Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Iowa

Community heritage festival (Ackley Chamber).

Held in Greenfield each July, Adair County Fair is running its 130th edition in 2026 with a strong 4-H and FFA presence alongside demo derbies, antique tractor shows, horse events, and rodeo. The fair draws around 8,000 attendees and welcomes food vendors, artisans, and general retail vendors at both indoor (Varied Industries Building) and outdoor booth options. All vendors must pay gate admission. Established, community-focused crowd.

In Algona's 33rd annual October craft show, 100+ booths of handmade, handcrafted crafts set up across the high school and middle school commons and gymnasium. Some cash and carry vendors also selling items. The event separates crafter and vendor applications with distinct contracts—check the Chamber site for the application that fits your business.

Held in Algona in July, Founders' Day celebrates the city's heritage through Art in the Park—featuring art vendors and free activities—alongside the Kossuth County Farmers' Market, food trucks on State Street, a street dance, parade, and car cruise-in. The weekend draws a mix of celebration attendees, history enthusiasts, and shoppers reconnecting with the community. In 2026, the event marks America's 250th birthday and Kossuth County's 175th year. Contact the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce at 515-295-7201.

Traditional German spring festival; World on Wheels Food Truck Fair (9 trucks) + Amana Arts Guild art pop-up, music, wine/beer walk, parade

Iowa's oldest Oktoberfest (58+ yrs); ~20 food booths + commercial vendors, beer, music, parade; ticketed

Held on Ames Main Street between Douglas and Clark Avenues each Saturday from May through October, Ames Main Street Farmers' Market draws more than 8,000 visitors per weekend. The market hosts 130 full-time, occasional, and nonprofit vendors offering seasonal produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and plants. Live local entertainment and free children's activities run throughout the market each week.

Main Street festival since 1989; dozens of food and craft vendors, giant pumpkins, parade, car show, BBQ comp

Held each July in Centerville, Appanoose County Fair is a six-day agricultural fair centered on 4-H and FFA exhibitions and livestock. Nightly entertainment features rodeo, truck and tractor pulls, redneck rally, and demo derby. The fair features over 35 commercial and food vendors alongside exhibits and competitions.

Pearson Lakes Art Center juried show at Preservation Plaza overlooking West Lake Okoboji; 50+ artists in sculpture, pottery, glass, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber and more.

Held in downtown Charles City at Central Park, Art-a-Fest is a free community event that celebrates regional artists and makes the arts accessible to everyone. This is a juried fine art show—no arts & crafts category—and commercially manufactured items, imports, food, and works from molds are not acceptable. Art-a-Fest is a juried festival where local and regional artists can display and sell their artwork. Alongside artwork, attendees enjoy live performances and music, delicious food, and interactive arts. All participating artists must have an Iowa tax permit. An Emerging Artists Program supports young artists, ages 18-26 with permanent Iowa residence who have never participated in a juried show. The festival is held the 3rd Saturday every August.

Held downtown on the Sioux City Art Center campus in late September, ArtSplash is a juried art festival that uses the Art Center's galleries, atrium, and studios. The festival runs both days but extends into the evening on Saturday for a more relaxed, adult-oriented atmosphere. Proceeds support the Art Center's education and exhibition programs, which remain free to the public year-round.

Held each July in Audubon, the Audubon County Fair features 4-H and FFA livestock shows, open-class exhibits, live entertainment, and a rodeo. Fair board seeks food vendors and crafters. Contact auduboncofair@gmail.com for vendor details.

Held each September in Osage, Autumn Artistry has been running since 2000 and draws 150+ vendors from across Iowa and Southern Minnesota — local artists, artisans, antiques dealers, fall and holiday décor, food vendors, live music, a farmers market, and one of the largest car shows in the region. The event is free for shoppers and spans downtown Osage and the Mitchell County Fairgrounds.

Held in Avoca on North Elm Street, this Wednesday evening market runs June through September and features produce, baked goods, honey, fresh flowers, soaps, crafts, and food truck meals from local farmers, artisans, and food producers. Weekly live music and bilingual family programming from the Avoca Public Library round out the experience. The market's track record is strong—it's helped vendors launch established businesses like Raddberry's Bakery & Café.

Beaverdale neighborhood festival; commercial vendors (products/services, incl. former arts & crafts group) plus food/drink vendors; $1M liability insurance required.

Black Hawk County 4-H & FFA Fair is a youth-focused county fair held each July at the National Cattle Congress fairgrounds in Waterloo. The fair features 4-H and FFA exhibits across livestock, static projects, clothing, horticulture, and food categories, plus challenge classes open to non-members of all ages (Wood Art, Ugly Cake, Button, and Photo challenges). Food vendors are welcome; a pie contest and family picnic are traditional events. YQCA certification required for most animal exhibitors by July 1.

A Blue Ribbon Fair since 1856, Bremer County Fair in Waverly runs early August and features livestock competitions, grandstand events (tractor pulls, figure-8 races, combine demolition derby, truck madness), a new carnival midway with 11+ rides and games, petting zoo, camel rides, live music, kids zone, and food vendors. Free general admission and free parking. Fair grounds open 6am–2am during fair week.

Held in Britt each August, the National Hobo Convention has run since 1900—a historic weekend celebrating America's migratory workers and freight-train culture. The festival draws hobos who set up a hobo jungle, sell crafts, and provide free entertainment alongside a parade, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and a classic car show. The highlight is the election of the King and Queen of the Hobos. Visitors also explore the Hobo Memorial Cemetery and National Hobo Museum.

Held each July in Independence, Buchanan County Fair offers agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and a strong 4-H/FFA presence. The fair centers on showcasing local youth accomplishments in a family setting and draws shoppers looking for food vendors and artisan booths alongside grandstand entertainment.

Butler County Fair has been running since 1856 in Allison and draws agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, 4-H programming, and family entertainment. The fairgrounds recently underwent accessibility improvements including new paved sidewalks and handicapped parking. Draws a community-oriented crowd with deep roots in the area.

Calhoun County Expo is held each July in Rockwell City and features livestock judging, a pet show, parade, queen contest, fireworks, and figure-8 racing throughout the week. Open-class vendors can enter the 4th annual baking contest and other divisions. The fairgrounds also hosts an expo center available for large gatherings.

Carroll County Fair at the Coon Rapids fairgrounds; 4-H/FFA, livestock, food vendors, tent spaces.

Held in downtown Cedar Falls, this market brings together over 50 local vendors selling 100% producer-grown goods from Blackhawk and surrounding counties. Expect fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, baked goods, eggs, meat, mushrooms, honey, coffee, jams, nuts, fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, metal and wood-worked items, natural health & beauty products, jewelry, pottery, and hot prepared foods. The newly expanded market runs Saturdays May–October, drawing visitors for fresh produce, handcrafted items, live music, and ready-to-eat breakfast options.

CelebrAsian is Iowa's largest Asian American heritage festival, drawing over 60,000 attendees across Iowa and beyond. Held each Memorial Day weekend in Des Moines, it features cultural villages representing different Asian communities, authentic food vendors, live music, cultural performances, martial arts, and family programming. Vendors receive a 10x10 tent, one table, two chairs, and signage. The festival is free admission and volunteer-run. Vendors must staff their booth for the full duration of the event.