Music, food, art, beer... whatever you're into, there are lots of different events on the way this fall! Here are some of the Eastern Iowa festivals and fairs on the schedule for September and October of 2025:

*Looking for a list of Oktoberfest celebrations in Iowa? Click HERE!*

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Iowa City Songwriters Festival

• The Englert Theatre & other Iowa City venues
• September 4th through 6th
• "A new, intimate 3-day music festival and conference centered around the craft of songwriting, presented by The Englert Theatre across downtown Iowa City."
• See a full schedule and purchase tickets HERE

Fayette Watermelon Days

• Fayette, Iowa
• September 5th through 7th
• Featuring live entertainment, a 5K, inflatables, a car show, a balloon artist, a mechanical bull, a parade, watermelon contests, fireworks, and more

Blocktoberfest 4

• Downtown Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 6th at 5 p.m.
• Featuring food, drinks, and live music from the Pork Tornadoes, Schmidt Brothers, and Large Midgets
• All ages welcome
• General admission is $10 per person

Fall Festival

• Bass Farms, Mount Vernon
• Saturdays & Sundays from September 6th to October 26th
• Featuring a corn maze, farm activities, games, hayrack rides, pumpkins, mini golf, apple cider slushies, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

ARTapalooza

• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• Sunday, September 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "This juried art show features approximately 50+ of the region’s best artists in categories such as jewelry, painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, metal, wood and mixed media. Presented by Community Main Street, ARTapalooza is a one-day festival that also features musicians, street performers, and hands on art activities for children and adults."

104th Annual Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta

• 34th & Avenue Q, Fort Madison
• September 11th through 13th
• Featuring a carnival, street dances, vendors, food, a 5K, contests, guest speakers, and more

Iowa Fall Festival

• Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
• September 12th through November 1st
  • Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Special Events
  • Mum & Marigold Fest - September 12th to 14th & 19th to 21st
  • The Great Pumpkin Balloon Glow - Saturday, September 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Oktoberfest - September 27th & 28th from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Pumpkin Fest - October 3rd through 26th
  • Pumpkin Destruction Fest - Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Featuring U-pick and pre-picked pumpkins, fall-themed photo ops, a 10-acre corn maze, donuts, food & beverages, a petting zoo, a jumping pillow, kids' activities, a farm store, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Apfel Day (formerly Apfelfest)

• Amana Colonies
• Saturday, September 13th beginning at 9 a.m.
• Featuring apples from Allen’s Orchard, a sampling stroll, a chainsaw artist, crafts, games, and more

Lincoln Highway Arts Festival

• Uptown Mount Vernon
• Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring live music, art vendors, demonstrations, kids' activities, food, and more

Evansdale Days - Fall Kickoff

• Community Response Center, Evansdale
• Saturday, September 13th beginning at 10 a.m.
• Featuring a parade, fireworks, a car show, a craft/vendor show, face painting, a beer garden, inflatables, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and more

Cedar Rapids Latino Festival

• McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 13th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• "Festival Latino celebrates the richness and diversity of the Latin American culture! This is an opportunity for our community to enjoy live music performances, different types of food from various countries, and many activities for families! Everyone is welcome!"

Rescue Rocks - Pet Rescue Music Festival

• The Tangled Wood, Bettendorf
• Saturday, September 13th at 2 p.m.
• "The Tangled Wood has managed to book four of the hottest bands in the Quad-Cities to help our cause. These talented individuals are doing their part by rocking our back yard all day long. We also have a silent auction running during the day with some spectacular items to bid on. Not to mention drink and food specials from our amazing kitchen all day long. King’s Harvest will be bringing some of their furry friends to the event too so you can see who you are helping! They can even answer questions about adoption!"
• Benefitting King’s Harvest Pet Rescue

Wingfest

• Farley Park, Farley
• Saturday, September 13th from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring kids' activities & entertainment, local competitors cooking over 15,000 wings, tournaments, concessions, live music, and more

National Cattle Congress Fair

• National Cattle Congress, Waterloo
• September 17th through 21st
• Featuring live music, exhibitors, tigers, rodeos, motocross, food vendors, kids' activities, contests, and more
• Purchase admission and event tickets HERE

GermanFest

• Guttenberg, Iowa
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 19th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to midnight
• Featuring live entertainment, contests, vendors, food, a 5k, a car show, kids' activities, and more
• Admission is $15 for ages 21+ and $10 for ages 20 and under

Farm Fresh Reggae Music + Arts Festival

• Troy's Farm, Springville
• September 19th & 20th
• Purchase tickets HERE

Blues Fest

• LeClaire Park, Davenport
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 19th from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 20th from 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Featuring 4 stages with national and regional blues acts, food vendors, and merch vendors
• Purchase tickets HERE

AsianFest

• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 20th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring food vendors, cultural villages, small businesses, live entertainment, a fashion show, a kids' zone, and more

FestivALL

• Downtown Muscatine
• Saturday, September 20th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• "FestivALL is a fun-for-all-ages event with live music, carnival games, and a silent auction to support services provided by Crossroads and Senior Resources. Whether bidding on items or enjoying the festivities, your presence makes a difference in the lives of seniors and people with disabilities."

Steve's Ace Fall Festival

• Steve's Ace Home & Garden, Dubuque
• Saturday, September 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "We are raising money for the kids at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital with a day of family fun! We will have bounce houses, a corn pit, photo-ops throughout, pumpkin painting (for a fee), face painting and more! Delaney's Ice Cream Shoppe & La Patrona Taco Wuey Taco Truck will be on site with delicious food for purchase. The Maker Space from the Carnegie-Stout Public Library will be set up showing off their amazing services as well as a craft for the kids."

Fishtival

• Bellevue, Iowa
• Saturday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• This annual event is a celebration of our heritage as a community on the Mississippi through all forms of art including dance, media arts, and folk and traditional music. Artisans will be selling their wares along the river front, a wonderful variety of works from ceramics, paintings, jewelry, metalsmithing, woodworking, and much more. "

Autumn Fest

• Lincoln Park, DeWitt
• Saturday, September 20th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring live music, a beverage garden, an inflatable obstacle course, a dunk tank, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, vendors, and more

Reinbeck Art Festival

• Main Street, Reinbeck
• Saturday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Featuring an art show, vendors, live music, food, a car show, and more

Riverssance Festival of Fine Art

• Lindsay Park, Davenport
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, September 20th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Riverssance Festival of Fine Art is celebrating its 37th year as the premier fine arts festival of the Quad Cities, showcasing nearly 100 of the top artists throughout the greater Midwest. Organized and run by art enthusiasts, Riverssance continues to be recognized for its careful attention to artists’ success, community partnerships, great buyers, beautiful location, and a fun weekend for all."
• Admission is $5 per day or $8 for a weekend pass for ages 17 and under

Oktemberfest

• Marshalltown, Iowa
• September 24th through 28th
• Featuring a fun run, live music, a car show, a parade, a cornhole tournament, a carnival, food trucks, vendors, beer & wine, and more

Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire

• Credit Island Park, Davenport
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • September 27th & 28th
  • October 4th & 5th
• Featuring multiple stages with live entertainment, unique vendors, food, drinks, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Kalona Fall Festival

• Kalona Historical Village
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 26th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring live entertainment, historical demonstrations, pony rides, face painting, farm animals, food, wine tasting, barrel train rides, and more
• Admission is $10 for ages 13+ and $3 for ages 5 to 12

Ely Fall Fest

• Ely, Iowa
• Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.
• Featuring a car show, a craft/vendor fair, food, live music, games, inflatables, RC car racing, hay rides, and more

Lost Woods Music Festival

• 1400 Lone Tree Rd, Cedar Falls
• Saturday, September 27th at 3 p.m.
• "Join Hippie Sabotage, Salt Fox, Jim Swim, Anna Graves, Sun Centauri, Dearborn, Charlotte Blu, and Jack Lion and for an evening of live music and camaraderie in the woods of Cedar Falls. With live acts, art displays, food trucks, beer vendors, and a few surprises, you're sure to never forget this night in the woods together."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Front Porch Music Festival

• Longfellow Neighborhood, Iowa City
• Sunday, September 28th from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• "The Front Porch Music Festival is an annual neighborhood celebration of music-making. Performers are invited to play music on front porches or yards in the Longfellow neighborhood."

Get Outside Festival

• Lower City Park, Iowa City
• Sunday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• "Get outside and explore the region’s outdoor recreation, wellness, and adventure opportunities! Try a variety of activities and connect with local organizations, clubs, and businesses. Learn, engage, and enjoy the outdoors—free and open to all!"

Anamosa Pumpkinfest

• Downtown Anamosa
• Saturday, October 4th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring the Ryan Norlin GIANT Pumpkin Weigh-Off, a classic car, truck, & bike show, a parade, inflatables, games, a petting zoo, food, craft vendors, and more

Riverview Bacon and Brew Fest

• Riverview Park, Clinton
• Saturday, October 4th at 3 p.m.
• Featuring bacon & beer samples, a contest, live music from Sins N’ Roses, stein hold and keg toss contests, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Decorah Pride Festival

• Decorah, Iowa
• October 8th through 11th
• Featuring a parade, yoga, Party in the Park, trivia, a drag show, and more

Halloweenapalooza

• Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
• October 10th & 11th
• "Halloweenapalooza has become known for providing entertainment through its annual zombie walk, costume contest, and film festival which has received international recognition, and more. Not only are out-of-towners enthusiastically boosting the local economy, but locals are able to spotlight their talents, arts, and businesses by becoming a vendor at Halloweenapalooza. With horror film celebrities at Halloweenapalooza and our live music in the evening, we are thoroughly encouraged by the yearly growth of this event and continue to expand on our previous success."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Scenic Drive Festival

• Bentonsport, Birmingham, Bonaparte, Cantril, Douds, Farmington, Keosauqua, Lebanon, Milton, and Stockport
• October 10th through 12th
• Featuring vendor markets, a flea market, food, a soup luncheon, giant pumpkins, a beer tent, live music, a parade, a 5k, and more
• See a full schedule for each town's celebration HERE

Dubuque Latinx Festival

• Millwork District, Dubuque
• Saturday, October 11th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• "Shop from Latin American vendors offering authentic food, desserts, clothing, handmade goods, and artwork. Enjoy live music and a featured dance performance. Inside the Dupaco Voices Building, explore a Latinx art exhibition presented by the Dubuque Museum of Art, with works displayed throughout the first floor. The event includes family-friendly activities, a food-eating contest, and programming for all ages. Free and open to all."

Osborne Heritage Days (Final Event)

• Osborne's Pioneer Village, Elkader
• October 11th & 12th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring living history demonstrations, contests, food, and live music

McGregor Fall Art Festival

• Turner Park, McGregor
• October 11th & 12th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring art & craft vendors, wine & beer, food, live music, and more

Iowa Renaissance Festival

• Middle Amana Community Park
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • October 11th through 13th
  • October 18th & 19th
• Featuring swordplay, live music, magic, horseback jousting, vendors, food, drinks, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Gothic Area Renaissance Faire

• Wapello County Fairgrounds, Eldon
• October 25th & 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• "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."

Fall Harvest Festival

• Freight House Farmers' Market, Davenport
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 2nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Featuring vendors, live music, food trucks, family activities, and more

READ MORE: Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, & Farms in Eastern Iowa