Fall Events + Festivals to Experience
Autumn in Amana, you’ll remember it for a long time to come
Autumn is a special time of year in the Amana Colonies. As the weather turns just a little cooler and the leaves begin to change the landscape transforms into a painter’s palette of multiple shades of yellow, red, green, and brown. The farmers are in the fields harvesting and the villages are decorated with mums, straw bales, and corn stocks as September turns into October. If you arrive at this point in the year you’ll be tempted to take a walk on our nature trail or a stroll down our streets. There may be no more beautiful time of year in the Amana Colonies than autumn.
- Fresh Paint
Fresh Paint brings 40 some artist to the seven villages to paint original creations of Amana landscapes. Painters dot the villages and roadways capturing the beauty of the Colonies for several days and then exhibit and sell their works at a gala dinner. If you love regional art this is a must attend. - Festival of Iowa Beers
The Festival of Iowa Beers is hosted by Millstream Brewing and if you are a micro-brew fan this is not to be missed. Admission to this event puts you in an “all you care to sample” beer festival featuring more than 40 Iowa breweries. What a great chance to sample all types of beer styles from the classic to the crazy. Attendance is limited so plan ahead. - Apfelfest
Mid-September sees one of our mini-festivals, Apfelfest (German for Applefest). This is a relaxing event that features a sampling stroll of apple-inspired treats to taste and one lucky visitor will receive some gift certificates just for tasting the offerings. Fresh apples are available for sale and apple dishes are featured at the local restaurants. Remember how good a caramel apple tastes? Come to the Colonies for Apfelfest and you can have a bite for yourself. - Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the Amana Colonies and for many visitors, it means an annual trip to Amana to experience the authentic German culture like few cities can offer. A century-old barn is re-purposed as a festival hall and classic German music plays well into the night. The brats are frying on the grill and the beer is flowing from the taps as locals and visitors party together in a great atmosphere. The official keg tapping really starts the event on Friday afternoon and the local Colony talent takes the stage that night. Bands from around the Midwest perform the next two days and everyone has that German Beer Garden spirit. You won’t find this many people wearing lederhosen and dirndls outside of Bavaria. So if you have them, wear them, you’ll feel right at home. We believe to get any more authentic you’ll have to hop a plane to Munich. - Girls Getaway Weekend
Before the fall gives way to the holiday season one final event is held the first weekend in November; Girls Getaway Weekend. It’s a time for the ladies to get away to relax, shop, taste wines, and rejuvenate before the craziness of the holiday season. Many of the shops have specials. Food tastings and live theater are on the list of activities. It’s the perfect time to unwind and it’s not just for the ladies, men are welcomed too.
