These 5 Fantastic Street Fairs Will Show You The Best Of Iowa

Is there anything better than a street fair? Around every corner is a new adventure. Maybe you want to hit up your favorite booth for that signature fairground treat with a whole day's worth of sugar. Or maybe you can't wait to shop for unique local crafts? And then, of course, there's that one towering ride that makes for the perfect way to end the day with a thrill. But not all street fairs are created equal, and Iowa has a huge diversity of local events to celebrate. These five street fairs in Iowa are all a little different, but every single one has something to remind you why the Hawkeye State is the best place around.

1. Great Jones County Fair (Monticello)

Held the third week of July every year, this Monticello-based fair is your classic event - good food, thrilling rides, and contests celebrating the best local talents.

When the sun goes down, it becomes an exciting music festival featuring top acts from around the country.

2. Tulip Time (Pella)

The Dutch heritage of Pella makes it one of the most unique towns in Iowa, and this festival held the first week of May celebrates it with a variety of vendors and interactive theater.

As you enjoy the authentic Dutch food vendor and shop for crafts, the streets will be lined with thousands of multi-colored tulips.

3. Des Moines Arts Festival (Des Moines)

This June festival in the city center of Des Moines brings in hundreds of famous and independent artists from around Iowa in a unique interactive art event filled with surprises.

After a day of searching the dozens of stalls for that perfect art piece for your home, you can enjoy live music at night in a massive kick-off concert.

4. Madison County Covered Bridge Festival (Winterset)

The covered bridges of Madison County are world-famous, and you can experience the time they were first built in this October-set festival.

In between sampling the delicious local foods, you can watch thrilling displays of strength in this celebration of the county's history.

5. Iowa State Fair (Des Moines)

This is the biggest event in Iowa, held every August for an eleven-day period filled with hundreds of vendors, rides, acts, competitions, and wild and crazy food you can't find anywhere else.

One day isn't enough at this massive state fair - even if you stay till the sun goes down! Every year is a little different, so it's the annual event many people plan their summer around.

Have you been to any of these five epic street fairs in Iowa? Which one are you most excited to attend next? Let us know in the comments section. If you're interested in learning about this year's biggest event, visit the Iowa State Fair's website and Facebook page. Looking for another event celebrating a specific part of Iowa's culture? Check out this beautiful Water Lantern Festival.