12 Ethnic Festivals in Iowa That Will Wow You in The Best Way Possible
We Iowans love to celebrate our heritage with ethnic festivals all over the state. It’s a trip around the world; no passport required! Get out your 2018 calendar because you’re going to want to plan to visit these fun Iowa ethnic festivals.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1-105.jpg?w=720)
You can spend the day in the Amana Colonies enjoying Blue Grass Music, local artistry, German food, and traditional Maifest dancing.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2-11.png?w=720)
During Tulip Time, beautiful Pella comes alive with an explosion of color in the form of thousands of blooming tulips. This Dutch-themed festival with a Dutch Market, dancing, a huge lighted evening parade, and interactive exhibits will transport you to Holland.
Advertisement
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/4-78.jpg?w=720)
This popular Norwegian celebration includes a Children’s Parade and performances by Decorah’s Nordic Dancers. The Vesterheim museum is open during the celebration with free admission. Enjoy heart-shaped waffles and coffee in the Bruening Visitor Center.
Advertisement
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/6-71.jpg?w=720)
This Danish festival includes tours of the Danish Windmill and Danish museums in town, a carnival, craft fair, parade, lots of kids activities, a Tour de Tivoli Bike Ride, beer garden, fireworks, and Danish folk dancing.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/10-45.jpg?w=720)
The Amana colonies come alive during this traditional German celebration. Enjoy games, contests, live entertainment, traditional German food, demonstrations, a theatre production by the Old Creamery Theatre Company, and an official keg-tapping ceremony.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/12-12.jpg?w=720)
It’s a four-day celebration of the end of summer with singing, dancing, food, handcrafts, and games. This tradition began in 1913, and the Meskwaki consider it a time of friendship and celebration.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/13-10.jpg?w=720)
Get a tour of the German Hausbarn Heritage Park, enjoy a beer tasting, music from German, and polka dancing.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/14-8.jpg?w=720)
Both of these quaint Danish villages will be decorated for the holiday season. The streets are lined with Danish and American flags, there’s a free Christmas concert followed by traditional dancing. Enjoy special holiday displays at the museums, and stop by the 168-year-old Danish Windmill for glogg and Danish cheese at their old-fashioned Julemarket.
Advertisement
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/15-8.jpg?w=720)
This is the largest ethnic festival in the state. There are 20 Latin countries represented in Iowa, and this festival is a celebration of Iowa’s largest ethnic minority. Enjoy live music, artist displays, food vendors, and cultural booths at this amazing party in Western Gateway Park.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18740608_10154620138233017_1908933430802554202_n.jpg?w=720)
With more than 40,000 attendees, this giant festival is a celebration of all things Asian. Enjoy martial arts demonstrations, performance artists, food, cultural exhibits and family-friendly activities.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/17-1.jpg?w=720)
Sample food and enjoy music from all over the world at this epic fall festival. Cooking demonstrations, live music, craft beers, wine, and a world marketplace are all right here.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/18.jpg?w=720)
This traditional German event features a lighted parade, festival trees, holiday music, lighting of Main Street, the arrival of Santa Claus and activities for kids.
Do you have a favorite Iowa ethnic festival? Tell us about it.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.