Iowa Events

Find out what's fun to do in Iowa right now.

The following events were supplied to us by festival organizers and tourism offices throughout the state, and selected by Midwest Living editors. This is not intended as an all-inclusive list of all events in this state. If you decide to go, call first: Dates and specific events can change at the last minute.

Downtown Farmers' Market

May 4, 2013 (Saturdays) to October 26 (Saturdays)

The Downtown Farmers' Market has grown to more than 200 vendors and an average of 18,000 visitors every Saturday! The Downtown Farmers’ Market presents Iowa producers from 51 counties across Iowa, offering fresh fruit, vegetables and so much more. You’ll find fresh herbs, beautiful flowers, farm fresh eggs, local wineries, a delicious assortment of goat cheese, an endless selection of baked goods, and many varieties of Iowa raised meat such as beef, pork, chicken, lamb, buffalo, ostrich, and tilapia. (515)-286-4928; desmoinesfarmersmarket.com [2]

USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships

June 19 - 23

See the best track and field athletes in America compete to represent the USA at the World Championships! Cheer them on in Track Central USA! (800)-451-2625; catchdesmoines.com/trackcentralusa [3]

Des Moines Arts Festival

June 28 - 30

Winner of the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals & Events Association, and the Encore Award from Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Arts Festival features the best visual artists in the country, along with interactive arts-related activities, live music, film, and performing arts. (515)-286-4950; desmoinesartsfestival.org [4]

Iowa State Fair

August 8 - 18

Nothing Compares! An internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair. The single largest event in the state of Iowa. One of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. The fair annually attracts more than a million people from all over the world. Catch fair fever with popular foods on-a-stick. Fried butter. Pork chop. Twinkie log (frozen Twinkie dipped in white chocolate and rolled in cashews). Pickle. Chocolate-covered tiramisu. (800)-545-FAIR; iowastatefair.org [5]

World Food Festival

September 20 - 22

More than 35 international food vendors will be part of this year's World Food Festival, as well as a variety of arts and crafts vendors, live music, international beer and wine offerings, special cooking demonstrations and contests. (515)-286-4927; worldfoodfestival.org [6]