Those who were anywhere near the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on East Side Night, probably heard the twang of guitars, the stomp of cowboy boots, and maybe even a few yeehaws echoing across the fairgrounds.
Country star Parker McCollum rolled into town and brought the Texas heat with him. Fans packed the Grand Concourse early, grabbing beers, fried food, and prime spots before the 8 p.m. show. And yes, the cowboy boots were out in full force.
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McCollum, who hails from Conroe, Texas (just outside Houston), got his start playing gritty little venues in Austin. His sound? A smooth blend of Texas country, rock, soul, and indie vibes — basically, music that makes you feel things and want to sing along.
He kicked off the night with “My Blue” and “Big Sky,” fresh tracks from his new self-titled album that dropped in June. Then came a sweet moment: he dedicated “Hell of a Year” to his son for his 1st birthday.
Of course, he didn’t skip the hits. Fans belted out “Burn it Down,” “Handle on You,” and “To Be Loved by You” like it was a honky-tonk karaoke night. His 21-song set also featured new favorites like “Watch Me Bleed,” “Killin’ Me,” “Solid Country Gold,” and “New York is on Fire.”
Parker McCollum performs at the Grandstand during the second day of the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 8, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.
He wrapped things up with “My Worst Enemy,” the final track on his latest album — a moody, heartfelt closer.
Opening the night was the Josh Abbott Band, warming up the crowd with their own Texas country flair.
9,256 people attended the show.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Parker McCollum brings “Pretty Heart” and Texas heat to Iowa State Fair
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