Festivals aren’t just for summer here in Iowa! Attending a winter festival is perfect for the post-holiday stretch when you just need to get the kids out of the house and into a fun winter adventure. Wondering where to go? From snow sculpting, to kite flying to silly snow sports read on to find six of the “coolest” winter festivals this side of the North Pole aka Minnesota.
For other family friendly winter adventure inspiration, check out our Winter Fun Guide and visit our Events Calendar.
Editor’s Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always verify dates, times, location, and other information.
Here are six Iowa winter festivals that are worth the drive:
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days
Keokuk – January 20-21, 2024
This is a great opportunity to view one of the largest concentration of eagles in their natural habitat on the Mississippi River. Naturalists will be on hand to provide information and scopes for eagle spotting. You’ll also have opportunities to learn more through conservation and environmental exhibits, check out the ISU insect zoo and see live bird shows and more.
Winterfest
Amana Colonies – January 27, 2024
Celebrate winter in the Amanas! You’ll find a wide variety of activities including a 5K run/walk, outdoor games, Open Fire Chili, a Wine Walk featuring samples of locally made wine and beer, and a dance to name just a few. Winterfest Games will be held at the Market Barn, located behind the Woolen Mill Sales Room at the intersection of 220th Trail and 47th Avenue.
University of Okoboji Winter Games
Okoboji, Milford, Arnolds Park and Spirit Lake – January 25-28, 2024
Started in 1981 this is one of the longest running winter festivals in the state. Winter athletes can try their hand at broomball, flag football, softball, bags tournament and more. For those of you that are sports challenged, there’s also a Chili Cook Off and the Chocolate Classic. The Polar Plunge (people jumping in icy cold water) happens on Saturday of the festival just in time for the fireworks!
Beat the Bitter
North Liberty – January 26-28, 2024
Beat the Bitter is a celebration of Midwestern cold with winter games and good cheer. Events include: KICK Winter in the SnowBALL, 5Kish Glow Run, ice fishing, ice sculpture walk, fireworks and more. North Liberty Lights will be illuminated February 1 through February 29, 2024 at Liberty Centre Pond for visitors to enjoy throughout the winter season.
Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Festival
Dubuque – February 8-11, 2024
Dubuque celebrates the Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Festival in its downtown Washington Park. This FREE family-friendly event is hosted by the Dubuque Museum of Art in partnership with the City of Dubuque’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. Teams of professional, amateur, and collegiate artists transform 288 cubic feet of snow into masterful works of art.
Color the Wind Kite Festival
Clear Lake – February 17, 2024
Color the Wind is the largest winter kite festival in the Midwest with serious kite flyers traveling from eight states to display their collections of unique kites, banners and ground displays. Stunt kite teams perform kite dances choreographed to music. And it’s FREE! Folks gather along the seawall and out on the frozen lake to enjoy the show. Hot food and beverages are available onsite and many attendees bring along their own grills to enjoy a winter picnic.
Do you have a favorite Iowa winter festival to share with us? Which one do you want to visit? Let us know in the Comments below!
