Gov. Kim Reynolds announces America's Harvest Festival, celebrating America 250
Iowa will host "America's Harvest Festival" this fall, celebrating America 250 and the state's role in shaping the nation, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday morning.
The event will take place on the state Capitol grounds on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 p.m. to dusk. It will be free of charge and open to everyone, with hands-on experiences, historical reenactments, vendors with products made in Iowa, live entertainment and food.
“The event will bring to life the people, innovations and agricultural achievements that have made our state essential to the country's independence, strength and prosperity,” Reynolds said.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announces the “America’s Harvest Festival,” the “signature event” in Iowa’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, during a press conference at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The event, which will take place on the Iowa Capitol Complex and will highlight Iowa’s contributions to agriculture and military service, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 1 p.m. to dusk.
Reynolds said she hopes the event will be as big as Yankee Doodle Pops, a celebration at the Capitol for the Fourth of July. Reynolds said the event will educate and celebrate Iowa’s history in both agriculture and military service.
“It honors generations of families who are deeply connected to our land and their legacy and care for it,” Reynolds said. “It connects our past to a future, even greater innovation and impact through our leadership and agricultural research and development, renewable fuels, and cutting-edge biomanufacturing that will inspire the next generation of Iowans.”
The event was planned as a result of the America 250 Iowa Task Force. The task force was in charge of planning the state's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
"America 250 is more than just one day, and that's what we're announcing today. It's really a year-long celebration, an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, celebrate our communities, and recognize people and continue to make America strong,” said Mike Naig, Iowa secretary of agriculture.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announces “America’s Harvest Festival,” the “signature event” in Iowa’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, during a Wednesday news conference at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines. The event will be Oct. 24, from 1 p.m. to dusk, at the Iowa Capitol Complex and will highlight Iowa’s contributions to agriculture and military service.
Naig said that Iowa has played a significant role in the story of American agriculture.
“Food security is national security, and has been from the beginning. Many of our farmers were some of the first defenders and protectors of this country, and for the last 250 years, farmers have fed and fueled and sustained this nation, producing the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world,” he said.
Hy-Vee is among the event's sponsors.
“When it comes to agriculture, it's been said already here this morning, no place has been more essential than the great state of Iowa. Iowa farmers have been leaders in feeding the world, thanks to our natural resources and the enduring work ethic of our farmers,” said Aaron Wiese, president of Hy-Vee.
The event is planned to coincide with harvest season to drive home the importance of agriculture in the state.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds talks to reporters at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
“Harvest is a season that reminds us to pause and reflect with gratitude for the bounty of the land, for the resilience of our farmers, and for the communities that come together to support one another throughout the year,” said Elias Johnson, Fareway's VP of corporate outreach and communications.
Reynolds said the festival is a good bookend to a year-long celebration of the country’s anniversary, and that she hopes people will decide to spend the entire day on Oct. 24 in Des Moines, not just the afternoon at the festival.
