25 Fall Festivals Across Iowa
25 Fall Festivals Across Iowa
Autumn in Iowa is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year. The weather is cooling as cool temperatures sets in. The leaves transform into brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. Saturdays are made for tailgating as the Cyclones and Hawkeyes take the field, while cool evenings bring around bonfires with s’mores and good friends. Beyond game days and crisp fall weather, autumn marks the arrival of harvest season and a lineup of incredible community events. Here are 25 fall festivals across Iowa that you won’t want to miss.
Iowa County – Amana Colonies Oktoberfest (Amana Colonies) is scheduled for October 2–4, 2026. Drawing thousands for authentic German food, live Bavarian bands, and a massive parade through the historic colonies. Visitors can enjoy traditional games, and local artisan markets throughout the weekend.
Madison County – Madison County Covered Bridge Festival (Winterset) is held October 10–11, 2026. This festival hosts over 140 craft vendors, old-time skill demonstrations, and a grand parade around Winterset’s historic square. Guided bus tours take visitors out to view the famous covered bridges framed by peak fall foliage. The rolling hills and fall colors are really a sight to be seen.
Jones County – Anamosa Pumpkinfest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is October 3, 2026. Iowa’s designated “Pumpkin Capital” draws massive crowds to watch giant state-record pumpkin weigh-offs. The celebration features a major grand parade, pumpkin-themed foods, games, and hundreds of downtown market vendors.
Van Buren County – Villages of Van Buren Scenic Drive Festival this year is set for October 10–11, 2026. This festival incorporates 12 historic villages along the Des Moines River. This is one of my favorite fall scenic drives. You can explore flea markets, antique sales, local food stands, and historic craft demonstrations in every town.
Cerro Gordo County – Clear Lake Harvest Festival (Clear Lake) is October 3, 2026. This is one of the bigger events in Iowa and the event features a giant outdoor vendor market, and a famous grape stomp competition. Attendees kick off the morning with a 5K fun run and enjoy live music, hayrides, and local food trucks along Main Avenue.
Polk County – Applefest at Living History Farms (Urbandale) is scheduled for October 17, 2026. This family-friendly event showcases 1800s historic apple processing, traditional cider pressing, and apple butter making. Visitors can explore the 500-acre open-air museum with historic farm activities, tractor rides, and seasonal treats. There is a lot of adventure packed into the metro area.
Black Hawk County – Cedar Valley Oktoberfests (Waterloo / Cedar Falls) is taking place October 2–3, 2026. This celebration brings large crowds together for authentic polka bands, German food, and bratwurst stations. Festival highlights include stein-holding endurance contests, various performances, and family-friendly activities.
Winneshiek County – Decorah Oktoberfest & Fall Foliage Drives (Decorah) is held October 10–11, 2026. This is another festival with strong German roots. Enjoy German cuisine with stunning views of the Driftless Region bluffs. Visitors flood the area for scenic drives, live outdoor music, and historic downtown shopping.
Page County – Clarinda Craft Carnival & Fall Fest (Clarinda) this year will be October 17, 2026. This is one of Southwest Iowa’s largest craft gatherings, drawing thousands of shoppers to the Clarinda Academy facility and county fairgrounds. Hundreds of regional artisans showcase handmade decor, seasonal crafts, and specialty foods.
Wapello County – Ottumwa Oktoberfest (Ottumwa) is running October 1–3, 2026, in Greater Ottumwa Park. This multi-day event features food, vendors, a parade, and live grandstand music. Popular tradition contests include hog calling, stein-holding endurance challenges, and a full carnival layout.
Allamakee County – Waukon Fall Festival / Effigy Mounds Heritage Days (Waukon / Harpers Ferry) is set for October 10–11, 2026. This festival highlights Native American history as well as traditional fall festivities near the Mississippi River bluffs. Attendees enjoy guided historic site tours, local harvest markets, and outdoor heritage displays.
Hardin County – Eldora Fall Foliage Days / Iowa Falls Fall Fest (Eldora / Iowa Falls) will be October 3–4, 2026. This weekend event focuses on the autumn foliage along the Iowa River greenbelt with riverboat rides and scenic drives. Visitors explore state park trails, local art walks, craft fairs, and small-town open houses.
Carroll County – Manning Oktoberfest (Manning) is taking place October 3, 2026, near the historic Hausbarn. This festival is packed with music, food, family games, and evening entertainment.
Webster County – Fort Dodge Apple Fest (Fort Dodge) is scheduled for October 3, 2026, at the Community Orchard. This large-scale harvest festival celebrates all things apple with fresh cider pressings, homemade pies, and orchard treats. Families enjoy extensive children’s play areas, hayrides, and outdoor shopping.
Jefferson County – Fairfield Autumn Art Walk (Fairfield): this is taking place October 2, 2026 at Fairfield’s square. Enjoy regional art exhibits, open galleries, and live musical performances.
Bremer County – Waverly Oktoberfest (Waverly) is scheduled for October 2–3, 2026. Waverly’s downtown converts into a German-style festive hub with polka bands, food, beverages, and traditional games. The event offers activities for all ages, including inflatables, yard games, and local food vendors.
Warren County – Indianola Harvest Fest (Indianola): This is taking place October 3, 2026, Indianola’s town square draws large crowds for artisan market booths, seasonal farm produce, and local food trucks. Families gather for pumpkin games, horse-drawn wagon rides, and live entertainment.
Hamilton County – Webster City Pumpkin Fest (Webster City) is scheduled for October 17, 2026, this festival presents a pumpkin-focused day featuring massive pumpkin displays, master carving demonstrations, and autumn crafts. Downtown offers local food stands, youth games, and business open houses.
Fremont County – Tabor Peach & Pumpkin Festival (Tabor) this year will be October 10, 2026. Tabor celebrates the transition from late summer fruit to autumn squashes with fresh produce, baked goods, and home-style meals. The day includes parade floats, craft booths, and family entertainment.
Greene County – Jefferson Bell Tower Fall Festival (Jefferson) will be October 3, 2026, in the shadow of the Mahanay Bell Tower. Here you will find live musical chime performances, local food trucks, and craft booths. Attendees can ride the elevator to the top of the tower for views of surrounding autumn colors.
Pottawattamie County – All Hallows Eve Festival (Macedonia) this year will be taking place October 24, 2026. This festival has a Halloween theme and also has costume contests, pumpkin carving, and ghost stories in historic town buildings. Families enjoy a parade, food stands, and seasonal games.
Monroe County – Albia Fall Festival (Albia) is October 3, 2026 at Albia’s square. You will find craft tables, local food vendors, and pumpkin decorating contests. Visitors can participate in historic walking tours and enjoy live music around the courthouse.
Delaware County – Manchester Harvest Fest (Manchester) is October 3, 2026 at Manchester. Celebrate autumn with downtown sidewalk sales, craft vendor tables, and your favorite fall foods. Families enjoy pumpkin contests, hayrides, and live outdoor entertainment.
Floyd County – Charles City Autumn Fest (Charles City) will be October 10, 2026 along the Cedar River. Here you will find outdoor craft markets, local food trucks, and pumpkin decorating. Visitors explore riverfront trails, shop downtown, and participate in family activities.
Buchanan County – Independence Harvest Fest (Independence) is scheduled for October 10, 2026. Independence marks the harvest season with pumpkin decorating, local artisan market stalls, and agricultural tractor displays. Families enjoy hayrides, baked goods sales, and autumn-themed community contests.
There’s truly nothing quite like autumn in Iowa. From the brilliant colors, to cozy Saturday football, harvest season brings out the absolute best in our state. These 25 fall festivals showcase the traditions, incredible food, and tight-knit community spirit that make this time of year so special. Get out there to experience the magic of an Iowa fall.
