For More Than 140 Years, This Small Town Has Hosted The Longest-Running Festival In Iowa

Iowa has a long history, and that includes its fan-favorite festivals. Many have been around for well over a century! However, one festival in Manning, Iowa may put them all to shame. Kinderfest, a whimsical festival celebrating childhood and packed with activities designed to bring children joy, has been going strong for more than 140 years, with many more years of fun to look forward to! Just perusing this festival's past pictures made me nostalgic for the simple joys of childhood, and every year, this town puts its rich German heritage on full display for this festival. Kinderfest is believed to be the oldest heritage festival in Iowa, and it's not hard to see why it's withstood the test of time! It's held every June, and it absolutely lives up to the hype!

Manning, Iowa is a charming small town with a rich German heritage and some amazing street design.

It's also home to one of the most beautiful veteran's memorials in all of Iowa - well worth a visit.

But for one day every June, the entire town gets turned over to the kids - because it's time for Kinderfest!

Every year, the event is packed with fun, games, and interactive activities.

The festival takes place both inside and out, and includes such activities as a massive inflatable mini-golf course.

How's this for nostalgia? The event even hosts a Scholastic book fair on site!

Naturally, plenty of kid-friendly food and dessert vendors will be on hand to provide that extra bit of energy.

Everyone gets in on the fun here - keep an eye out for the local fire department to lead some epic water fights, and stay tuned for details on next year's event!

Have you been to Kinderfest in past years? Let us know about your visit to this children's festival in Manning, Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about Kinderfest on the Manning, Iowa website, and you can see photos of past events on the Main Street Manning Facebook page. Manning is also home to a historic German barn, which I think definitely requires a visit. Make a weekend of it, and stay at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites Manning.