Iowa's fair and festival season runs from June through December, but it peaks in July — when 37 fairs and festivals take place — followed by September and October. Across the year, Iowa hosts 127 dated events in our directory.
Month by month in Iowa
- June — 13 events (see all)
- July — 37 events (see all)
- August — 10 events (see all)
- September — 26 events (see all)
- October — 16 events (see all)
- November — 15 events (see all)
- December — 10 events (see all)
When to go
If you want the biggest choice of events, aim for July, September and October — together they account for 79 of Iowa's 127 dated events. Late summer and early fall skew toward agricultural and country fairs timed to the harvest, while spring and early summer lean toward food, music, and cultural festivals.
Frequently asked questions
What month has the most fairs in Iowa?
July, with 37 fairs and festivals — the busiest month of the Iowa season.
When does fair season start in Iowa?
Events begin as early as June and run through December, with the heaviest concentration in July, September and October.
How many fairs and festivals are in Iowa?
Our directory lists 127 dated fairs and festivals across Iowa for the 2026 season, plus recurring events with dates still to be announced.
