Des Moines Fall Festivals – Fall 2023 IA Events

Madison County Covered Bridge Festival - Winterset, IA - Oct 12 to Oct 13, 2024
The world famous Bridges of Madison County are on display for this annual fall festival. Enjoy the changing colors as well as live music

Manning Oktoberfest - Manning, IA - Oct 5 to Oct 5, 2024
German food, polka music, dance lessons and Hausbarn tours. 5 PM keg tapping with Home Brew contest followed by German music and dancing from 7-10:30 PM.

Des Moines Oktoberfest - Des Moines, IA - Sep 27 to Sep 28, 2024
There’s a ceremonial keg tapping, beer maiden contest, stein holding contest, and polka dancing in Des Moines, in addition to the beer gardens and German food. Prizes for those who dress up! The golden keg is tapped on Friday at 3 PM. The Stein Holding competition and Polka Lessons take place on Saturday. Advance tickets are $7 for a single day or $13 for two-day admission. Entry includes a commemorative mug, access to the Craft Beer Village, Hofbrau Rooftop Bier Garden, entry into Silent Disco DSM and entertainment from 16+ bands and DJs. Price is $10 at the door. Location: 101 4th St, Des Moines, IA

Oktemberfest - Marshalltown, IA - Sep 26 to Sep 29, 2024
An entire weekend of fun for Marshalltown families. Color run, classic car show, parade, carnival, big wheel races, facepainting, dance, Little Miss and Mr. Oktemberfest, clowns with balloon animals and more.

Octagon Art Festival - Ames, IA - Sep 22 to Sep 22, 2024
An outdoor event in the Main Street Cultural District with free admission to original artwork featuring visual arts, children’s art areas and performing arts.

Beaverdale Fall Festival - Des Moines, IA - Sep 20 to Sep 21, 2024
A fall festival that has been going on for 100 years. Activities include carnival, car night, horse rides, dog parade, street games, food, shopping and more.

Adventureland Oktoberfest - Altoona, IA - Sep 14 to Sep 14, 2024
General admission tickets are $45+ each online. Rain or shine event. 21+ only. This is the last day Adventureland is open for the year!

Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Ottumwa, IA - Sep 12 to Sep 12, 2024
At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s, a disease that currently has no cure. The hope is that with fundraising to fight this disease, there will one day by those we honor for surviving Alzheimer’s.

Fly Iowa - Boone, IA - Aug 31 to Aug 31, 2024
Free air show with various planes and nationally known stunt pilots, youth aviation activities, historical displays, food vendors and entertainment

World Food and Music Festival - Des Moines, IA - Aug 23 to Aug 25, 2024
Features foods from around the world. Entrees are $5 or less and tastes are $1. There will also be live music, cooking demonstrations, and wine and craft beer. Admission is free.

Maximum Ames Music Festival - Ames, IA - Sep 21 to Sep 24, 2023
More than 40 acts are scheduled to perform at the downtown Ames music festival.