10 Fall Festivals in DSM to Attend in 2024

Find time this fall to fall in love with Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) fall festivals! The region has more than enough events to keep you busy visiting vendor booths, trying local foods and listening to live tunes as the fall colors appear. Have you ever attended a festival at an interactive outdoor history museum like Living History Farms? What about an artistic festival where artists create works of art as you watch like Paint Madison County?

If you’re looking for fall festivals that offer celebrations, connections and unique opportunities unique to the region, check out the list below:

Applefest

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | Living History Farms in Urbandale
Living History Farms will be the apple of your eye during Applefest, where you can chip press cider and see how apple butter used to be prepared. This peek into the past is fun for all ages and abilities! Read about other upcoming fall events from Living History Farms in this post from Living History Farms President Ruth Haus.

Multicultural Fall Festival

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | Evelyn K. Davis Park in Des Moines
Attend the parade at 10:30 a.m., take part in fun games, try some delicious food and enjoy other entertainment during the Multicultural Fall Festival at Evelyn K. Davis Park. This is an outdoor program through the Des Moines Public Library.

Beaverdale Fall Festival

Sept. 20 -21, 2024 | Beaverdale Neighborhood in Des Moines
Take part in the Beaverdale neighborhood’s best annual traditions. For over three decades, the Beaverdale Fall Festival has included sidewalk sales, carnival rides, parades and more. This year’s festival will feature commercial vendors, an interactive play with the Des Moines Children's Museum, Dog Parade and more. See a map and learn more about the festivities here.

Iowa Latino Heritage Festival

Sept. 21 – 24, 2024 | Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines
Viva la Fiesta! The Iowa Latino Heritage Festival is packed with events, including live music, dancers, food vendors, cultural booths, children’s activities and art. As the only two-day Latino Heritage festival in the state, you’re sure to find something to love, celebrate or learn at the festival.

Paint Madison County (A Plein Air Festival)

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 | Various Locations in Madison County
The Paint Madison County (A Plein Air Festival) event celebrates art, creativity and Madison County all in one place! Read more about the event in this post from Madison County Chamber of Commerce CEO Amara Huffine. You can also download the map to see all locations for 2024.

Oktemberfest

Sept. 26 – 29, 2024 | Marshalltown
There’s a Oktemberfest community run, a parade, carnival and even a chance to catch a Pokémon Tournament! Don’t miss out on the fun happening in Marshalltown this fall!

Oktoberfest – 20th Anniversary!

Sept. 27 – 28, 2024 | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Downtown Des Moines
This year Des Moines will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oktoberfest Des Moines! Grab a beer stein, schnitzel, listen to some German drinking songs, watch (or participate in!) a Stein Holding Contest and more. Order a 20th Anniversary Stein for $40 along with your admission this year, too!

Log Cabin Days

Sept. 28 – 29, 2024 | Indianola
The Warren County Historical Society presents Log Cabin Days, an annual celebration of Warren County’s railroad heritage. Attend the celebration to see the “train guys” and attend the parade. See craft demonstrations and hear live music, too!

Windsor Heights Fall Festival

Oct. 4 – 5, 2024 | Colby Park in Windsor Heights
The Windsor Heights Fall Festival is free fun for the whole family! On Friday, Oct. 4, Watch “Hocus Pocus” on , run in the WHAMM race and grab a free slice of pizza. Don’t miss your chance to see the parade or play in the inflatables on Saturday, Oct. 5 and finish the fall festival with a bang during the fireworks show.

Covered Bridge Festival

Oct. 12 – 13, 2024 | Various locations in Madison County
The Covered Bridge Festival is a fall festival like no other. Watch Madison County come to life as you tour the covered bridges with the Winterset Rotary Club, see live entertainment and take part in activities in the square. Admission is $3 or two for $5, and children under 11 are free.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.