A Scott County fall festival, Honeycrisp Weekend, free live music in Des Moines, an Altoona car show and IMCA racing in Boone are scheduled for Labor Day.
Iowa still has several events scheduled for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, including a fall festival near the Quad Cities, apple picking in Iowa City, free live music in Des Moines and the opening day of one of the state’s largest racing events.
The options range from a $2 historical festival in Scott County to the first day of the IMCA Super Nationals in Boone. Meanwhile, Des Moines-area activities include live music at Confluence Brewing Company and a car show in Altoona that supports veterans and their families.
Most of the events run during the daytime, while the racing program in Boone continues into the afternoon. Because times, locations and admission details vary, each stop offers a different way to spend the holiday.
| Labor Day event | City | Monday hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Village Fall Festival | Long Grove | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Honeycrisp Weekend | Iowa City | 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Labor Day Weekend Patio Fest | Des Moines | Music from noon–6 p.m. |
| Red, White & Blue Car Show | Altoona | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| IMCA Super Nationals | Boone | First race at 2 p.m. |
Pioneer Village Fall Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Scott County
The Labor Day Weekend Fall Festival continues Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, 18817 290th St. in Long Grove.
Admission costs $2 for adults and $1 for children, while children younger than 5 enter free.
During the festival, visitors can find demonstrations of old-world crafts, blacksmithing, food and craft vendors, ice cream and other activities throughout the reconstructed 19th-century village.
For Quad Cities residents, the event is also one of the closest Labor Day activities on this list. Scott County has the full Pioneer Village festival schedule and admission information.
Honeycrisp Weekend continues Monday at Wilson’s Orchard in Iowa City
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, 4823 Dingleberry Road NE in Iowa City, will continue Honeycrisp Weekend through Labor Day.
The Iowa City farm lists special Labor Day hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Throughout the day, activities include Honeycrisp apples, caramel apples, fresh-pressed cider, cut flowers, children’s activities and seasonal food.
However, apple availability may vary. A late spring frost reduced parts of the Iowa City crop this year, and some varieties may sell out or become limited as visitors arrive.
For current crop and activity information, the farm can be reached at 319-354-5651.
Confluence Brewing Company has free live music from noon to 6 p.m.
Labor Day Weekend Patio Fest will finish its four-day run Monday at Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road in Des Moines.
There is no cover charge or ticket requirement. Casey Joe Collins will perform from noon to 2:30 p.m., followed by The Carousel Duo from 3 to 6 p.m.
In addition, the taproom will operate on special Labor Day hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Altoona’s Labor Day car show runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The 6th Annual Red, White & Blue Car Show will run Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW in Altoona.
American Legion Post 682 organizes the event, which includes cars, music, food and a 50/50 raffle. At the same time, proceeds from the event support veterans, veterans’ families and veteran programs.
People interested in registering a vehicle can contact Rick Beenen at 515-707-8535.
IMCA Super Nationals begins Monday at Boone Speedway
For racing fans, Labor Day marks the opening day of the 2026 IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals Fueled by Casey’s at Boone Speedway, 1481 223rd Place in Boone.
The pit gate opens at 9 a.m., registration runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the first race is scheduled for 2 p.m.. Monday’s program includes a complete Sunoco Late Models show and qualifying for Northern SportMods and Hobby Stocks.
Grandstand admission costs $20 for adults 18 and older and $10 for children ages 6 through 17. Pit passes cost $40.
In addition, minors 17 and younger need a notarized release to enter the pit area. IMCA notes that race times are approximate and may change as needed.
The Super Nationals continue through Saturday, Sept. 12. Monday, however, is the first day of the main six-day event.
Related: Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 events in Iowa and Nebraska
The first Labor Day activity on this list begins at 8 a.m. Monday in Altoona. Later in the day, the Scott County festival opens at 11 a.m., free music starts at noon in Des Moines and racing begins at 2 p.m. in Boone.
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