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.. - 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.
NUTCRACKER SCAVENGER HUNT AT ACKERMAN WINERY
Ackerman Winery 4406 220th Trail, Amana, IA, United StatesJoin us at Ackerman Winery for some good old fashioned family FUN! November 24 - December 23, we will be having a Nutcracker Scavenger Hunt. Find 18 of the 36…
Prelude to Christmas, Dec 1-3, 2023
Join us Dec 1st-3rd for our 38th Prelude to Christmas celebration. Enjoy candlelit streets, the beautiful Tannenbaum Forest, great shopping for unique gifts, and our delicious food all in a…
CHRISTMAS PRELUDE FUN AT ACKERMAN WINERY
Ackerman Winery 4406 220th Trail, Amana, IA, United StatesIt's the most wonderful time of the year! There'll be parties for hosting and fruit wine for toasting, so be of good cheer! Join us at Ackerman Winery December 1-3,…
Tannenbaum Forest – Each Weekend Nov 24-Dec 17
This is a weekend must-do holiday event. Tannenbaum Forest has become a holiday tradition for many of our visitors. Come see the twinkling lights of over 70 decorated real Christmas…
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at The Amana Performing Arts Center
The Amana Performing Arts Center 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA, United StatesThis beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage,…
Amana Arts Guild’s Holiday Haus Tour
Tour new and historic Amana homes, all festively decorated for the holidays.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at The Amana Performing Arts Center
The Amana Performing Arts Center 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA, United StatesThis beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage,…
Live Music by Lojo Russo
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesJoin us for wine, music and friendship. Along with our delicious wine, we encourage you to try an appetizer or two.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at The Amana Performing Arts Center
The Amana Performing Arts Center 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA, United StatesThis beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage,…
Tannenbaum Forest – Each Weekend Nov 24-Dec 17
This is a weekend must-do holiday event. Tannenbaum Forest has become a holiday tradition for many of our visitors. Come see the twinkling lights of over 70 decorated real Christmas…
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at The Amana Performing Arts Center
The Amana Performing Arts Center 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA, United StatesThis beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage,…
Ackerman | Fireside Winery Production Tour
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesJoin us for a guided tour of our production facility. Get insider tastings & pairings while learning about the winemaking process. Each tour will take about an hour. After the…
