The Small-Town Harvest Festival In Iowa Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

When the weather gets cooler, the kids head back to school, and there might be a little nip in the air on some days. That only means one thing - fall is upon us! The new season brings a lot of changes to waterfront towns like Clear Lake, such as fewer tourists and waterfront activities. But they more than make up for it with fall festivities - including what may be the best harvest festival in Iowa, which takes place in Clear Lake. This year's event takes place on October 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it's going to be a day of fun. I'm already looking forward to all the delicious food, fresh produce, and fun events that make up this event every year. The harvest festival will take over all of Main Street in Clear Lake, and you can expect everything from a 5K to live music. It looks like the perfect way to kick off fall!

Summer may be over in Clear Lake, but the fall fun is just beginning.

Soon, Main Street will be as busy as any summer weekend, as the Harvest Festival fills the town with vendors and attractions designed to celebrate the fall season.

This event is a major shopping occasion, as dozens of local food and craft vendors will be plying their wares.

One of the highlights of fall is fresh produce. Another is Halloween, in all its spooky glory - and both will be out in full force.

Wine and beer vendors will also be on site, and tastings will be offered. But that's just the start of the wine fun here.

The wackiest event of the day is definitely the grape-stomping competition! It feels like a comedy sketch at times!

The Champagne 5K will be returning once again for those who want a workout during their harvest festival.

And of course, live music acts will be on hand to kick off fall in style in the town of Clear Lake.

Have you attended this harvest festival in Iowa? Tell us what you're looking forward to at the Clear Lake Harvest Festival in the comments section! You can find out more about this year's event on the Clear Lake website, and keep an eye on the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Facebook pages for up-to-the-minute details. Clear Lake is such a great place that you might want to make it a weekend getaway. If so, consider booking a stay at the Lakeside Inn.