Attend a summer festival in Okoboji

Attend a summer festival in Okoboji

Okoboji, Iowa is a beautiful destination in the summer months, known for its sparkling blue lakes, lush greenery, and exciting events. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Okoboji during the summer, but attending one of its many summer festivals is definitely one of the highlights. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top summer festivals in Okoboji that you won’t want to miss.

Okoboji Blue Water Festival:

This festival takes place every year in August and celebrates the beautiful blue waters of Okoboji. The festival includes live music, a beer garden, local food vendors, and educational exhibits about water conservation and lake preservation. There is also a “Clean Lake Challenge” event where volunteers come together to clean up the lake and surrounding areas.

Lakes Area Farmers Market:

The Lakes Area Farmers Market is a popular event in Okoboji that takes place every Saturday morning from May through September. The market features local farmers, artists, and food vendors, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and artisan crafts.

University of Okoboji Winter Games:

Although this event takes place in January, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Okoboji during the summer. The University of Okoboji Winter Games is a weekend-long event featuring winter sports, including broomball, flag football, and curling. There are also live music performances and a beer garden.

Okoboji Summer Theatre:

The Okoboji Summer Theatre is a beloved tradition in the area, running from June through August. The theatre hosts a variety of performances, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. The shows take place in the beautiful roofed amphitheater at Arnold’s Park.

Arts on Grand:

Arts on Grand is a non-profit arts organization in Spencer, Iowa, just a short drive from Okoboji. The organization hosts a variety of art exhibits, performances, and workshops throughout the year. In the summer, Arts on Grand hosts an outdoor art fair featuring local artists, food vendors, and live music.

Iowa Great Lakes Triathlon:

The Iowa Great Lakes Triathlon is a challenging event that takes place every August in Okoboji. The triathlon includes a 500-meter swim in West Okoboji Lake, a 15-mile bike ride through the surrounding countryside, and a 5K run. Spectators can watch the athletes compete and enjoy the post-race party.

Dickinson County Fair:

The Dickinson County Fair is a beloved tradition in Okoboji, taking place every August. The fair features carnival rides, games, and a variety of fair food vendors. There are also livestock shows, tractor pulls, and live music performances.

Lakeside Jazz and Blues Festival:

The Lakeside Jazz and Blues Festival is a two-day event that takes place in Arnolds Park in June. The festival features live jazz and blues music performances, local food vendors, and a beer garden.

Milford Pioneer Days:

Milford Pioneer Days is a four-day event that takes place in Milford, Iowa, just a short drive from Okoboji. The festival features a parade, a car show, a talent show, and a street dance. There are also carnival rides, games, and food vendors.

Queen’s Court Weekend:

Queen’s Court Weekend is an annual event that takes place in August at Arnolds Park. The weekend features a parade, a beauty pageant, and a coronation ceremony for the queen of the lakes. There are also live music performances and a fireworks show.

In conclusion, Okoboji is a fantastic destination for summer fun, with plenty of festivals and events to choose from. Whether you’re interested in live music, sports, or arts and culture