Celebrate Community, Culture, and Creativity at these eclectic fall festivals

It’s an exciting time of year as Iowa City comes alive with fall festivals celebrating creativity, culture, and connection. Each month offers new things to do, from thought-provoking discussions at the Infinite Dream Festival to the shared traditions at the African Festival of Arts and Culture. 

Whether you’re raising a stein at Northside Oktoberfest, or exploring the literary wonders at the Iowa City Book Festival, these local events embrace the distinct and diverse spirit of Iowa City. 

Get out your calendar, you won’t want to miss these fall festivals.

Infinite Dream Festival

Exploring and reflecting on the American story.

What’s Happening At The Festival

The Infinite Dream Festival is set to be a dynamic celebration of creativity and thought-provoking dialogue. Whether through music, theater, visual arts, or scholarly discussions, the festival highlights the exceptional creativity that thrives at the University of Iowa and the broader Iowa City community. 

Artists and thinkers from around the world, alongside students, faculty, and staff from the University of Iowa, will come together to offer festival-goers pieces that challenge perspectives, spark imagination, and encourage meaningful dialogue about the American experience—our triumphs, challenges, and the boundless potential for greatness. 

Awaken your imagination, and grab your pass to this inspiring celebration of the American story!

When, Where & How

• When: September 24-28, 2024
• Where: Various venues including Hancher Auditorium, The James Theater, The Englert Theatre, and other presentation spaces in the community. 
• Tickets: Festival passes can be purchased here. All seating at the festival is general admission.
• More Information: For more information, and to see the line-up of this year’s transformative work, please visit Hancher Auditorium – Infinite Dream.

This festival is presented by Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement.

 

African Festival of Arts and Culture

The inaugural free and joyful celebration of African arts and culture in Iowa! 

What’s Happening At The Festival

The first annual African Festival of Arts and Culture aims to celebrate the rich diversity and traditions African immigrants have brought to Iowa. With over 30,000 African-born residents, the festival highlights their cultural contributions and dynamic presence across the state.

Attendees can enjoy performances, exhibits, and food that showcase the music, art, and fashion of Africa’s 54 countries and countless ethnic groups. The event nurtures connections between African immigrants and their Iowa neighbors, promoting understanding and appreciation of this heritage.

Join us in celebrating the African traditions that make Iowa an even more vibrant place to live!

When, Where & How

• When: September 28, 2024, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM
• Where: Pedestrian Mall, Downtown Iowa City
• Tickets: Free Event. All are welcome to celebrate and learn!
• More Information: For more information about the inaugural event, please visit https://www.africafestiowa.com/ or the Facebook event page 

This event is organized by African Festival of Arts and Culture and collaborating organizations.

Northside Oktoberfest

Your favorite beer festival returns this fall! 

What’s Happening At The Festival

The Northside Oktoberfest is back for its 28th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever! This beloved annual event brings the Bohemian charm of the Northside Marketplace to life with an exciting mix of craft beers, delicious neighborhood food, and lively entertainment. 

Iowa City BrewFest

A major highlight of the festival is Iowa City BrewFest, where beer lovers can sample from more than 45+ beer, cider, wine, spirits, and kombucha vendors, making it a can’t-miss event for enthusiasts. 

Bier Hall

General admission ticket holders will be treated to a classic Oktoberfest atmosphere. Enjoy an authentic spread of food and drinks while soaking up the autumn street scene. Your Bier Hall ticket even comes with a Bier Hall mug, and as a bonus, you’ll be welcomed with a free beer pour to start the festivities!

SodaFest

For families, SodaFest—led by the Iowa Children’s Museum—ensures that the kids can get in on the fun too, with soda samples, pumpkin decorating, balloon twisting, and more. 

Whether you’re there to sample unique beers, enjoy local flavors, or take part in comical contests, Northside Oktoberfest guarantees a day full of fun. So raise your steins to this fall tradition. Prost!

When, Where & How

• When: September 28, 2024, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, rain or shine!
• Where: Northside Marketplace
  • Iowa City BrewFest: BrewFest check-in is on Gilbert Street next to Artifacts and across from John’s Grocery
  • Bier Hall: Check-in will be on Linn Street close to Prairie Kitchen Store and Coffee Emporium
  • SodaFest: Pagliai’s Parking Lot
• Tickets: 
  • BrewFest tickets: $72 gets you unlimited access to samplings from beer and wine vendors, customized 2024 Northside Oktoberfest glass, a $10 giftcard to eat & shop at Northside businesses and access to beer games, contests, live music and more. This event sells out every year, so purchase tickets ASAP! 
  • Bier Hall General Admission is $10 purchased in advance, $15 day-of. 
  • Tickets for unlimited soda samples at SodaFest can be purchased for $5 upon arrival. 
• More Information: The festival is open for anyone to enjoy, but samples are limited to those with tickets. For more information about the event, please visit Iowa City Brewfest – Northside Oktoberfest or the Facebook event page 

This event is organized by Iowa City Downtown District

Carl’s 5K and Fall Fest

A celebration of Carl – the first cow rescued by Iowa Farm Sanctuary

What’s Happening At The Festival

Carl, Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s first cow rescue, thrived through the love and care he received, becoming a beloved part of IFS. Though he passed away in 2021, his legacy lives on as IFS continues to honor his memory and celebrate his life with this event.

Carl’s 5K is a fun-filled experience for everyone, whether you’re a runner, walker, stroller, or pushing a stroller! Set against the backdrop of our beautiful sanctuary grounds, this 5K course gives participants a 360-degree tour of the sanctuary, complete with cheers from our rescued animal residents. And to top it off, Cinnaholic will be waiting for you at the finish line with a sweet treat!

New this year is the post-race Fall Fest, so you can stick around and continue the fun. The festival will feature local vendors, cider, and pumpkin decorating, making it a perfect fall outing for the whole family. Whether you run the race or just come for the festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Bring your friends, family, and kiddos for a day of friendly animal fun at Carl’s 5K and Fall Fest!

When, Where & How

• When: October 13, 2024, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
• Where: Iowa Farm Sanctuary, 1696 250th St New Oxford, IA
• Tickets: Sign up for the run and fun here. $60 registration includes race entry and medal, and fall fest entry includes a Cinnaholic cinnamon roll, cider, pumpkin to paint, and sanctuary strolls. Racing not your thing? Snag a spectator pass for $25 – skip the run, and still enjoy the festival fun. 
• More Information: For more information about the event, please visit Carl’s 5K and Fall Fest

Iowa City Book Festival

An annual celebration of literature

What’s Happening At The Festival

The Iowa City Book Festival offers a week of free literary programming that promises to be as enriching as it is engaging. As one of only 53 UNESCO-designated Cities of Literature worldwide and only two in the United States, Iowa City is proud to celebrate its deep-rooted literary heritage with events that connect readers and writers through storytelling. 

From author readings and book discussions to workshops and panels, the festival offers a wide range of activities designed to inspire all who attend. The festival underscores Iowa City’s commitment to storytelling as a means of understanding ourselves, our communities, and the world around us, by showcasing the University of Iowa writing programs, as well as the city’s small presses, literary magazines, and beloved libraries. Visit local bookstores with a stroll down the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk. 

Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile or simply curious, you’ll find an inviting space to explore and connect at this festival.

When, Where & How

• When: October 14-20, 2024
• Where: Events and activities are throughout Iowa City at Bookstores, Libraries and University of Iowa Campus locations. If you’re traveling into Iowa City, the preferred hotel is the Graduate Iowa City. Click here to make your reservation or call 319-337-4058 and reference the “Iowa City Book Festival Room Block” to receive a discounted rate on your stay.
• Tickets: Programming is free and open to all readers, writers, learners and story lovers.  
• More Information: For more information, including a full schedule of events, please visit https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/icbf/ 

Refocus Film Festival

Celebrating the art of adaptation

What’s Happening At The Festival

Refocus Film Festival is back for its third year, celebrating the art of adaptation—where one form of art transforms into another. This festival offers a rich array of films, music, performances, and conversations, all centered around the creative process of adapting stories across mediums, from books to screenplays, and visual art to film. 

Local musical and visual artists will kick off each movie showing, creating a multi-dimensional experience. Special guests, lively parties, and plenty of celebration will round out the festival, offering attendees a chance to connect with filmmakers, artists, and fellow film enthusiasts. The festival also features conversations on the intricate process of adapting ideas from page to screen, in collaboration with the Iowa City Book Festival.

Get your pass today for this exciting exploration of transformative storytelling for film buffs and curious minds alike. 

When, Where & How

• When: October 17-20, 2024
• Where: The festival will take place primarily in FilmScene’s five theaters at the Chauncey and on the Pedestrian Mall, with opening night at The Englert Theatre and additional programming downtown Iowa City.
• Tickets: Single film tickets are $14 each, or purchase a pass to snag early booking opportunities and see all the films on your list.
• More Information: For more information on the event, please visit https://refocusfilmfestival.org/ or their Facebook page 

University of Iowa Homecoming

Come on and cheer, cheer, cheer for Iowa!

What’s Happening

Iowa Homecoming Week is a tradition that unites Hawkeyes from across the country. The week is filled with events honoring the University of Iowa’s rich history, highlighted by the annual Homecoming Parade, where downtown Iowa City bursts with floats, marching bands, and student performances, all showcasing Hawkeye spirit in black and gold.

Fan-favorite events include the SHOUT talent show where students display their creativity and Homecoming royalty is crowned, as well as the Run Home 5K, a race through Iowa City supporting local causes. The week culminates with the Homecoming football game at Kinnick Stadium, where 70 thousand fans cheer (and Wave) the Hawks to victory.

From the 5k to the football game, Iowa Homecoming celebrates all things Hawkeye. So come on and Cheer, Cheer, Cheer for Iowa!

When, Where & How

• When: October 20-26, 2024
  • Hawks Run Home 5K: Sunday, October 20th at 11:00 AM
  • Homecoming Bingo: Monday, October 21st at 7:00 PM
  • Ruckus at the Rec: Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:00 PM
  • Multicultural Block Party: Wednesday, October 23rd at 5:00 PM
  • SHOUT!: Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 PM
  • Homecoming Parade: Friday, October 25th at 5:45 PM
  • Football Game: Saturday, October 26th at 2:30 PM
• Where: The University of Iowa campus will be buzzing with activities all week long! And if you’re visiting town for the weekend, here’s a full weekend itinerary of things to do. 
• Tickets: Event prices and ticketing vary. For more information view the full schedule here. To attend the Homecoming football game against Northwestern, visit Seatgeek: the official ticket marketplace for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
• More Information: For more information on all things Iowa Homecoming, visit https://homecoming.uiowa.edu/ 

FEaST Festival

Celebrating the life and programming of Chris Wiersema with the 3rd annual FEaST

What’s Happening At The Festival

FEaST (by Feed Me Weird Things) returns for its third year, offering an immersive experience that brings together rare, esoteric music to evoke empathy through deep listening. This year’s festival honors the legacy of Chris Wiersema, whose passion for curating unconventional sounds continues to shape Iowa City’s arts community, pushing the boundaries of musical expression.

The diverse lineup features artists like Sarah Davachi, Circuit des Yeux, and Wolf Eyes, each delivering performances that invite listeners to engage with experimental soundscapes. This year’s FEaST is both a tribute to Chris’s vision and a gathering for avant-garde music lovers.

Join us for a weekend of deep listening and creative exploration at FEaST!

When, Where & How

• When: October 30-November 2, 2024
• Where: The James Theater, 213 N Gilbert Street Iowa City, IA
• Tickets: Passes can be purchased for all performances here.
• More Information: For more information on the event, please visit FEaST Fest 

 

There’s no shortage of festivals to enjoy in the Iowa City area this fall, so get out there and enjoy the crisp air after a sweltering summer. Whether you’re here for the art, culture, food, or community, the Iowa City area is proud to host events for everyone to keep you busy all fall long!

To stay up-to-date on all the incredible local happenings, including more activities throughout the year, visit our event calendar! Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the best of what Iowa City and the surrounding area has to offer.