From pumpkin patches to pie contests, bonfires to bushels, fall in north central Iowa is a celebration of fall foliage and community. As leaves begin to turn, local farms, markets, and neighborhoods are rolling out a lineup of festivals that make the most of the season.

Pumpkin Fest will kick off Saturday, Sept. 27 at Twin Lakes Bible Camp in Manson. Running through Oct. 19, the festival is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re so excited for everyone to experience good family fun at Pumpkin Fest,” said Melanie Hardman, program director at Twin Lakes Bible Camp. “We have a lot of traditional activities like our pumpkin patch, pedal tractors, and even our corn pool. We also have our zipline which a lot of people come out to experience as well.”

Harman noted that Pumpkin Fest also has a three-story tree house, bounce house, and a variety of activities that are perfect for families to experience in Iowa’s fall weather.

-Messenger file photo
Lainey Jo Lennon, then 1, of Fort Dodge, picks out a pumpkin during Apple Fest 2024 at The Community Orchard.

“This year we’re also starting to feature a variety of new events including pony wagon rides, a chili cookoff, face painting, bingo games, and more,” said Hardman.

Staff at Twin Lakes Bible Camp spend a majority of the month of September preparing for Pumpkin Fest by gathering volunteers, cleaning the round barn, putting graphics together, and more.

“We’re just really excited to serve the greater community in a way that we typically don’t get to,” said Hardman. “It’s wonderful to see so many smiles and so many families enjoying the fall weather together.”

Tickets to Pumpkin Fest are $7 for a wristband and $5 for every zipline ride.

Pumpkin Fest

-Messenger file photo
Henry Heatherington, then 3, of Fort Dodge, gets a hug from his daycare friend Brinley Ladlie, then 3, of Clare, as they enjoy the 19th annual Pumpkins and Ponies at Springvale Farm near Humboldt in October 2024.

Twin Lakes Bible Camp,

7718 Twin Lakes Road

September 28-October 20

Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.,

Sundays 1-5 p.m.

Apple Fest

The Community Orchard will celebrate the 39th anniversary of Apple Fest this year with thousands coming from across the Midwest to visit the orchard and Fort Dodge area.

The popular Apple Fest will be held Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

“We know how much it means to the community to have fun fall activities to do with the family,” said Emily Stucky, co-owner at the Orchard. “We love seeing the smiles it puts on everyone’s faces.”

Stucky estimates that more than 10,000 customers come annually to the Orchard to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Apple Fest.

Apple Fest will include the popular pumpkin patch, corn maze and wagon rides. The petting zoo will be open on Sundays and live music on Saturdays. The popular Back 40 Playground, the Apple Orchard Cafe, and the Apple Attic will also be open with a variety of homemade apple pies, dumplings, ciders, and apple juices available for visitors to enjoy.

Apple Fest

Community Orchard,

237 160th Street, Fort Dodge

October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19,

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pumpkins and Ponies

The 20th annual Pumpkins and Ponies will also be held at SpringVale Farm in Humboldt on Oct. 11-12.

The annual festival will offer a chance to pick a pumpkin and ride a pony. A petting zoo and covered wagon rides are also scheduled for the festival near Humboldt.

“It’s a harvest of smiles,” said Lonnie Larson, whose family has hosted Pumpkins and Ponies for two decades.

This year, a special U.S. Veterans Mounted Drill team from Wildwood Hills Ranch will also make an appearance at SpringVale Farm. The team will perform on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 at noon.

Pumpkins and Ponies will also include live music from the Nedd Freeley Funn Band on Saturday and from Bad to the Bone on Sunday.

The festival will also include a demonstration of vintage gas engines and corn shelling as well as visits from the Des Moines River Valley Antique Tractor and Engine Club, potentially with a plowing contest if weather permits.

The weekend festival includes free admission and parking and also includes many free activities and attractions, as well as vendors on-site.

Pumpkins and Ponies

Springvale Farm,

2603 Lone Tree Road, Humboldt

October 11

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,

October 12

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.