Each summer, Southwest Iowans share their agricultural roots and kick up their heels at County Fairs. See grandstand shows at reasonable prices, local youth sharing their talents during 4-H exhibits and competitions. Eat cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs and enjoy carnival rides and games.
Dance to Big Band sounds or just relax and listen to great music at the Glenn Miller Festival. Eat all the FREE popcorn you can hold at Popcorn Days, enjoy the peaceful ascent of hot air balloons or watch live jousting and visit artists' markets at the Renaissance Faire.
Popcorn Days
Free Popcorn, first Saturday after Labor Day. Participate in the 10 K Run, flea market, kids games, softball, parades and BBQ.
Phone: 712-382-1313
Glenn Miller Festival, Second weekend in June
This annual celebration of the noted composer and band conductor, Glenn Miller, has been held in his birthplace community for 30 years. The festival is international in scope, attracting performers from Japan, Austria, the Netherlands, and many throughout the United States. You will get In the Mood during this festival's swinging events.
Phone: 712-542-2461
Web site: http://www..glennmiller.org/festival
Heritage Days, last weekend in June
Events include a golf tournament, pancake breakfast, parade, carnival, game booths, radio control airplane event, fireman's barbeque, ice cream social and street dance.
Phone: 712-826-2142 or 712-826-8159
Web site: http://www..villiscareview.com
Often referred to as the Swedish Capitol of Iowa, this community works to perpetuate their heritage with several Festivals: Phone: 712-829-2840
The Santa Lucia Festival the first weekend in December welcomes in the holiday season and culminates in the crowning of a queen who spreads Christmas cheer to others throughout the season.
Skona Maj is held April 30 each year. A male chorus moves throughout the community singing for residents to help welcome spring.
Midsommers Dag Festival held on the longest day of the year in June, is a traditional Swedish festival celebrating the summer solstice. A Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center, coffee pot and coffee cup water towers pay tribute to the community's Swedish heritage along with their festivals.
Montgomery County Fair, third week in July
Carnival, 4-H exhibits and competition, grandstand entertainment and air-conditioned auditorium.
Phone: 712-623-5207
Junction Days Held the 4th weekend in June, this festival celebrates the community's railroad heritage with a Pancake feed, 10K run/2 mile walk, flea market, tractor display, grand parade and children's carnival.
Phone: 712-623-4821
Fremont County Fair
Third weekend in July and it's FREE! Don't miss the cherry pie contest, in 2006 they had 61 entries and a 10 year-old boy took home the Blue Ribbon prize. Pies are auctioned. Buildings are air-conditioned and handicap accessible.
Phone: 712-374-2715
Keg Creek Days
Heritage displays and farming exhibits, live entertainment, games and specialty booths. Last weekend in August.
E-Mail: terryjcraig@aol.com
Phone: 712-527-3587
Emerson Days
First weekend in September, featuring a parade, barbeque, games, heritage clothing style show and threshing.
Phone: 712-621-0737 or 712-623-3167
Whistle Stop Days
Crafts, flea market, parade, kids games in the park, mud volleyball, poker run and dance.
Phone: 712-622-8157
Please call between 8-11 a.m. Monday-Friday
Two Music Festivals at Fairgrounds
Annual Spring Country Music Festival and a Fall Country Music Jamboree.
Web site: http://www.pottcountyfair.com
Phone: 712-343-2377
Renaissance Faire of the Midlands
Mid- June join the crowd at the faire for three days of non-stop fun! Bring your friends and family to enjoy entertainment and live jousting demonstrations. Shop the artists' market for unique handcrafted treasures and feast on delicious turkey drumsticks. Rides, Activities and Games are great for children
Lighter than Air Balloon Fair, End of August
Creative celebrations, inflatable rides, clowns, face painting, games, arts and crafts, hot air balloon walk, tethered rides, balloon glow, balloon ascension and fireworks.
Phone: 712-325-3241
Autumn In the Bluffs, First week in October
A weekend festival that celebrates the art, culture nature and community of Council Bluffs and the Loess Hills. A host of family oriented, often free, events take place primarily in Bayliss Park and Bayliss Park Hall. Indoor art fair, free on-stage entertainment, children's activities and nature hikes.
For more information about the above events contact
the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau
712-325-1000 or 800-228-6878 http://www.councilbluffsiowa.com
Pottawattamie Westfair
Drawing more than 40,000 visitors annually, National Music performers from country to rock-n-roll perform each year and you will find non-stop excitement at ATV Drag Races, Hot Farm Tractor Pulls, Figure 8 races and Demolition Derby. More than 350 area youth exhibit and compete in talent shows, livestock shows, visual arts, food and nutrition, photography, agriculture and natural resources.
Phone: 712-322-3400
Web site: http://www.westfair.net