Iowa’s Popular Fairs and Festivals

Iowa State Fair – Des Moines (August 7th – 17th)

Linn Creek Art Festival – Marshalltown (July 19th)

Crafts, food, music, art

Main Street 4th of July Parade and Festival – Ames (July 4th)

Grinnel Games Weekend – Grinnel (June 13th-15th)

Orange city Tulip Festival – Orange City (May 15th – 17th)

Pella Tulip Festival – Pella (May 1st – 3rd)

Des Moines Art Festival – Des Moines, IA (June 27th – 29th)

Adel Sweet Corn Festival – Adel (August 9th)

Sturgis Falls Celebration – Cedar Rapids (June 26th)

Des Moines Renaissance Fair – Des Moines (August 30th)

Summer Attractions Near Ames

Ames Main Street Farmers Market (Every Saturday May – September 8:00 am – 12:30 pm)

Stop by the Ames Farmer Market to pick up the freshest fruits, veggies, meats, and breads in Ames! There are many different vendors and it is free to attend.

http://www.amesmainstreetfarmersmarket.com/

AdventureLand – Altoona, IA (Hours vary)

Take a trip to Adventureland Amusement Park to experience some of the most thrilling rides, food, and fun in Iowa. $40 for a day pass with optional season passes as well.

https://www.adventurelandpark.com/

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum – Boone, IA

Take a scenic round trip on a dinner train around Iowa at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. Different trains vary in prices ranging from $20-$25 for two hours.

http://www.scenic-valleyrr.com/schedule.html

Creative Spirits – Ames

Enjoy a glass of wine to get your creativity pumping while learning how to paint from experienced artists. http://www.creativespiritsames.com/

Iowa Arboretum – Madrid

The Arboretum refers to themselves as the “Library of living plants.” They give tours and also host events mostly consisting of guests speaking about the importance of plants.

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Iowa State University Museums – Ames

Museums consist of: Brunnier Art Museum, Christian Petersen Art Museum, Farm House Museum, Art on Campus Collection and Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden, each with something unique to offer.

http://www.museums.iastate.edu/

Octagon Center for the Arts – Ames

Exhibits, demonstrative classes, art festivals, and gallery shops all for the enjoyment of Ames residents.

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Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards – Ames (11:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday)

Family owned winery right in Ames, featuring events and wine tasting.

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Reiman Gardens – Ames (9:00 am – 6:00 pm)

Relaxing and inspiring garden full of sculptures, flowers, plants, and a butterfly house; all for free for Iowa State students!

http://www.reimangardens.com/

Snus Hill Winery – Madrid (Open Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Savor Snus Hill’s regional wines while enjoying a seat on their porch or in one of their shaded lawns, or attend one of their many holiday events such as dinner or a concert on the weekend. http://snushillwine.com/

Story City Antique Carousel – North Park, Story City

Find the kid in you while you venture to North Park to take a ride on the antique carousel of Story City which has been around since 1913. Afterwards stop by the Antique mall with over 70 different vendors.

Grotto of the Redemption – West Bend

Known as the eighth wonder of the world, Grotto of Redemption is a historical place consisting of eight different grottos which each display a scene in the life of Christ. It contains precious stones and gems and is the largest grotto in the world.

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