2026 has arrived, and it's going to be another busy year in the Hawkeye State! Here are details on 20 of the biggest annual fairs & festivals across the state of Iowa for 2026, listed in order of date:

*There are SO many fairs and festivals, we couldn't possibly list them all! For more upcoming events across Iowa, check out the Travel Iowa website HERE.*

GALLERY INFORMATION:

Color the Wind Kite Festival

• Location: Clear Lake, Iowa
• 2026 Date: February 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Event Description: "Prepare to be enchanted as the sky above Clear Lake transforms into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors. The sheer size and artistry of the kites will leave you in awe, while the perfectly synchronized choreography to musical numbers adds a magical touch to the entire experience."

Julien Dubuque International Film Festival

• Location: Dubuque, Iowa & Galena, Illinois
• 2026 Dates: April 18th through 25th
• Event Description: "Over a hundred films from around the world are screened during this 7-day event. During the festival, downtown businesses open their doors to host panels, workshops, film screenings, parties, and more."

Chalk the Walk

• Location: Mount Vernon, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: May 2nd & 3rd
• Event includes chalk art from 200+ artists, food, live performances, kids' activities, vendors, and more

Tulip Time

• Location: Pella, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: May 7th through 9th
• Event includes 300,000+ tulips, museums & tours, live entertainment, a craft market, an art competition, a quilt show, Dutch food, daily parades, and more

Ice Cream Days

• Location: Le Mars, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: June 17th through 20th
• Event includes a parade, a 5k, live entertainment, a vendor market, a foam party, a carnival, kids' activities, food, and more

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

• Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: June 24th through July 5th
• Events include the Cardboard Boat Regatta, Dock Dogs, the Freedom Bike Ride, a pancake breakfast, a car show, a parade, Patriotic Fest, the Celebration of Freedom Fireworks, and more

Iowa City Jazz Festival

• Location: Iowa City, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: July 3rd through 5th
• Event includes multiple stages with live jazz music, a beverage garden, food, fireworks, and more

Saturday in the Park

• Sioux City, Iowa
• 2026 Date: July (date/lineup TBA)
• Event includes two stages of live music, a carnival, food, art vendors, a kids' zone, and more

Great Jones County Fair

• Location: Monticello, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: July 22nd through 26th
• Grandstand concerts include Bailey Zimmerman, Megan Moroney, and Riley Green

Hinterland Music Festival

• Location: St. Charles, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: July 30th through August 2nd
• 2026 Headliners include Katseye, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, and Kali Uchis

Iowa Irish Fest

• Location: Waterloo, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: July 31st through August 2nd
• Event includes live entertainment, food & beverages, vendors, contests, classes & workshops, games, sheep herding demonstrations, whiskey tasting, and more

National Balloon Classic

• Location: Indianola, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: July 31st through August 8th
• Event includes competitive hot air ballooning, Nite Glow, live entertainment, kite displays, 3D drone shows, a gift shop, food, and more

West Point Sweet Corn Festival

• Location: West Point, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: August 13th through 16th
• Event includes free sweet corn, BBQ pork chop & chicken dinners, a 5k & 10k, live entertainment, contests & tournaments, a parade, and more

Iowa State Fair

• Location: Des Moines, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: August 13th through 23rd
• Event includes Grandstand concerts from Rod Stewart and Lainey Wilson (more acts TBA), fair food, livestock, free entertainment, contests, a carnival, rides, vendors, and more

Britt Hobo Days

• Location: Britt, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: August 14th through 16th
• Event includes a parade, live entertainment, a car show, vendors, food, the election of the King and Queen of the Hobos, and more

World Food & Music Festival

• Location: Des Moines, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: August (dates TBA)
• Event Description: "Featuring international cuisine, live performances, cultural activities, and global beverages, it offers a rich experience for all ages to celebrate diverse cultures through food, music and more in Greater Des Moines."

Kalona Fall Festival

• Location: Kalona Historical Village
• 2026 Dates: September (dates TBA)
• Event includes live entertainment, wine tasting, historical demonstrations, barrel train rides, kids' activities, food, vendors, and more

Amana Oktoberfest

• Location: Amana Colonies
• 2026 Dates: October 1st through 4th
• Event includes live entertainment, German food, beer, a parade, games, kids' activities, and more

Covered Bridge Festival

• Location: Winterset, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: October 10th & 11th
• Event includes tours of the Bridges of Madison County, a car show, a parade, a 5k, live entertainment, a kids' zone, food, craft vendors, and more

Quad City Arts Festival of Trees

• Location: Davenport, Iowa
• 2026 Dates: November 21st through 29th
• Event includes over 150 designer displays, the largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest, kids' activities, live entertainment, the Gingerbread Village, visits with Santa, vendors, the Sugar Plum Ball, and more

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READ MORE: A Big List of January 2026 Events Across Eastern Iowa