14 Iowa Fall Festivals That Locals Swear Are All About The Food And Fun
Fall in Iowa feels like the whole state wakes up in its own way. Once the air turns crisp, every weekend seems to bring another festival worth checking out.
You’ll find towns hosting parades, chili cook-offs, and pumpkin weigh-ins that turn into friendly bragging rights. I’ve wandered through more than a few of them, and there’s always that mix of homemade food, live bands, and neighbors catching up.
It’s not fancy, just people having a good time before winter rolls in. If you ever find yourself in Iowa during fall, it’s worth showing up hungry and ready to hang out.
1. Amana Colonies Oktoberfest, Amana
Amana Colonies transforms into a German celebration every October with authentic food, polka music, and handcrafted goods. Local vendors line the streets offering bratwurst, schnitzel, and freshly baked pretzels that disappear fast.
I visited a few years back and couldn’t resist the apple strudel from one of the bakeries. Families fill the sidewalks, kids run between the craft booths, and everyone seems to know each other.
The festival keeps the area’s German heritage alive in a way that feels genuine and welcoming to visitors.
2. Anamosa Pumpkinfest & Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off, Anamosa
Giant pumpkins weighing hundreds of pounds get hauled in for the big weigh-off, drawing curious crowds and serious growers. Beyond the massive squash, the festival offers carnival rides, live bands, and plenty of pumpkin-flavored treats.
Local restaurants compete in cooking contests, and craft vendors sell everything from pottery to homemade jams.
The whole downtown area buzzes with energy, and parking fills up quick on Saturday mornings. It’s a small-town event that manages to feel big without losing its friendly atmosphere.
3. Kalona Fall Festival, Kalona Historical Village
Kalona Historical Village hosts this festival among restored buildings that showcase the area’s Amish and Mennonite heritage. You’ll find quilts, handmade furniture, and baked goods that reflect generations of tradition.
The smell of fresh apple cider fills the air while demonstrators show old-time crafts like blacksmithing and weaving. I picked up a hand-stitched quilt runner that still sits on my dining table.
Kids enjoy wagon rides through the village, and there’s a peaceful quality to the whole experience that makes you slow down and appreciate simpler times.
4. Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, Winterset
Winterset celebrates its famous covered bridges with a festival that draws thousands each October. Food vendors set up along the courthouse square serving everything from pork tenderloins to homemade pies.
Craft booths stretch for blocks, and shuttle buses run to the actual bridges for photo opportunities. The festival grew popular after a certain romantic movie, but locals focus on the food and community spirit.
Live music plays on multiple stages, and the whole town participates in making visitors feel welcome throughout the weekend.
5. Des Moines Biergarten Oktoberfest at Water Works Park, Des Moines
Water Works Park hosts this outdoor celebration with German food, live polka bands, and plenty of seating under the trees. The park setting makes it feel more relaxed than typical downtown festivals.
Vendors bring authentic German dishes, and local restaurants add their own takes on traditional recipes. I went last year and appreciated the open space where kids could run around while adults enjoyed the music.
The event supports the park’s conservation efforts, so your ticket helps maintain one of Des Moines’ best outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.
6. Oktoberfest Des Moines at The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Ankeny’s Prairie Trail District brings German traditions to a newer development with plenty of parking and accessibility. Food trucks join traditional vendors, creating a mix of classic and contemporary festival fare.
The event includes family activities like face painting and games alongside the usual music and dancing. It’s easier to navigate than some of the older festival sites, which matters when you’re trying to keep track of grandkids.
The organizers do a good job balancing tradition with modern conveniences that make the experience comfortable for all ages.
7. Northside Oktoberfest & Iowa City BrewFest, Iowa City
Iowa City’s Northside neighborhood closes down streets for this popular October celebration. Local restaurants bring their best dishes outside, and the variety goes way beyond typical festival food.
You’ll find everything from bratwurst to Thai noodles, reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse community. I always run into friends from across town who make this an annual tradition.
The festival supports local businesses, and you can tell the vendors appreciate the crowds. Music stages keep things lively, and the college town energy mixes well with longtime residents enjoying the festivities together.
8. Dubuque Oktoberfest, Dubuque
Dubuque’s German heritage shines through at this riverside festival held in the historic downtown area. The Mississippi River provides a scenic backdrop while vendors serve traditional German meals and local favorites.
Live bands play throughout the day, and the steep streets fill with families exploring different food stands and craft booths. The city’s old architecture adds character that newer festival sites can’t match.
Parking can be tricky on the hills, but shuttle services help. The whole event feels like a neighborhood party that happens to include a few thousand of your closest friends.
9. Guttenberg GermanFest, Guttenberg
This small river town goes all out for GermanFest, with nearly every local business participating in some way. Authentic German food comes from family recipes passed down through generations of residents.
The festival stays true to its roots without feeling touristy or overdone. I stopped here during a river road trip and was impressed by how friendly everyone was to outsiders.
Local musicians play traditional songs, and you’ll see genuine lederhosen and dirndls on performers. It’s smaller than other festivals, but that intimate size makes it special and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
10. Oktemberfest, Marshalltown
Marshalltown combines October and September into Oktemberfest, a clever name for their fall celebration. The festival brings together the community after harvest season with plenty of local food vendors and entertainment.
Central Iowa farming families mix with town residents, creating a genuine community feel. Craft vendors sell handmade items, and kids enjoy carnival games and activities.
The festival doesn’t try to be the biggest or fanciest, which actually makes it more enjoyable. You can walk the entire event in an hour but end up staying much longer because of the relaxed atmosphere.
11. University of Okoboji Oktoberfest, Arnolds Park
Arnolds Park brings German traditions to Iowa’s Great Lakes region with this lakeside celebration. The fictional University of Okoboji theme adds a playful twist to traditional Oktoberfest activities.
Food vendors set up near the amusement park, and the lake provides beautiful fall scenery as a backdrop. I’ve been coming here for years, and the combination of lake views and festival fun never gets old.
It’s a bit of a drive for many Iowans, but the area’s natural beauty makes it worth the trip, especially when the leaves start changing colors around the water.
12. Mount Vernon Chili Cookoff, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon ditches German food for a chili competition that brings out serious home cooks and competitive teams. Dozens of recipes compete for top honors while visitors sample their way through the entries.
The variety ranges from traditional beef chili to experimental versions with unexpected ingredients. Local restaurants also participate, and the friendly rivalry adds entertainment beyond just eating. Cornbread and toppings accompany each sample, and you’ll want to pace yourself.
The small college town handles the crowds well, and the festival supports local causes that benefit the whole community throughout the year.
13. Applefest at Living History Farms, Urbandale
Living History Farms celebrates apple harvest season with old-fashioned demonstrations and plenty of apple-based treats. You can watch cider pressing, try your hand at apple peeling contests, and sample different apple varieties.
The historical farm setting teaches visitors about Iowa’s agricultural past while kids enjoy wagon rides and hands-on activities. I took my grandchildren last fall, and they loved seeing how people made applesauce without modern appliances.
Fresh apple cider donuts sell out quickly, so arrive early. The festival combines education with entertainment in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or boring.
14. Waverly Oktoberfest, Waverly
Waverly’s downtown square fills with vendors, musicians, and families for this northeast Iowa tradition. German food stands alongside Iowa comfort food, giving visitors plenty of choices.
The college town atmosphere brings energy, while longtime residents provide the community foundation that makes the festival feel welcoming. Craft vendors offer unique items you won’t find at chain stores, and local organizations use the festival for fundraising.
It’s not the state’s largest Oktoberfest, but the manageable size and genuine hospitality make it a favorite for those who prefer smaller crowds and easier parking over massive events.