Crisp air, golden leaves, and the smell of apple cider, fall in Eastern Iowa is nothing short of magical. The Corridor comes alive this season with fall festivals that celebrate community, creativity, and a whole lot of pumpkin spice. From small-town fall festivals, like the Ely Fall Fest to the high-energy beats of Amana’s Oktoberfest, and from family-friendly farm adventures to art-filled streets in Mount Vernon, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to sip, shop, dance, or get lost in a corn maze, Eastern Iowa’s fall festivals promise unforgettable memories.
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Ely Fall Fest (Ely, IA)
This fest has something for everyone and oodles of charm. The 18th annual Ely Fall Fest is set for Sunday, September 21 (5K & 1-mile fun run with cinnamon rolls & chocolate milk!) and Saturday, September 27, 2025 Ely, Iowa Get Me Registered. Expect a vendor fair, car show, delicious food, a lively kids zone, and moves and grooves galore Cedar Rapids Tourism AARP Local. It’s affordable, fun, and perfect for family and community connection.
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Iowa Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm (Atkins, IA)
Starting September 12 and running through October 26 (and even November 1!), Bloomsbury Farm unleashes a full-blown fall festivals, autumn playground Bloomsbury Farm Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. You’ll find:
- A whopping 10-acre corn maze
- U-pick pumpkins, iconic photo stations, over 30 attractions
- Activities like hayrides, jumping pillows, and more Bloomsbury Farm Cedar Rapids Tourism
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Colony Pumpkin Patch & Colony Acres Family Farm (North Liberty, IA)
When it comes to creative fall fun, Colony Acres brings flair. From September 13 through November 1, you can swing by Wednesday–Sunday (Saturdays & Sundays earlier) for:
- Fall festivals games, food vendors, drinks, an expansive 10-acre corn maze, and a pumpkin patch
- Unique attractions like giant double slides, duck races, ball mazes, train climbs, zip lines, and a pumpkin bounce pad
- On-site eats: artisan pizzas, hard ciders, and more from the beverage shed Colony Acres Farm +1
- Market goodies: pumpkins, mums, hay bales, perfect for front-porch bragging rights Colony Acres Farm Choose Iowa
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Amana Colonies Oktoberfest (Amana, IA)
Prost to 60 years of polka-powered celebration! From October 2–5, 2025, the Amana Colonies throw down for the most epic Oktoberfest yet Amana Colonies in Amana, Iowa | Tourism +1 Travel Iowa. Highlights include:
- Four days of live German music, dancing, food, and cold brews at the Festhalle Barn
- A Saturday parade on Main Street, October 4, celebrating “Diamond Prost: Cheers to 60 Years!” Amana Colonies in Amana, Iowa | Tourism Facebook
- Meanwhile, festive happenings pop up at Millstream Brewing Co. and Ackerman Winery, featuring wine tastings, slushies, cider, and live tunes Amana Colonies in Amana, Iowa | Tourism +1
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Lincoln Highway Arts Festival (Mount Vernon, IA)
Art lovers and weekend planners, assemble! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10 AM–4 PM, in downtown Mount Vernon’s Uptown District Visit Mount Vernon-Lisbon First Street Community Center. What’s in the mix?
- A vibrant artists’ market with mediums ranging from whimsical knick-knacks to museum-quality art
- Pop-up activities by local shops, live demonstrations, food trucks, and kids’ entertainment like face-painting and crafts Mount Vernon Area Arts Council Instagram
Quick Fall Event Map: Eastern Iowa Roundup
| Event | Dates | Why Go? |
|---|---|---|
| Ely Fall Fest | Sept 21 (run) & Sept 27 | Community, food, cars, kid-friendly fun |
| Bloomsbury Farm Festival | Sept 12–Oct 26 (+Nov 1) | Corn maze, pumpkins, photo ops, attractions |
| Colony Acres Pumpkin Patch | Sept 13–Nov 1 | Creative games, maze, cider, U-pickup |
| Amana Oktoberfest | Oct 2–5 | Polka, parade, German food, 60th celebration |
| Lincoln Hwy Arts Fest | Sept 13 (10 AM–4 PM) | Local art, live demos, family fun |
Why This Season Rocks (and So Do You)
You’ve got everything from high-energy fall festivals to artsy afternoons and German revelry, all within scenic Eastern Iowa. Whether your looking for community spirit, farm-fresh fun, or beer-in-hand merriment, this Corridor’s got your fall covered.
If you are thinking of moving to the Eastern Iowa Corridor, let one of our experienced Agents show you all there is to offer and the endless possibilities Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and surrounding have to offer.