The Des Moines festival runs Sept. 18–19, with a 10 a.m. Saturday parade, live music, family activities, food vendors and limited neighborhood parking.
By Hola Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Beaverdale Fall Festival returns Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18–19, with free admission, live music, a carnival, food vendors and family activities. The annual parade will also return to the Des Moines neighborhood.
The festival runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Most activities will take place along Beaver Avenue and Urbandale Avenue in downtown Beaverdale.
The festival is free to enter. However, some carnival activities, competitions and other events charge a fee or require registration.
Friday opens with Car Night, food vendors and live music
Friday evening starts with Car Night, food vendors and live performances across the festival grounds.
Car Night will feature classic, muscle and other unique vehicles. In addition, a new activity called Beaverdale: Brick by Brick will invite visitors to help build a large mosaic-style mural with colorful LEGO-style bricks.
Live music begins Friday evening on several stages. Rhythmic Rewind Band and Ducharme-Jones are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Other performances will continue through the night.
The Beaverdale parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday
The main parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Beaver Avenue and Euclid Avenue.
From there, the parade travels south for about one mile on Beaver Avenue. It ends at Allison Avenue.
Before the main parade, the dog parade begins at 9:15 a.m. This year’s theme is “Bark to the Beat,” which connects with the festival’s broader Beats & Bites theme.
The main parade will go on in rain. However, severe or dangerous weather could delay or cancel it.
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Saturday adds a carnival, family activities and a new BBQ contest
Saturday begins with the Backyard BBQ Cook-Off at 8 a.m. Then, market vendors, the carnival and more festival activities begin at 9 a.m.
The carnival will operate behind Christopher’s. Families can also find a free scavenger hunt, story time, face painting, inflatable rides and obstacles. The schedule also includes a sidewalk chalk contest and activities from the Des Moines Children’s Museum.
The festival added the Backyard BBQ Cook-Off for 2026. The Iowa Barbecue Society sanctions the competition.
People’s Choice sampling runs from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. A limited tasting wristband costs $20. It includes competition samples, a side and the chance to vote. Guests must be 21 or older with valid identification to receive alcohol included with the wristband.
Neighborhood parking will be limited during the festival
The festival area follows Beaver Avenue and Urbandale Avenue between Beaver Crest Drive to the south and Adams Avenue to the north.
Visitors can park on side streets throughout the Beaverdale neighborhood. However, organizers expect limited space during the festival.
Another option is DART Route 5, which serves the festival area. Visitors can park at Merle Hay Mall and take the bus to Beaverdale. Routes and schedules can change, so current service information is available through DART.
Visitors can also reach the area by bicycle through the Inter-Urban Trail and bike lanes along Beaver Avenue.
The festival is free, but food and some activities cost extra
General admission is free. However, visitors may need to pay for food, carnival activities and certain competitions.
The official beer and merchandise tents accept cards instead of cash. Other vendors may accept cash, cards or both. ATMs will also be available on the festival grounds.
The full 2026 schedule, festival map and transportation information are available through the Beaverdale Fall Festival website.
The festival continues until 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.
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