A beloved Northeast Iowa tradition is entering a new season—literally.
Art in the Park Fine Art Festival will return to Elkader on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., welcoming artists, art lovers, families and visitors to downtown Elkader for a weekend of celebrating creativity, community and all that makes the Driftless Region special.
After 11 years of gathering in the heat of August, the volunteer-led Art in the Park committee decided year 12 (2026) was the time to move the festival to October, embracing one of the most beautiful times of the year in Northeast Iowa.
This year’s festival features 50 local and regional artists showcasing a wide variety of fine art and handmade work, including painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, woodworking, glass and more.
Visitors will also have opportunities to watch live art demonstrations, including a first-time caricature artist. Enjoy a ceramics workshop provided by Guttenberg Gallery and Creativity Center Art by the river on Saturday of the festival, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For the first time this year, Art in the Park will feature the Concours D’Elegance Art of the Automobile Car Show, bringing a unique collection of beautifully crafted automobiles to the festival experience.
Beyond the art, visitors can enjoy a full weekend of live music, local food, youth activities, wellness experiences and more.
The 2026 music line-up includes Yesterday’s Outfit, Simon Cropp, Marques Morel, Patsy and the Plum Street Jam on Saturday and Sophia Landis, Before I Met You and Hill Williams Band on Sunday.
Food and drink lovers will have plenty to enjoy with local culinary vendors serving up BBQ, stir fry, tacos, pizza, ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade, local cider, donuts and coffee. The festival is especially excited to welcome Shihata’s Orchard of Prairie du Chien, Wis., for the first time this year, along with two of Elkader’s own local restaurants who will serve food during the event.
Art in the Park will also offer opportunities to experience creativity and wellness in a different way. Featured demonstrations and experiences include a Drum Iowa demonstration Saturday at 10 a.m., Yoga by Wild Sage Yoga Sunday at 9 a.m. and sound healing by Choose You Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
The new October dates create an exciting opportunity for visitors to experience several events and attractions in Elkader during one especially lively fall weekend. The Wild Driftless Adventure Race will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, along with youth soccer tournaments that morning. With visitors coming into town for these events, Art in the Park organizers expect an extra energetic weekend in Elkader.
“There will be a lot happening in Elkader on this beautiful fall weekend and we think that’s something to celebrate,” said Ashley Althoff, Art in the Park Co-Chair. “We’re excited to welcome all of the extra guests. There is plenty of parking throughout town, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Art in the Park along with everything else happening in the community.”
“We’ve always been about more than the artwork,” Althoff continued. “It’s about bringing people together, supporting artists, celebrating this wonderful community and giving people a reason to slow down and enjoy a weekend in Elkader. We think October gives us a wonderful opportunity to build on that tradition.”
The festival is free and open to the public, with something for visitors of all ages throughout the weekend.
Sponsors, volunteers, artists, local businesses and community partners make Art in the Park possible each year. The committee is especially grateful to this year’s main event sponsors, American Family Insurance - Julie Doeppke, agent, and Iowa Economic Development: National Endowment for the Arts.
The committee encourages visitors to come experience the festival, explore Elkader, support the participating artists and local businesses and enjoy the beauty and energy of Northeast Iowa in the fall.
For more information, visit artintheparkelkader.com or follow Art in the Park on Facebook/Instagram @artintheparkelkader.
