Sierra Ferrell looking up into the distance in front of a dreamy light green background with white roses covering part of her face and hair

Sierra Ferrell

Heavy Petal Tour
Fall Welcome Concert

Sierra Ferrell looking up into the distance in front of a dreamy light green background with white roses covering part of her face and hair

Sierra Ferrell

Heavy Petal Tour
Fall Welcome Concert

Friday, August 28, 2026
Hancher Auditorium / Hancher Green
Part of HANCHER’S 2026–2027 SEASON and ENGAGED HAWKEYES WEEK
Presented by HANCHER AUDITORIUM
TICKETS
Free and open to the public, RSVP encouraged!

One of the brightest young luminaries in roots music today, Sierra Ferrell brings a dose of beautifully strange magic to everything she touches and enchants audiences with her high-spirited live performances.

Following the release of 2024’s Trail of Flowers, the West Virginia-born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist took home the Artist of the Year and Album of the Year prizes at the Americana Honors & Awards and won four Grammy Awards including Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Performance, Best Americana Performance, and Best American Roots Song. We invite the campus and community to a fun-filled evening of music by the Iowa River. All ages welcome!

Opening the evening will be local artist, DJ Crimson Mask, and The Hawkeye Drumline.

 

SCHEDULE

6:30 p.m. – Gathering begins with DJ Crimson Mask
8:00 p.m. – The Hawkeye Drumline
8:20 p.m. – Sierra Ferrell

 

More event details:

RSVP is encouraged (but not required.) The first 500 RSVPs will receive a free, commemorative merch item at the event! All RSVPs will receive key updates and details closer to the show.

Food and beverage will be available at the Smith Lobby, Swanson Bar, and via an assortment of food trucks outside. Additionally, Hancher’s box office, lobby, bathrooms, terrace, and gift shop will be open throughout the concert, closing at 10:00 p.m.

Please note: Alcoholic beverages purchased from the Smith Lobby and Swanson Bars cannot be taken outside except for the terrace on the second floor.

 

RSVP to the Fall Welcome Concert

Fill out the information below and hit SUBMIT to receive event-related updates and special announcements.




Your name and email address will be shared with Hancher Auditorium and Sierra Ferrell promotional teams so they can provide you with event related updates or special announcements. No other personal information will be shared. If you prefer to not have your information shared, you may still attend the concert without submitting an RSVP.

Sierra Ferrell is what you might call a free spirit – someone who follows her dreams wherever they take her.”
— NPR
Venue

Genre
Music

HANCHER EVENT PARTNERS
The Chuck Swanson Executive Directorship of Hancher Auditorium
City of Iowa City
Peter & Anne Matthes
Jeffrey & Kristine Nielsen
Chuck Peters
Mary Ann Peters

ARTIST WEBSITE

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or at [email protected] or fill out an accessibility request using the linked form below.

HANCHER ACCESSIBILITY REQUEST FORM

 

PLEASE NOTE: This concert is outdoors. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on Hancher's website and Facebook.

  • When should I show up for the concert? Gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. and Sierra Ferrell will begin at 8:30 p.m.
  • Is there a cost to attend? The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets required.
  • Where is the Hancher Green? Hancher Green is the large lawn located along the Iowa River between Hancher Auditorium and the Theatre Arts Building.
  • Will Hancher be open? Hancher's box office, lobby, bathrooms, terrace, Showcase gift shop, Smith Lobby Bar, and the Swanson Bar will be open, closing around 9:30 p.m. Please note: Alcoholic beverages purchased from the Smith Lobby Bar and Swanson Bar cannot be taken outside other than to the terrace on the second floor.
  • Will there be additional restrooms? In addition to the restrooms inside Hancher Auditorium, several portable toilets will also be available on site.
  • Will water be available? There will be water available on the Hancher Green as well as from drinking fountains inside Hancher Auditorium.
  • Will there be food vendors onsite? We are working with local food vendors to have a robust and diverse set of food truck options available onsite.
  • Is there an age limit? All are welcome.
  • Do I have to be a University of Iowa student to attend? All are welcome! The concert is intended for both UI students and the broader Iowa City community.
  • Can I bring a blanket or chair? You're welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Please be mindful of your fellow concert attendees by making best efforts to keep your blanket area compact and your chairs from obstructing the view of other patrons.
  • Can I bring my dog? Dogs on leashes are allowed. Note that a large crowd is expected. If you believe the noise or crowd would agitate your dog, we recommend leaving them at home.
  • Can I bring a bag? Bags are allowed. All bags are subject to search.
  • What if it rains? We will monitor weather closely. In case of expected inclement weather, the concert will be hosted inside Hancher Auditorium. If dangerous weather conditions emerge, we will either postpone or cancel, depending on severity. Any changes to the current concert schedule will be posted to the Hancher website as well as our social media channels. Due to limited capacity in Hancher Auditorium, these updates will also share the plan for admission.
  • Will you have A.D.A accommodations available? Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who required a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, pleas contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or via email at [email protected] . Accessible parking will be located in the lot closest to the performance space. Hancher staff will be on hand to assist with accessibility needs on the night of the performance.
  • Am I allowed to smoke? Smoking and tobacco use are not allowed on University of Iowa grounds.
  • What items are prohibited? Weapons of any kind are not permitted.
  • Parking: The Hancher lot can be accessed from both Park Road and Riverside Drive. Click the button below to view a detailed, interactive map. Overflow parking will be at City Park. 
VIEW GOOGLE MAP: PARKING
  • Entrances: The main entrance to Hancher Auditorium is located at the south end of the building and near the accessible parking lot on the building’s west side.
VIEW GOOGLE MAP: ENTERING THE BUILDING
  • There will be water available on the Hancher Green as well as from drinking fountains inside Hancher Auditorium.
  • Food and beverage will be available at the Smith Lobby, Swanson Bar, and via an assortment of food trucks outside. We are working with local food vendors to have a robust and diverse set of food truck options available onsite. Participating food vendors will be announced at a later date.
  • You are welcome to bring your own refreshments. Please note that alcohol is not allowed on the Hancher Green. Alcoholic beverages purchased from the Smith Lobby and Swanson Bars cannot be taken outside except for the terrace on the second floor.
  • Hancher bars do not accept cash. American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay are all accepted.