Pumpkin Festivals & Oktoberfests: Midwest Fall Fun in Iowa & Illinois
Nothing says fall in the Midwest quite like pumpkin patches, parades, and the smell of fresh cider donuts. From cozy small-town festivals to Oktoberfest celebrations packed with music and bratwursts, October is full of ways to celebrate the season.
Whether you’re road-tripping with friends or planning a family weekend, here are some of the best fall festivals happening across Iowa and Illinois, plus a few lighting ideas to keep your home festive and inviting for the season.
Morton Pumpkin Festival – Morton, Illinois
September 10–13, 2025
Morton proudly calls itself the Pumpkin Capital of the World, and for good reason. This annual celebration draws thousands with its pumpkin-themed foods, parades, and live music.
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival – Sycamore, Illinois
October 22–26, 2025
A beloved tradition since 1962, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival features thousands of hand-decorated pumpkins displayed downtown, plus a large parade and carnival.
Madison County Covered Bridge Festival – Winterset, Iowa
October 11–12, 2025
Not exactly a pumpkin fest, but equally charming. Celebrate Iowa’s heritage with food vendors, craft booths, and a nod to the state’s most famous bridges.
Amana Colonies Oktoberfest – Amana, Iowa
October 2–5, 2025
Polka bands, steins of beer, and Bavarian food fill the historic streets of the Amana Colonies every October. This family-friendly festival is one of Iowa’s longest-running fall traditions.
Galena Oktoberfest – Galena, Illinois
October 4, 2025
Held in the heart of downtown Galena, this one-day festival features live German music, wiener dog races, and traditional food all set against a backdrop of beautiful fall scenery.
Looking for something closer to home? Check out:
Festival season means outdoor gatherings — and good lighting helps keep the fun going even after the sun sets.
With QC Lights, you can:
Brighten patios and pathways for safe outdoor entertaining
Switch to warm amber tones or soft golds for that fall glow
Easily update colors for Oktoberfest, Halloween, or football weekends
Pro tip: Use your Gemstone system’s app to schedule lighting themes throughout the month — from pumpkin orange to harvest gold to spooky purple.
