By the number of Google reviews — a real measure of how many people show up and weigh in — the most popular fairs and festivals in Iowa are led by Des Moines Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Des Moines (8,181 reviews, 4.6★), Coralville Fall Shopping Event, and Dyersville Market of Dreams. Here are the 12 most-reviewed events across the state.
The most popular fairs & festivals in Iowa
- Des Moines Fall Arts and Crafts Show — Des Moines · Sep 25–27 · 4.6★ (8,181 reviews)
- Coralville Fall Shopping Event — Coralville · Oct 24–25 · 4.4★ (7,878 reviews)
- Dyersville Market of Dreams — Dyersville · Aug 29 · 4.7★ (4,757 reviews)
- Iowa Christkindlmarket — Des Moines · Dec 10–13 · 4.8★ (3,379 reviews)
- Dubuque Fall Night Market — Dubuque · Oct 8 · 3.9★ (2,932 reviews)
- Arnolds Park Art in the Park — Arnolds Park · Aug 1 · 4.5★ (2,593 reviews)
- Des Moines Christkindlmarket — Des Moines · Dec 3–6 · 4.6★ (2,549 reviews)
- Council Bluffs Fall Arts and Crafts Show — Council Bluffs · Oct 10–11 · 4.4★ (1,833 reviews)
- Boone County Fair — Boone · Jul 16–19 · 4.5★ (1,295 reviews)
- Clay County Fair — Spencer · Sep 12–20 · 4.6★ (1,099 reviews)
- Des Moines Makers Market and Bar Hop — Des Moines · Nov 22 · 4.6★ (879 reviews)
- Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Faire — Des Moines · Sep 5–6 · 4.3★ (595 reviews)
How we rank popularity
We rank by Google review count rather than guesswork. Review volume is the closest public proxy for real attendance and word-of-mouth — the events locals and visitors actually turn out for. Star ratings (shown alongside) measure how much people enjoyed them; the two together give an honest picture most directories can't.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular fair in Iowa?
By Google review count, Des Moines Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Des Moines is the most-reviewed, with 8,181 reviews and a 4.6★ rating.
How are the most popular Iowa festivals ranked?
By number of Google reviews — the best available public proxy for attendance and word-of-mouth — with star ratings shown alongside.
