Beaverdale Fall Festival Returns Sept. 18–19 with a New Stage and BBQ Showdown
Greater Des Moines' (DSM's) favorite fall celebration is back Sept. 18 and 19, and the 2026 Beaverdale Fall Festival is bringing more to see, hear and taste than ever. Themed “Beats and Bites,” this year’s festival builds on more than three decades of neighborhood tradition with a brand-new music stage, the debut of a professional barbecue showdown and the return of the beloved Fall Festival Parade.
For the first time, festivalgoers will have two full Fall Festival stages of entertainment to choose from at once. A brand-new Community Stage joins a reimagined Main Stage — changing locations to the southern end of the festival grounds — adding to the festival’s live entertainment lineup of bands, performances, demonstrations and more. Combined with additional stages at Christopher’s, Goodson’s, Dam Pub and Holy Trinity, there’s plenty of entertainment all weekend for everyone.
Also new this year is the Beaverdale Backyard BBQ, a professional, Iowa Barbecue Society sanctioned competition sponsored by Fareway Meat Market. Eight teams will cook head-to head on Saturday, Sept. 19, in the parking lot outside the Better Business Bureau at 2625 Beaver Avenue, grilling ribs and chicken supplied by Fareway for a panel of certified judges and a prize pool of cash, trophies and gear. The public can get a taste and a vote in the winning team, too, with a purchasable “Sampler Bundle” wristband.
“This is one of the biggest years of new additions we’ve ever had,” said Nick Aceto, President of the Beaverdale Fall Festival Board of Directors. “Between the new stage, the Backyard BBQ and of course the parade everybody circles on their calendar, there’s something for every member of the family. Our volunteer board works all year to make this event bigger and better, and we can’t wait to share it with the neighborhood.”
Of course, no Fall Festival is complete without its signature event: the Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade. Presented by Premier Chevy Dealers, the parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and runs a mile down Beaver Avenue from Euclid Avenue to Allison Avenue. It remains one of the festival’s biggest draws for families, with the Dog Parade – presented by Snookie’s Malt Shop — kicking off the morning’s festivities.
Beyond this year’s new additions, the festival brings back neighborhood favorites including Car Night, the Team Trivia contest, a Cornhole Tournament, a Family Scavenger Hunt and a Pumpkin Baking Competition presented by Dinner Delights, along with a kids carnival and dozens of food, craft and commercial vendors. Festival runs Friday, Sept. 18, through Saturday, Sept. 19. There is no cost to attend the festival.
About the Beaverdale Fall Festival
The Beaverdale Fall Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa. For more than 30 years, its mission has been to build community and cherished traditions while celebrating and promoting the Beaverdale neighborhood and surrounding communities.
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