25+ Eastern Iowa Festivals to Look Forward to This Fall [LIST]

Oktoberfests, renaissance fairs, scenic drives, art shows, horror movies... you have plenty of options when it comes to festivals in Eastern Iowa this autumn! The official first day of fall is set for next Tuesday, September 22nd - here are 25+ of the festivals you can check out between then and the end of October 2026:

Big Dam Street Festival

Victory Park, Keokuk
September 24th through 26th
Featuring live entertainment, food, carnival rides, vendors, and more

116th National Cattle Congress Fair

National Cattle Congress, Waterloo
September 24th through 27th
Featuring live music, NCC Fair Ranch Broncs & Bull Riding Challenge, 50+ contests, carnival rides, food, 100+ exhibitors, and more
Purchase tickets HERE

40th Annual Oktemberfest

Marshalltown, Iowa
September 24th through 27th
"We kick off Thursday with Kids' Night, followed by a fan favorite car show and the Hype on Friday. The beloved 5k and pancake breakfast have returned to help you get ready for the grand parade, which begins at 10:00 am. To end a jam-packed Saturday, a local favorite, Exit 185, will rock the stage on Saturday. Sunday brings our event to a close with more live music and cultural flair. Of course, we can't forget about the carnival, vendors and vintage trolley rides that you won't want to miss during the event!"

Iowa Oktoberfest

Anton’s German Bier Garden, Waterloo
September 25th & 26th
Featuring yard games, live entertainment, beer, food, contests, a dog parade, a market sale, and more

Guttenberg GermanFest

S River Park Dr, Guttenberg
September 25th & 26th
Featuring a craft & vendor market, live music, German food, games, contests, kids' activities, a beer tent, and more

Kalona Fall Festival

Kalona Historical Village
Dates/Times
- Friday, September 25th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Something for every member of the family from local homemade food, live entertainment, local artisans, old world demonstrations, kids activities, tour through the 1800’s buildings and view all of the exhibits, plus much much more."

Iowa Asian Alliance’s 12th Annual AsianFest

NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, September 26th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Featuring authentic & fusion food, cultural exhibits, live entertainment, a fashion show, inflatables, 50+ vendors, and more

Ely Fall Fest

Ely, Iowa
Saturday, September 26th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featuring a vendor market, a car show, food, a kids' zone, and more

Lincoln Highway Arts Festival

Downtown Mount Vernon
Saturday, September 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featuring artist booths, demonstrations, live music, food, kids' activities, and more

Northside Oktoberfest

Northside Marketplace, Iowa City
Saturday, September 26th
BrewFest
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ages 21+
- "Each ticket includes a specialty Bier Glass imported from Germany, unlimited beer samples, and access to live entertainment, contests, beer games, and plenty of German-inspired eats."
- Purchase tickets HERE
Bier Hall (General Admission)
- 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- "For just $5, purchase a commemorative Oktoberfest mug at check-in and enjoy beer and wine in the streets. Pair your drinks with neighborhood food vendors, test your skills in the beer games, and soak in the lively atmosphere with music, contests, and entertainment throughout the day."
SodaFest
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- "A festival for the kids! Hosted by the Iowa Children’s Museum, SodaFest lets kids sample unlimited sodas for just $5. A family-friendly way to join in the spirit of the celebration. All activities (other than soda sampling) are completely free."

Lost Woods Music Festival

1400 Lone Tree Rd, Cedar Falls
Saturday, September 26th
"Lost Woods is an intimate, immersive indie music festival in Cedar Falls, Iowa set within a whimsical forest where people of all ages gather, connect, lose themselves in the music, and find themselves again through the experience."
See the lineup & purchase tickets HERE

Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Festival

Credit Island, Davenport
September 26th & 27th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"Spend the day exploring a lively Renaissance village filled with entertainment, unique shopping, great food, music, comedy, and interactive fun for all ages. Grab a turkey leg, browse handcrafted goods from talented vendors, enjoy live performances throughout the day, and make memories with friends and family in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that’s equal parts history, fantasy, and pure fun."
Purchase tickets HERE

Ottumwa Oktoberfest

Jimmy Jones Shelter at Greater Ottumwa Park, Ottumwa
September 30th through October 3rd
Featuring BINGO, live music, parades, drumlines, competitions, beer, German food, and more

Amana Colonies Oktoberfest

Amana Colonies
October 1st through 4th
Featuring German food, beer, live music, competitions, games, a parade, and more
Single day admission is $15 and weekend passes are $30 - admission on Sunday is free

Waverly Oktoberfest

Kohlmann Park, Waverly
Dates/Times
- Friday, October 2nd from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
All ages welcome
Featuring live music, a food & beverage garden, food, fireworks, games, and more - see the full schedule HERE
Tickets are available at the gate - weekend passes are $15 for ages 18+ and $5 for ages 13 to 17

Anamosa Pumpkinfest

Downtown Anamosa
Saturday, October 3rd from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"This year’s celebration combines giant pumpkins, fall fun, and patriotic spirit as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a festive red, white, and orange twist. Enjoy family activities, contests, vendors, food, the famous giant pumpkin weigh-off, and a full day of small-town autumn magic."

Riverfest + Fishtival

Bellevue, Iowa
Saturday, October 3rd
- Fishtival from from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Riverfest from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Featuring an art fair, live music, food & drink vendors, a kids' zone, and more

Delmar Fall Festival

Norton Park, Delmar
Saturday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the season with great food, local vendors, entertainment, activities for all ages, and the welcoming community spirit that makes Delmar so special."

Art in the Park Fine Art Festival

Founders' Park, Elkader
Dates/Times
- Saturday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Come enjoy a weekend filled with fine art, live music, delicious food, local wine, craft beer, workshops, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Elkader. 46 artists from across the region will showcase their work throughout Founders' Park."

Halloweenapalooza 2026

Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
Dates/Times
- Friday, October 9th from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, October 10th from 12 p.m. to midnight
Featuring horror movie screenings, vendors, kids crafts, trivia, an after party, a magic show, an escape room, a zombie walk, and more
Purchase tickets HERE

Scenic Drive Festival

Villages of Van Buren County
October 9th through 11th
"Join us for arts and crafts vendors, antique vendors, art shows, music, garage sales, kids' entertainment, parades, car and motorcycle shows, food, and more activities throughout the Villages."
Featuring Bentonsport Riverfest, Friends of Birmingham Trash & Treasure Sale, Bonaparte Fall Festival, The Great Pumpkin Event of Farmington, Keosauqua Fall Festival, and more

1st Annual VintoberFest

Downtown Vinton
Saturday, October 10th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Grab your friends, don your best Lederhosen and Dirndl attire, and join us for an evening packed with live polka music, dancing, delicious German food, cold beer, and plenty of good old-fashioned fun! Test your strength and your competitive spirit with Hammerschlagen and Masskrugstemmen, and see who has what it takes to claim bragging rights. With even more activities and surprises planned, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!"
Admission at the gate is $10 for ages 11+

1st Annual Osborne Days (formerly Heritage Days)

Osborne Park, Elkader
October 10th & 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Planned experiences include outdoor recreation demonstrations such as geocaching, hiking, trapping, as well as conservation education, environmental awareness activities, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly interactive booths. In addition, this event includes a curated marketplace showcasing high-quality, locally made and handmade goods. Attendees can expect a variety of artisanal foods, crafts, artwork, home décor, and other unique items created by talented regional makers."
Also featuring 'Biggest Pumpkin' and 'Best Decorated Pumpkin' Contests

McGregor Fall Art Festival

Triangle Park, McGregor
October 10th & 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Join us the second weekend in October for a fun filled weekend of arts, crafts, beer, wine, live music and activities for ALL ages! McGregor will deliver a stunning backdrop of fall foliage, stunning hillsides, McGregor’s charming small businesses, along with our Stare and National Parks, including the Mississippi River."

Riverview Bacon and Brew Fest

Riverview Park, Clinton
Saturday, October 17th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"Bacon and Brew samples and contest will be 3pm-5pm and then 5pm-7pm we are excited to have Trippin' Billies. Since the mid 1990's, Trippin' Billies continues to be the nation's most successful & longest-touring Dave Matthews Band Tribute."
Purchase tickets HERE

Gothic Area Renaissance Faire

Wapello County Fairgrounds, Eldon
October 24th & 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
" Hark! Attend, good gentles and fair maidens! A grand spectacle awaits thee at the Gothic Area Renaissance Faire! Come, spend a sennight amidst enchantments and mirth, where players and performers weave a tapestry of delight. Valiant knights clash in tourney, their lances splintering with thunderous roars, whilst minstrels fill the air with lively tunes. From feats of strength to delicate artistry, there is sport and pleasure for all, be they highborn or humble."
Tickets are not yet available

Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire

502 Academy Avenue, Denmark
October 31st & November 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Three stages packed with 20+ acts new and returning. Three living history interactive groups. 40 vendors. Fast talking, daring, dancing pirates. Sword fighting, caber tossing and more!"
Purchase tickets HERE