The annual Beaverdale Fall Festival takes over the area at the Beaver and Urbandale Avenue crossroads in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. The two-day event is packed with entertainment for the whole family, featuring the renowned parade, a variety of agricultural activities, a lively carnival, exciting competitions, and much more.
Events & Activities
The most popular activities at the Beaverdale Fall Festival include a carnival by the Holy Trinity Church, a vibrant parade, an impressive car show, horse rides, street games, and a bustling sidewalk sale. The festival also features competitions such as Team Trivia and the Cornhole Tournament. Showcasing the region's agricultural produce, visitors can enjoy a variety of vegetables, flowers, and wine, as well as arts and crafts.
One of the festival's highlights is the Beaverdale Fall Festival Dog Parade, which sees about 80 canine participants delighting the crowd. The Kid Zone is another major attraction, offering horse rides and numerous other activities that draw thousands of children. Additionally, musical performances take place throughout the day in various areas of the neighborhood, ensuring continuous entertainment for all attendees.
Parade (September 21, 2024)
The major highlight of the Beaverdale Fall Festival is the parade, which starts at 10 am and marches along Beaver Avenue with over 120 entries, including 20 floats. This festive procession, combined with sidewalk vendors, food, and beer tents, creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a weekend with friends and family.
Crafts & Vendors
With over 55 food and crafts vendors, the festival offers a delightful shopping experience. Vendors line Urbandale Avenue, showcasing an array of handmade goods crafted by local artisans. Additionally, Car Night features more than 150 show cars, making it a unique and captivating display for automobile enthusiasts.
History of the Beaverdale Fall Fest
Over 40 years ago, Beaverdale merchants initiated the annual fall tradition, now known as the Beaverdale Fall Festival. Originally called Beaverdale Days, the event featured sidewalk sales, carnival rides, music, beer tents, and a parade with an Octoberfest theme. Due to cold weather, it was moved to September and renamed the Beaverdale Fall Festival. Meanwhile, Holy Trinity Church held its own September event with a raffle, carnival rides, food, a talent show, a beer tent, and a road run. In the late 1970s, the two groups combined efforts for a single weekend of neighborhood fun, leading to a joint parade and unified planning.
