Expertly curated by area food and culture mavens, festivals combine a selection of dining, drinking and cultural options to offer fun for the whole family.
Taste of Iowa City
Aug. 26 | Iowa City | Downtown
downtowniowacity.com
This food festival celebrates the culinary diversity of the Downtown and Northside districts with sample portions from more than 35 local restaurants.
Top Chef: Downtown
March 20 | Iowa City | hotelVetro
downtowniowacity.com
In this friendly competition, local restaurants prepare signature dishes, competing to earn the title of “top chef.”
Northside Oktoberfest
Oct. 3 | Iowa City | North Side Marketplace
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At this popular Northside beer festival, patrons enjoy live music, local food vendors and a tremendous selection of beer. There is also a smaller SodaFest, so the whole family can enjoy the day.
Eat Drink Local Week
April 19-26 | Iowa City | Downtown
downtowniowacity.com
This week-long celebration of Iowa City’s flourishing culinary scene emphasizes ingredients from Iowa’s own farmers, artisans and brewers.
Mission Creek Festival
March 31 – April 5 | Iowa City | Downtown
missionfreak.com
A week-long festival taking place in venues all across downtown Iowa City, Mission Creek celebrates music, literature, art, food and culture.
Maifest
May 2-3 | Amana Colonies
festivalsinamana.com
A family-oriented celebration of the arrival of spring, Maifest highlights Amana’s German heritage through food and culture.
Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies
Oct. 2 – 4 | Amana Colonies
festivalsinamana.com
Amana’s Oktoberfest is a traditional celebration with entertainment, dancing and German food and beer. There is also a wealth of kids’ activities, including pony rides, cookie decorating and a pumpkin toss.
BrrrFest
January | Coralville | Coralville Marriott
backpocketbrewing.com
An annual event calling attention to the beers of winter, Brrrfest makes sure to give special focus to craft breweries of Iowa and the Midwest.
Backpocket Oktoberfest
September | Coralville | Coralville Marriott
backpocketbrewing.com
Backpocket’s Oktoberfest allows guests to enjoy German food, live music and the local brewery’s craft beer as the Coralville Mariott is transformed into a classic Munich beer hall.
Culinary Ride
Late summer | Begins in Iowa City
culinaryride.com
A “bicycle tour of local farms, food and fermentation,” Culinary Ride allows cyclists to enjoy samples of local food while taking in Iowa’s gorgeous scenery, and route lengths vary.
Field to Family Festival
Sept. 17-20 | Iowa City
fieldtofamily.org
This food festival takes the homegrown ingredients of local farms and gardens and places them in the hands of skilled chefs, giving people the chance to taste a variety of food while supporting Iowa farmers and gardens.
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