The 1980s in Iowa offered a vibrant tapestry of entertainment, reflecting the national trends while maintaining a distinct Midwestern charm. From iconic music venues to burgeoning local theater scenes and the ever-present allure of the great outdoors, Iowans had plenty of options for fun and leisure. This article delves into the diverse entertainment landscape of Iowa during this decade, exploring various facets and answering some frequently asked questions.
What were some popular music venues in Iowa during the 1980s?
Iowa's music scene in the 80s boasted a range of venues, catering to diverse tastes. Larger cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City housed prominent clubs and theaters that hosted both national touring acts and local bands. While specific names and their longevity might require further research into local archives and historical records, common types of venues included:
- College Venues: University campuses, particularly the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, frequently hosted concerts, often featuring up-and-coming artists before they hit the big time. These venues provided a crucial platform for both national and regional acts.
- Nightclubs & Bars: Many bars and nightclubs across the state incorporated live music into their entertainment offerings. These ranged from smaller, intimate settings showcasing local talent to larger spaces capable of attracting regional or national acts.
- Larger Event Spaces: Larger cities likely had auditoriums or fairgrounds that sometimes hosted major concerts. These events could range from country music stars to rock and pop icons of the era.
Unfortunately, detailed comprehensive lists of every venue active in the 80s across Iowa are not readily available online. Local historical societies and newspaper archives would be excellent resources for more specific information about individual cities and towns.
What kind of movies were popular in Iowa during the 1980s?
Iowa moviegoers in the 80s enjoyed the same blockbuster hits that captivated the rest of the nation. The decade was a golden age for cinema, and Iowans were treated to iconic films across various genres:
- Action & Adventure: Films like Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Die Hard, and Rambo dominated the box office and were likely popular choices in Iowa theaters.
- Comedies: 80s comedies such as Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Porky's, and National Lampoon's Vacation offered lighter fare for audiences.
- Dramas: Serious dramas found an audience as well, though the blockbuster action and comedy films often took center stage.
- Romantic Comedies: This genre was also popular, often featuring well-known actors of the era.
Drive-in theaters remained a popular option in some areas, offering a unique outdoor movie-going experience. The specific films shown at each theater would vary, dependent on popularity and distribution deals.
What other forms of entertainment were available in Iowa during the 1980s?
Beyond music and movies, Iowans had diverse options for entertainment:
- Sporting Events: College and professional sports held significant importance. Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball games were major events, drawing huge crowds. Minor league baseball teams also provided local entertainment.
- Theater: Community theaters and university drama programs offered various theatrical productions, ranging from classic plays to contemporary works.
- Outdoor Recreation: Iowa's natural beauty provided ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. State parks and lakes were popular destinations.
- Amusement Parks: While specific amusement parks of the era in Iowa would need further research, many smaller amusement parks and carnivals likely existed across the state offering family entertainment.
Where can I find more information about 1980s entertainment in Iowa?
To delve deeper into specific aspects of 1980s entertainment in Iowa, consider exploring these resources:
- Local Historical Societies: Contacting historical societies in specific Iowa cities or towns will yield information on local theaters, music venues, and events.
- University Archives: University archives (like those at the University of Iowa or Iowa State University) might contain records of campus events and entertainment from the 1980s.
- Newspaper Archives: Online newspaper archives can provide valuable information about concerts, theatrical performances, and other events that took place in Iowa during the 1980s.
This overview offers a glimpse into the diverse entertainment options available in Iowa during the 1980s. Further research using the suggested resources will help paint an even more detailed and accurate picture of this vibrant era in Iowa's entertainment history.
