The 8 Best Fall Festivals In Iowa For 2023 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit
By Raymond Goldfield|Published September 09, 2023
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Ah, the beginning of fall. The weather is starting to cool, and the leaves are starting to change. That means it’s time for the fall fun to begin, and I always start wondering if there are any fall festivals near me. The good news is, the Hawkeye State knows how to do autumn in style. The best fall festivals in Iowa kick off in early September and continue through October, with the bulk of them taking place in late September. These include an air show, a famous arts-and-crafts festival, a pumpkin festival featuring gourds that will take your breath away, and maybe the most famous Oktoberfest event this side of Bavaria. I know I look forward to the fall season all year, and it’s looking like the best one in a while. Looking for the best fall festivals near Des Moines? Wondering if there are any fall events near Cedar Rapids? Look no further!
1. Tri City BBQ Fest - Denison (September 15th-16th)
A celebration of all things barbecue, this Denison festival will accompany some of Iowa's best pitmasters with a wide selection of beer and live music. The Tri City BBQ Fest Facebook page has all the details on this delicious event.
2. Beaverdale Fall Festival - Des Moines (September 15th-16th)
This charming fall festival has been going on in Des Moines for over a century. You can expect a carnival, horseback rides, and a dog parade and car show. You can find all the details on this year's festivities at the Beaverdale Fall Festival Facebook page.
One of the most rustic fall festivals in Iowa, this charming farm event features a market, hayrides, fireworks, and games like beanbag. There's even a 5K run! The Ely Fall Fest Facebook page has all the details plus pictures of last year's event.
The Kalona Historical Village is a great place to celebrate fall. Not only will you find food and craft vendors, but countless opportunities to learn about the town's historic roots. Visit the Kalona Historical Village Facebook page to find out more about this unique location's events in fall and throughout the year.
The most famous Oktoberfest in Iowa, this German town goes all out with beer, dances, and food vendors celebrating the best of European cuisine. Don't miss the parade! The Amana Colonies Festivals Facebook page - the same group runs most of Amana's festivals throughout the year, such as Maifest and Apfelfest - has the event details.
This free air show is one of the most exciting fall events in Iowa. Nationally known stunt pilots will take to the air, and historic planes will be on display. The Fly Iowa Facebook page has more details plus some stunning pictures of planes in flight.
How big can a pumpkin get? You won't believe your eyes. In addition to the great pumpkin weigh-in, you'll find a parade, food and craft vendors, plus pumpkin displays all around the town. The Anamosa Pumkinfest Facebook page has all the details - and some pictures of past winning pumpkins that seem too large to be real.
8. Fall Arts and Crafts Festival - McGregor (September 30th-October 1st, October 7th-8th)
McGregor is one of the arts capitals of Iowa, and this fall event features more than 40 artists selling exclusive crafts amid a fun atmosphere including food vendors and live music. Visit the McGregor Fall Art Festival Facebook page for details on this year's event and pictures of some of the arts and crafts for sale.
We think these are some of the best fall festivals in Iowa – which are you looking forward to this year? Let us know in the comments section! If you’re looking for other ways to celebrate the kickoff of the season, why not take a fall foliage bike ride? Make sure you’re decked out in fall clothing when you head to your next autumn event!
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