Iowa Family Fairs & Festivals
21 family events across Iowa for 2026.
Recurring4.4(469) Happening nowDubuque County Fair
Dubuque County's annual fair with grandstand concerts, carnival, livestock shows, and 4-H and FFA exhibits.
RecurringTomorrowNational Balloon Classic
A nine-day hot air balloon festival featuring around 100 balloons in mass ascensions and evening night glows, plus live entertainment, in Indianola.
RecurringTomorrowIowa Irish Fest
Iowa's biggest Irish cultural celebration, held the first weekend of August at Lincoln Park in downtown Waterloo with Celtic music, dance, genealogy, and heritage programming.
RecurringIn 5 daysMississippi Valley Fair
A Quad Cities summer tradition in Davenport with national grandstand concerts, carnival, livestock, and 4-H and FFA exhibits.
4.5(82)In 7 daysClayton County Fair
This fair will feature 4-H/FFA shows and exhibits, livestock shows and sale, kiddie tractor pull, truck and tractor pull, demo derby, stick horse rodeo, youth olympics, royalty contest, live concerts, annual bull bash, cook out contest, commercial exhibits, BBQ, fair food and more.
RecurringIn 14 daysIowa State Fair
One of America's classic state fairs, drawing more than a million visitors to Des Moines each August.
RecurringIn 14 daysNational Hobo Convention
A century-old gathering in Britt celebrating American hobo history and culture, with the crowning of the Hobo King and Queen, communal mulligan stew, a parade, and the National Hobo Museum.
RecurringIn 14 daysWest Point Sweet Corn Festival
One of Iowa's oldest sweet corn festivals, serving tons of free buttered sweet corn alongside carnival rides, a parade, and live music in West Point.
Recurring4.6(1099)Clay County Fair
Billed as The World's Greatest County Fair since 1917, drawing more than 300,000 guests over nine days each September for entertainment, competition, food, and the largest farm machinery show at any U.S.
RecurringPufferbilly Days
Boone's railroad-heritage community festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a parade, carnival, live entertainment, and rides on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.
RecurringMadison County Covered Bridge Festival
A fall festival on the Winterset courthouse square celebrating the historic covered bridges of Madison County, with 150-plus food and craft vendors, old-time demonstrations, and live music.
5(3)Clarinda Craft Carnival
There will be a diverse group of artisans and crafters selling their handmade crafts and unique wares.
2.6(9)Des Moines Holiday Boutique
There will be an array of vendors selling their latest items in various categories including handmade gifts, apparel, jewelry, decor, and more.
4.5(63)Des Moines Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
There will be over 300 talented exhibitors showcasing and selling the Midwest’s finest handcrafts, including oak furniture, pottery, jewelry, clothing, floral wreaths, pet products, quilts, rugs, candles stained glass, lawn and garden metal art, paintings and prints, and much more.
Ottumwa Holiday Craft and Vendor Market
A craft fair in Ottumwa.
4.6(8182)Des Moines Holiday Gun Show
A craft fair in Des Moines.
4.7(93)Bossier City Winter Gun Show
You will find a wide range of new and old guns, ammo and accessories, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, camouflage and related items at discount prices.
2(4)Des Moines Holiday Flea Market
This market will feature a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, home decor, jewelry, purses, bags, and more.
5(1)Hometown Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
There will be local makers, small businesses, talented crafters, bakers and more.
The Holiday Bliss Spectacular Vendor and Craft Show
There will be a diverse group of vendors and crafters who will be selling a wide variety of their unique wares and amazing products.
RecurringPella Tulip Time Festival
Pella's celebration of its Dutch heritage, with tulip-lined streets, Dutch dancing, two daily parades, traditional costumes, and Dutch foods.
Frequently asked questions
How many family events & festivals are there in Iowa?
Our directory lists 27 family events & festivals across Iowa for the 2026 season, including Des Moines Holiday Gun Show, Bossier City Winter Gun Show and Clay County Fair.
When is the best time for family events & festivals in Iowa?
Iowa's family events & festivals cluster in July and August — that's when you'll find the most to choose from.
What are the most popular family events & festivals in Iowa?
By Google review score, Des Moines Holiday Gun Show in Des Moines ranks among the most popular, with a 4.6-star rating from 8,182 reviews.