October 24, 2026
Des Moines, Iowa
See Media Release Here
America’s Harvest Festival will transform the Iowa Capitol Grounds into a vibrant celebration of Iowa’s heritage, community, and culture. Featuring interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, local vendors, and hands-on experiences, the festival offers something for all ages. Visitors can explore the stories, traditions, and innovations that have shaped Iowa while enjoying a fun-filled day of food, music, and entertainment. As part of the America 250 commemoration, the event brings people together to celebrate the past, present, and future of our state and nation.
Set across a multi-block footprint in downtown Des Moines, the Harvest Festival will transform the Iowa Capitol Complex into an immersive celebration of all things harvest, farming and fall! Attendees of this iconic fall celebration can expect a dynamic, come-and-go experience designed for all ages.
See & Do! Thanks to these organizations, companies and groups who are bringing hands-on activities, exhibits, and interactive displays for all ages to enjoy! From simulators to interactive trailers, from demonstrations to free samples, and much, much more!
America 250
Association of Business & Industry in Iowa
Atlantic Bottling Company
Choose Iowa
Daughters of the American Revolution
FS
Growth Energy
Hy-Vee
Iowa Beef Industry Council
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
Iowa Central Community College Rodeo Team
Iowa Corn Growers Association
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Iowa Egg Council
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
Iowa Genealogical Society Library and Research Center
Iowa Gold Star Museum
Iowa Honey Producers Association
Iowa Motor Truck Association
Iowa National Guard
Iowa PBS
Iowa Pork Producers
Iowa Renewables Fuels Association
Iowa Secretary of State Office
Iowa Soybean Association
Iowa State Fair
Iowa State University
Iowa Turkey Federation
Iowa Veterans Affairs
Living History Farms
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Pioneer Seed
Ruan Transportation Management Systems
Schoolboy Soldiers of Rippey
The Freedom Rock
The State Historical Society of Iowa
National Anthem, Iowa National Guard Flyover, remarks from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and recognition of Iowa’s America 250 Task Force, sponsors and veteran recognition.
Headlining Bands to be Announced Soon!
Featuring Spray N Race, Rodeo Roper, Mechanical Pig, Corn Maze, Wacky Bounce House, and Wacky Slide.
Choose from festive fall and patriotic-themed face paint designs, plus a variety of temporary tattoos for all ages.
Watch renowned, Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen paint a live mural at the festival commemorating our veterans and experience the creative process in real time.
Get creative with this hands-on activity sponsored by Hy-Vee. Guests of all ages can paint and decorate their own keepsake rocks to take home.
Test your knowledge and compete for prizes in this fast-paced, interactive game show. Featuring fun trivia about agriculture, animals, plants, food, and farm life, this family-friendly attraction invites guests of all ages to play along and learn something new.
America’s Harvest Festival is more than great food and entertainment—it’s also a chance to shop from an incredible lineup of local businesses, artisans, makers, and specialty vendors. From handcrafted goods and home décor to unique gifts, honey products, fall favorites, and more, there’s something for everyone to discover. Stroll through the vendor marketplace, support small businesses, and take home a piece of Iowa creativity while enjoying a day of family-friendly fun. Best of all, participating vendors are donating 5% of their festival sales to Food Bank of Iowa, helping support Iowans facing food insecurity across the state.
Want to be part of the action at America’s Harvest Festival? We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help make this celebration one to remember. Whether you love meeting people, helping behind the scenes, or simply want to get involved in your community, we’d love to have you on our team.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
Give us a hand and get a few perks along the way! Volunteers will receive free festival swag and get a behind-the-scenes experience at one of Iowa’s biggest celebrations of fall, community, and America’s 250th anniversary.
October 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM until dark.
Iowa State Capitol 1007 E Grand Ave Des Moines, IA.
There is no cost to attend America’s Harvest Festival, thanks to the support of generous private donors and sponsors. There will be free entertainment and activities to enjoy all day! There will be select Iowa-based food and vendors with items for purchase.
Live music, food trucks, vendors, family activities, exhibits, demonstrations, drone show, etc.
Yes! Activities and entertainment are available for all ages.
Yes, a variety of food trucks and vendors will be on site.
While we love our furry friends, pets are not permitted on the Iowa State Capitol grounds in accordance with Capitol Complex policies. Service animals are welcome.
America’s Harvest Festival is scheduled to take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, updates will be posted on our website and social media channels.
Parking map here.
Yes, accessible parking will be available near the event entrance. More information coming soon!
Yes, portable and/or permanent restrooms will be located throughout the festival grounds.
Please click here to contact.
No, there is no vendor fee to participate. Instead, vendors are encouraged to donate 5% of their festival sales to the Food Bank of Iowa in support of their mission to fight hunger across Iowa.
Handmade goods, local businesses, agricultural products, artisan foods, etc.
Volunteers can sign up using our volunteer registration form.
Volunteers may assist with event setup, guest services, vendor support, activity areas, parking assistance, cleanup, and more.
Absolutely! Volunteers receive exclusive festival swag, a behind-the-scenes experience, and the opportunity to help make America’s Harvest Festival a success.
Yes! Community groups, clubs, businesses, and organizations are welcome to volunteer as teams.
No experience is necessary. We provide instructions and support for all volunteer roles
This event is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our supporting sponsors. Each of these partners demonstrates the generous spirit of Iowans, and we’re proud to collaborate on this once-in-a-generation event.
