Going Strong For More Than 50 Years, The Annual Kalona Fall Festival Is An Iowa Tradition

As fall settles in and the leaves change color, it always puts me in the mood for a great fall festival. These events celebrate the season, with food that usually incorporates its bounty and a great homey feel. Unlike the hustle and bustle of summer festivals, these often feel like more laid-back affairs with something for everyone. That's definitely the case for a famous fall festival in Kalona, Iowa, which has been going for more than half a century. This event takes place in Kalona's Historical Village, one of the most interesting spots in the Hawkeye State for those who want to learn about the state's rich past. Many craftspeople in Kalona still do things the old way, and their fine wares and delicious home goods are the centerpiece of this annual event, which takes place on September 29th and 30th in 2023.

Kalona Historical Village is one of Iowa's best locations for those who want to explore the culture of the Amish and Mennonite communities in the area.

Tours throughout the year take visitors inside these old-fashioned homes, and there is much to see.

However, there's one time of year when Kalona goes from laid-back to hopping - and it's right around the corner.

The annual Kalona Fall Festival fills the Historical Village with an elaborate collection of local vendors, craftspeople, and small-batch goods.

It's amazing to see the work that goes into the products that some of the vendors sell - you can tell how these arts developed over decades.

That's definitely the case for Kalona's world-famous quilt displays, which are the headliner of the event.

Of course, for many people the headliner is the food! You can see a demonstration of how the town's delicious apple butter is made, and then buy some for yourself!

End the day with a wagon ride! The festival also has some other fun activities for kids, like a bounce house.

Are you looking forward to this fall festival in Kalona, Iowa? Have you attended in past years? Tell us all about the highlights in the comments section! You can visit the Kalona Historical Village Facebook page for up-to-the-minute details on this year's event, and the city of Kalona website is a great source for more information on the town. The Kalona Creamery is a can't miss spot in town, and if you need a place to stay, check out the historic Dutch Country Inn.