Iowa State Fair Statewide Art Contest and Exhibition
Aug. 13-23, 7 a.m., Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines
Iowans are invited to visually express the American spirit, past, present and future. For more information and guidelines go to opportunityiowa.gov.
Iowa State Fair Veterans Parade
Aug. 17, 11 a.m., Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines
The theme for the annual Iowa State Fair Veterans Parade is America 250, showcasing Iowa veterans and veteran service organizations. For more information, contact Karl Lettow, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs communications director, at karl.lettow@iowa.gov. Registration available at dva.iowa.gov.
USA 250 state park camping discount
Through Aug. 31 (online)
U*se promo code USA250 at checkout when making online reservations for Iowa state park campsites at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com and get a $2.50 discount per night for up to four nights.
40th Anniversary Summer Iowa Games
Through Aug. 31, various times and locations
The Summer Iowa Games presented by Grinnell Mutual will celebrate 40 years of this annual multi-sport festival. More than 40 sports will be offered for athletes of all ages and abilities. For schedule, visit iowagames.org/summer-iowa-games.
250 Stops in 250 Days along Iowa’s Lincoln Highway
Through Sept. 5 (online)
The Lincoln Highway was America’s first planned, improved and promoted transcontinental automobile route. Over 250 days, the Facebook page Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway will highlight a different stop daily, from monuments and museums to restaurants and roadside markers, on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, a designated National Scenic Byway.
Paper Money of the Revolutionary War Era
Through Sept. 6, Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes, 1507 Sanborn Ave., Okoboji
The Higgins Museum presents a special display of 31 bank notes issued during the colonial period and the early statehood era. Continental currency issued by Congress during the Revolutionary War will be on display.
Polk County Gold Star Memorial Centennial Commemoration
Sept. 13, 1:30 p.m., Burke Park, 635 E University Ave., Des Moines
Ceremony with color guard, VIP remarks, wreath laying and gun salute will mark the centenary of the monument to 163 Polk County military members lost in World War I. Parking available at Carver Elementary School, 705 E University Ave.
Prairie, Plows and the People’s College
Through Oct. 2, Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane, Ames
This exhibition honors key people, moments, objects, and experiences with more than 250 primary source objects representing six themes: early Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm; early Iowa; immigration; national imagery; native stories; and innovation and the Victorian home.
Shaped by Immigrants: Celebrating 250 years of the United States
Through Nov. 1, German American Heritage Center and Museum, 712 W Second St., Davenport
History exhibit celebrates immigrant groups that hat settled and made an impact here in the United States. For more information, go to gahc.org.
Ayr Day 2026
Aug. 29, noon, Mount Ayr Town Square, 117 S Fillmore St., Mount Ayr
Annual local town celebration will include celebrating 250th anniversary of the United States.
Peosta Days
Aug. 29, 3:30 p.m., Peosta Ballfields, 7896 Burds Road, Peosta
Annual community festival brings residents and visitors together to celebrate Peosta. It features a variety of family-friendly activities such as parades, live music, food vendors and inflatables.
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
Sept. 3-7, McMillan Park, 405 E Thresher Road, Mt. Pleasant
In 2026, the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion celebrates America 250 with a blend of steam power, agriculture, music, and living history. Tickets are $15 a day, $40 for multiple days. Purchase at oldthreshers.org/reunion/visit/admissions/shop.oldthreshers.com.
2026 Clay County Fair
Sept. 12-20, Clay County Fair, 800 W 18th St., Spencer
Billed as “the world’s greatest county fair.” For more information and to purchase $9 general admission tickets, visit claycountyfair.com. Veterans Day is Sept. 14, with free admission and a parade for active military members and veterans.
Hoyt Sherman Place celebrates 250th anniversary of American Independence
Sept. 13, 1 p.m., 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation partners with the 34th Army Band of the Iowa National Guard for a free, outdoor public event for all ages. Interactive activities for children and families, a flag display on the theater stage and food trucks and concessions. Concert begins at 3 p.m. and includes patriotic selections, popular American music and historically significant compositions. Free.
2026 Fly Iowa Festival
Sept. 19, 2 p.m., Winterset Municipal Airport, 3405 N Eighth Ave., Winterset
The Winterset Airport Authority has been selected to host the 2026 Fly Iowa Festival, a statewide aviation celebration that will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event brings together pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and the community for a day of aircraft displays, aviation activities and family-friendly entertainment.
Mount Vernon Cemetery Walk
Sept. 20, 2 p.m., Mount Vernon Cemetery, 520 First St. E, Mount Vernon
Cemetery walk will honor people buried in the cemetery who help shape Mount Vernon, starting in 1839.
77th Annual Pancake Day: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Pancakes
Sept. 26, 7:30 a.m., Centerville Downtown District, 128 N 12th St., Centerville
The 77th Annual Pancake Day will celebrate America 250 with the theme “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Pancakes,” blending one of Iowa’s longest-standing traditions with a patriotic tribute to our nation’s 250th anniversary. The event will feature free gourmet pancakes for veterans, a full day of community festivities and a celebration of the values that bring us together. Go to facebook.com/centervillepancakeday for more information.
Indigenous Iowans Day
Oct. 10, 9 a.m., Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Explore the lives of Iowa’s very first farmers, the Ioway, and other indigenous peoples through demonstrations, special activities, games and crafts. All activities included with general admission. More information can be found at lhf.org.
We the People of Ames: A USA 250 Exhibit
Nov. 8-14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ames History Museum, 416 Douglas Ave., Ames
Exhibit highlights local stories with national impact. Cast your vote in a straw poll, view military uniforms through time and learn how a small Ames business served the country during World War II. Museum admission $8; $5 for ages 12-17.
Schoolboy Soldiers of Rippey
Nov. 22, 5 p.m., Greene County Iowa Historical Museum, 219 E Lincoln Way, Jefferson
Students from Greene County High School erect monuments , engage in military re-enactments and perform a play honoring 32 students and recent students at the first school in Greene County whose teachers led them into service in Civil War.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to know about America 250 events coming up in Iowa
Reporting by Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
