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The state of Iowa is an excellent place to celebrate fall in the US. Every year, the Iowa fall festival has attracted thousands of visitors coming to enjoy the beautiful scenery and animated atmosphere of the state.

Iowa fall festival
Iowa fall festival

Colorful leaves, cool temperatures, plenty of serene landscapes, the autumn months are the perfect time to travel around the state of Iowa. While Iowa has been famous for its wonderful sights, there is also a variety of family-friendly fall festivals and fairs that gives you extraordinary experiences. 

To give you the right direction for your favorite one, let’s check out these 10 amazing Iowa fall festivals.

1. Iowa Fall Festival, Mason City, Iowa

The first name on the list is the Fall Festival of Mason City, a famous fest located at the Lime Creek Nature Center. The Fall Festival features plenty of festivities to usher the spirit and enjoy the season.

Iowa Fall Festival, Mason City, Iowa
Fall Festival of Mason City

Whether you want to give summer a kind goodbye or await the new days of autumn, the fest can help you do both. From monarch butterflies, canoeing to the natural setting provided by the Lime Creek Nature Center, you’ll definitely have an unforgettable time there.

2. Kalona Fall Festival, Kalona, Iowa

Located in Kalona city, The Kalona Fall Festival is a perfect Iowa fall festival for those who love sightseeing. It provides the perfect homage to fall, lighting up all the beautiful scenery on the days of September.

Kalona Fall Festival, Kalona, Iowa
The Kalona Fall Festival

If you’re into enjoying the natural side of Iowa, put the Kalona Fall on top of your bucket list and it would never disappoint you.

3. Anamosa Pumpkinfest, Anamosa, Iowa

The Anamosa Pumpkinfest is one of the seasonal events that you and your family won’t want to miss this fall. The Anamosa Pumpkinfest is arguably the epitome of fall in Iowa, so that is why it is proclaimed by local people as the pumpkin capital of the state.

Anamosa Pumpkinfest, Anamosa, Iowa
The Anamosa Pumpkinfest is one of the best seasonal events

For nearly 30 years, Anamosa has held the Pumpkinfest and provided a ton of fun activities like a grand parade, large pumpkin displays, food and craft vendors, and entertainment for thousands of visitors coming to the town. If you want to spend your time with your family, this family-friendly fest is a fun way to enjoy the fall days.

4. Fall Harvest Festival, Waterloo, Iowa

Celebrating the success of summer, the Fall Harvest Festival is a great way to welcome the upcoming fall season. It features plenty of activities to keep you busy all day long, from live entertainment, food vendors to fun contests. And if you have extra creativity, don’t forget to enter the scarecrow contest.

Fall Harvest Festival, Waterloo, Iowa
Fall Harvest Festival welcomes the harvest season

The Fall Harvest Festival usually takes place at the Cedar Valley Arboretum, so it’s also a good chance for you to take a short trip around the city to fully experience the romantic vibe of fall.

5. Scenic Drive Festival, Keosauqua, Iowa

Known as the largest Iowa fall festival, the Scenic Drive Festival will give you a ride to the historic villages of Van Buren. The fest usually takes place on the first days of October, which is the most perfect time to wander around and feel the beautiful fall weather.

Scenic Drive Festival, Keosauqua, Iowa
Scenic Drive Festival is the largest fest in Iowa

The Scenic Drive Festival also features a lot of interesting activities, food, drink, and craft vendors along the streets, giving you some unforgettable days in Iowa. No matter where you go, the image of fall in Keosauqua will be printed in your heart.

6. Apple Fest at Living History Farms, Des Moines, Iowa

Apples have been synonymous with fall sean in Des Moines for a long time. Biting into a crisp and fresh apple, you’ll see fall. Anh because apples have a connection with fall, the Apple Fest at Living History Farms is the most expected event in Iowa.

Apple Fest at Living History Farms, Des Moines, Iowa
Apple Fest at Living History Farms

To give you a great taste of what fall offers, the Apple Fest at Living History Farms has a variety of things to choose from, from family-friendly activities to tasty apples, apple pies. The fresh celebration will start a fresh new season.

7. Autumn Artistry, Osage, Iowa

Autumn Artistry, Osage, Iowa
The Autumn Artistry celebrates the beautiful things of Fall

Located in the city of Osage, The Autumn Artistry celebrates the beautiful sight, delightful spirits and creative inspiration of the fall season. Offering plenty of vendors which vary from homemade baked goods to hand-thrown pottery, the Autumn Artistry also provides fun activities for both adults and children.

8. Walnut Antique Fall Festival, Walnut, Iowa

Another famous name in the best Iowa fall festival list is the Walnut Antique Fall Festival. This is the place where you could find antiques in Iowa and the blending colors of fall.

Walnut Antique Fall Festival, Walnut, Iowa
Indulge in Walnut Antique Fall Festival sunlight

The Walnut Antique Fall Festival in Walnut is a fairly new fest for this city. Despite that, the fest is still going on well with fun entertainment, stunning fall scenery, and professional vendors.

9. Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum Fall Festival, Oskaloosa, Iowa

Going through over 50 years since the very first day, the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum Fall Festival has proven itself as one of the best Iowa fall festivals for visitors.

Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum Fall Festival, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum Fall Festival

With a strong community spirit, the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum Fall Festival stands out with tractor rides, wonderful activities and creates strong memories for all those who have come to experience it.

10. Oktemberfest, Marshalltown, Iowa

Talking about fall, we can’t miss out on the renowned Oktemberfest. Celebrated during the last weekend of September, Oktemberfest is an Iowa fall festival for both children and adults.

Oktemberfest, Marshalltown, Iowa
Oktemberfest is an Iowa fall festival for both children and adults

At this Marshalltown event, you will have an opportunity to experience all the best things of the fall season, featuring parades, live music, classic car shows, food, beer, and much more.

Here are the top 10 best Iowa fall festivals that you have to come to once in your lifetime. We hope that through this post, you’ll be able to choose the one that is right for you and have the best experience there. 

You may also like: Cheer For Cleveland Oktoberfest!

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