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6 Annual Festivals That Make Iowa a Top Foodie Destination
How much do you know about Iowa? If you’re a little fuzzy on what makes this one of the coolest states in the country, we’ve got you covered. Iowa consistently ranks at the top in the country for production of corn and oats, one of their residents invented sliced bread, and they are home to the world’s largest strawberry. If that’s not enough to inspire you to visit the Hawkeye State, maybe these first-rate Iowa food festivals will.
World Food & Music Festival
Des Moines
The International Festival & Events Association named the World Food & Music Festival the “Best Food and Beverage Program” in 2017. Visitors can savor dishes from all around the globe, listen to live musical performances, attend cooking demonstrations and sample all kinds of wine and craft beers in a lively atmosphere full of foodies. The icing on the cake is that event admission is free. What’s not to love about that?
See more: Iowa’s Top 10 Ag Products (Infographic)
Swine Festival
Ankeny
If you tell people you’re headed out for the annual Swine Festival, you might get some raised eyebrows. But trust us when we say you will have zero regrets after attending this delicious shindig. The event tagline, “Where Cork Meets Pork,” is reason enough to put this one on your foodie bucket list. Of course, if you enjoy sampling decadent pork dishes paired with some of the finest wine around, you’re guaranteed to leave this event with a full and satisfied belly.
Ice Cream Days
Le Mars
If the idea of a festival dedicated entirely to ice cream doesn’t make you smile, we don’t know what will. Ice Cream Days is a summer tradition among the people in Le Mars, which is home to the famous Blue Bunny. Need another reason to add this delicious Iowa food festival to your list? More ice cream is made in Le Mars than any other single location in the world. With accolades like that, you know they have to be doing something right!
See more: Iowa’s Top 10 Ag Products (Infographic)
WinterFest
Amana
By the time January rolls around, most of us just want to find some way to get out of the house. What better way to celebrate the beginning of a new year and shake off those winter blues than to attend WinterFest in Amana? This festival features indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. From fun-filled events for the children to a wine walk and 5-course food and wine pairing meal, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy at this top-notch event.
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Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
Des Moines
We’d just like to point out that the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is hailed as the “mecca of all bacon festivals,” which means you really can’t miss out on this one. The Iowa Bacon Board hosts this festival, offering visitors opportunities to taste bacon samples, listen to bacon lectures, discover all kinds of bacon-inspired meals, and join their fellow bacon lover buddies for the annual bacon queen pageant and various other bacon-related competitions and awards. In short, if you like bacon, you’ve got to be here when winter rolls around.
See more: 6 Unexpected Cities That Are Leading the Hyper-Local Food Movement
Lazy River Beer & Wine Festival
Marquette
Full to the brim with handcrafted wine from local wineries and craft beers from around the region, the Lazy River Beer & Wine Festival lives up to its name. You can expect to find food from a number of different vendors, listen to live music along the Marquette Riverfront and sample enough drinks to last a lifetime. Considered a must-visit summer event for residents and tourists alike, this is one Iowa food festival you don’t want to miss.