling out the unique charm of Hinterland during their sets. As Hinterland celebrated its 10th anniversary, it proved once again why it remains a beloved Midwest staple.
Community engagement also took center stage throughout the weekend. The B. Well Foundation’s Creative Coaches, an initiative connecting more than 33,000 Des Moines Public School students with local mentors, hosted on-site activations and raised over $3,000 and the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education hosted a silent auction, reporting their most successful Hinterland fundraising effort to date with over $3,500 raised for arts advocacy and education programs.
Wander & Co.,”a social cause shop” and one of the vendors featured at Hinterland 2025 planted 325 trees and donated 450 meals to area food banks through proceeds from their festival sales.
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