Next top Must-Attend Events in Iowa

Despite the state's large expanses of rural land, Iowa is home to plenty of attractions for people seeking urban adventure and experiences. During the year, Iowa residents and tourists enjoy a robust repertoire of seasonal festivals, theater productions, special events and much more. Visitors can also take advantage of the state's numerous outdoor destinations to see Iowa's natural beauty.

The community celebrates spring and their Dutch heritage every year by hosting this event during the first weekend in May at various locations around Pella. Stroll through the magnificent tulip gardens, see the many examples of Dutch crafts and attend the auto and antique farm implement shows or tour the local museums. Vendors are on hand to provide refreshments and crafts.

Considered the largest competition of its kind in the Midwest, the festival offers family entertainment as numerous bands compete during an annual May weekend. Visitors cheer for their favorite young musicians while taking a break to indulge in the concessions, carnival and marketplace. The event also features an auto show along with arts and crafts exhibits.

  • UNI Campus 23rd and College Streets Cedar Falls, IA 50614 in Cedar Falls, IA

Art fans have the chance to view the works of budding artists for an entire weekend during the middle of June at the annual festival located at the University of Northern Iowa. A jury chooses 75 artists to display their presentations that span different genres. The event also features live music, food and a special hands-on creativity area for children.

  • Western Gateway Park Des Moines, IA 50309 in Des Moines, IA

This popular event takes place during the last weekend of June and provides guests with the chance to appreciate a combination of visual, interactive and performing arts. Almost 200 hand selected artists proudly display their creations along with a K-12 special arts display. Browse through the artwork, attend a one night film festival and enjoy the food and fireworks at the Western Gateway Park.

From the third week in June through July 4th, the community celebrates the country's freedom through this gala event that features everything from races and live entertainment to fireworks displays. See parades daily, attend car shows and live demonstrations in addition to movie night at the ball park. Feast on a good old-fashioned barbecue. The event promises over 70 activities geared for visitors of all ages.

  • Various Locations Leclaire, IA 52753 in Leclaire, IA

The highlights of this annual August weekend event are the various teams that have tug-of-war contests across the Mississippi River. In addition, this family fun-filled celebration offers a parade, 5K run/walks for participants of all ages, crafts, food and a carnival. Guests also have the chance to enjoy live entertainment and a variety of demonstrations and shows.

Main cities in Iowa

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Des Moines, IA
313 events
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Ames, IA
209 events
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Cedar Rapids, IA
178 events
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Dubuque, IA
151 events
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Davenport, IA
140 events
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Iowa City, IA
132 events
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Marion, IA
130 events
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Sioux City, IA
129 events
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West Des Moines, IA
123 events
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Norwalk, IA
112 events
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Sioux Center, IA
111 events
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Mason City, IA
97 events
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Grinnell, IA
76 events
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Urbandale, IA
75 events
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Bettendorf, IA
70 events
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Council Bluffs, IA
63 events
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Onawa, IA
59 events
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Cedar Falls, IA
58 events
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Madrid, IA
57 events
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Pella, IA
57 events
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Hiawatha, IA
56 events
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Rock Valley, IA
56 events
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Decorah, IA
55 events
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Coralville, IA
54 events

Counties in Iowa

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ADAIR
1 cities
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ADAMS
2 cities
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ALLAMAKEE
2 cities
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BENTON
6 cities
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BLACK HAWK
10 cities
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BOONE
6 cities
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BREMER
7 cities
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BUCHANAN
8 cities
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BUENA VISTA
7 cities
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BUTLER
3 cities
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CALHOUN
2 cities
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CARROLL
6 cities
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CEDAR
1 cities
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CERRO GORDO
9 cities
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CHEROKEE
2 cities
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CHICKASAW
7 cities
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CLAY
9 cities
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CLAYTON
10 cities
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CLINTON
8 cities
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CRAWFORD
1 cities
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DALLAS
12 cities
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DELAWARE
2 cities
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DES MOINES
2 cities
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DICKINSON
8 cities
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DUBUQUE
14 cities
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FLOYD
2 cities
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FRANKLIN
3 cities
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GREENE
5 cities
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GRUNDY
3 cities
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GUTHRIE
1 cities
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HANCOCK
11 cities
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HARDIN
2 cities
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HARRISON
2 cities
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HENRY
3 cities
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HUMBOLDT
3 cities
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IOWA
1 cities
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JACKSON
7 cities
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JASPER
10 cities
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JOHNSON
11 cities
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JONES
6 cities
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KEOKUK
4 cities
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KOSSUTH
6 cities
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LEE
2 cities
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LINN
16 cities
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LOUISA
9 cities
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LYON
6 cities
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MADISON
5 cities
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MAHASKA
6 cities
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MARION
4 cities
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MARSHALL
10 cities
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MILLS
2 cities
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MITCHELL
1 cities
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MONONA
5 cities
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MONTGOMERY
2 cities
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MUSCATINE
1 cities
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OBRIEN
5 cities
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OSCEOLA
3 cities
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PAGE
1 cities
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PALO ALTO
3 cities
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PLYMOUTH
1 cities
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POCAHONTAS
2 cities
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POLK
18 cities
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POTTAWATTAMIE
4 cities
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POWESHIEK
6 cities
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SAC
1 cities
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SCOTT
14 cities
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SIOUX
10 cities
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STORY
10 cities
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TAMA
7 cities
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WAPELLO
2 cities
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WARREN
12 cities
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WASHINGTON
4 cities
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WEBSTER
11 cities
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WINNEBAGO
4 cities
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WINNESHIEK
5 cities
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WOODBURY
3 cities
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WORTH
3 cities
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WRIGHT
7 cities
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