Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering food festivals this spring and summer. From wine and beer showcases to corn festivals and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Kick Off the Festival Season with the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase
( Credit to: Khak )
Get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering food this spring and summer! Eastern Iowa and beyond are hosting a variety of food festivals that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From wine and beer showcases to corn festivals and everything in between, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the festival season is the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown on March 8th. This event features 36 of the finest restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area. Not only is it a culinary delight, but it also serves as a fundraiser for the Des Moines Metro Opera. Tickets range from $50 to $150 and can be purchased online.
Celebrate All Things Iowa at the Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival
If you're looking for an event that celebrates all things Iowa, then the Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival is for you. Taking place on April 6th at the Waterloo Convention Center, this festival showcases Iowa foods, products, chefs, authors, and agriculture-related items. Attendees can enjoy a day filled with food and beverage tastings, cooking and product demonstrations, live entertainment, and more. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children 5 and under.
Experience Local Culinary Delights at the Cedar Rapids Freedom FEASTival
For a taste of local culinary delights, head to the Cedar Rapids Freedom FEASTival on May 3rd. Located at the 2nd Avenue Bridge in Downtown Cedar Rapids, this festival features food trucks and community vendors offering a variety of delicious treats. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant food scene in Cedar Rapids.
Indulge in a Bacon Paradise at the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
Bacon lovers, mark your calendars for the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival on May 4th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. This festival is a paradise for bacon enthusiasts, with an array of bacon-inspired foods, live music, and quirky activities. This year's festival has a Star Wars theme, adding an extra layer of fun to the event. Tickets range from $29 to $49 and can be purchased online.
Savor Finger-Licking Good Wings at the Cascade Wingfest
If you're a fan of wings, don't miss the Cascade Wingfest on May 11th at Cascade River Park. This festival features wing samples from various vendors, live music, drinks, food trucks, and more. It's the ultimate celebration of this beloved finger food.
Immerse Yourself in Czech-Slovak Heritage at Houby Days
For a unique cultural experience, check out Houby (Mushroom) Days in Czech Village, Cedar Rapids from May 17th to 19th. This festival celebrates Czech-Slovak heritage and features live music, vendors, food, drinks, games, a parade, and more. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Czech community.
Enjoy a Pork-Filled Weekend at Center Point Pork Days
If you're in the mood for a pork-filled weekend, head to Center Point for Pork Days on June 7th and 8th. This festival offers pork dinners, a beer tent, games, bounce houses, live music, fireworks, a parade, and more. It's a family-friendly event that promises fun for all ages.
Treat Yourself to Traditional Czech Pastries at St. Ludmila Kolach Festival
For a taste of traditional Czech pastries, visit St. Ludmila Kolach Festival in Cedar Rapids from June 7th to 9th. This festival features kolach sales, inflatables, kids' activities, silent auctions, drinks, BINGO, and more. It's a great opportunity to try these delicious treats and support the local community.
Delight in a Sweet and Juicy Celebration at Strawberry Point Strawberry Days
Strawberry Point hosts its annual Strawberry Days Festival on June 7th. This festival offers a range of activities including competitions, live music, a beer tent, a parade, a carnival, and of course, plenty of strawberries. It's a delightful celebration of this sweet and juicy fruit.
Indulge in Creamy Frozen Delights at the Ice Cream Days Festival
Ice cream lovers won't want to miss the Ice Cream Days Festival in Le Mars, Iowa from June 12th to 15th. This festival features a parade, carnival rides, live music, food, kids' activities, games, a 5k run, an ice cream social, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in some creamy, frozen delights.
Satisfy Your Sausage Cravings at the Wurst Festival
For sausage enthusiasts, the Wurst Festival in the Amana Colonies on June 14th and 15th is a must-visit. This festival showcases local sausage vendors, offers a variety of beers, and features yard games, live music, and even a Dachshund Derby. It's a fun-filled weekend for the whole family.
Feast on All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish at the Cajun Fest Boil & Brew
If you're a fan of Cajun cuisine, make your way to the Cajun Fest Boil & Brew in Des Moines on June 22nd. This festival offers all-you-can-eat crawfish, live entertainment, food vendors, and more. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online.
Get Your Fill of Blues and BBQ at North Liberty Blues & BBQ
Blues and BBQ lovers should mark their calendars for North Liberty Blues & BBQ on July 13th. This festival features BBQ vendors, live music, kids' activities, inflatables, craft beer, and more. It's a day of finger-licking good food and soulful music.
Celebrate the Love for Beef at Solon Beef Days
For a small-town festival experience, head to Solon for Beef Days on July 19th and 20th. This festival offers steak dinners, live music, carnival rides, a 5k run, a parade, a beer tent, contests, food, and more. It's a fun-filled weekend that celebrates the community and its love for beef.
Indulge in a Corn-Filled Extravaganza at Elkader Sweet Corn Days
Elkader Sweet Corn Days from July 25th to 28th is a festival that corn lovers won't want to miss. This festival offers free sweet corn, food vendors, games, a beer tent, a carnival, live music, fireworks, a parade, contests, a 5k run, and more. It's a corn-filled extravaganza that promises fun for all.
Enjoy Fresh Sweet Corn and More at St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival
For another sweet corn festival, visit St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival in Cedar Rapids from August 9th to 11th. This festival offers fresh sweet corn, raffles, food, a beer tent, live music, carnival rides, games, and more. Admission is $5 for ages 11 to 59, and Friday or Saturday admission includes free entry on Sunday.
Delight in the Tangy Goodness of Sauerkraut at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days
Sauerkraut lovers should make their way to Lisbon for Sauerkraut Days on August 15th to 17th. This festival offers brats with free Frank's Kraut, BINGO, an ice cream social, a 5k run, a parade, carnival rides, kids' activities, live music, and more. It's a unique festival that celebrates the tangy goodness of sauerkraut.
Experience the Diverse Flavors of the World at the World Food & Music Festival
For a global culinary experience, visit the World Food & Music Festival in Des Moines from August 23rd to 25th. This festival offers international cuisine, live music, performing arts, cooking demonstrations, craft beers, and much more. It's a feast for the senses that showcases the diverse flavors of the world.
Satisfy Your Food Truck Cravings at Waterloo's Food Truck Festival
Wrap up the festival season with Waterloo's Food Truck Festival on August 31st. This festival brings together a diverse array of food trucks from the region, offering a wide variety of delectable delights. From street tacos to gourmet grilled cheese and artisanal ice creams to exotic fusion dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. General admission tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the gate, and children 12 and younger are free with an adult.
Discover the Best Burgers in Iowa at the Iowa's Best Burger Contest
If you're looking to satisfy your burger cravings, check out the winners of the Iowa's Best Burger contest. Each year, the Iowa Beef Industry Council holds a contest to determine the most delicious burger in the state. You can find all the winning restaurants still in business as of January 2024.
Conclusion
With so many food festivals to choose from, you're sure to find something that tantalizes your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of wine, bacon, corn, sausages, or any other delicious treat, these festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to indulge in some culinary delights. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the wonderful world of food!