This week in Madison County…
We need you!!
Many hands make light work, sign up to volunteer today!
Freshen up our Bridges
Madison County has once again received support through the Paint Iowa Beautiful grant program to help purchase paint to freshen up the iconic white exterior of our historic covered bridges!
Each year, it takes 2 crews of roughly 20 volunteers to get the job done and we need your help!
📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Madison County Covered Bridges
Grab your work clothes and join us for a day of giving back while helping preserve one of the things that makes Madison County so special. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA9AF2FA5F5C16-65508828-paint
Covered Bridge Festival 2026
It takes a village to put on a festival of this size and we couldn’t do it without hundreds of volunteers like you!
Please click on the link below to sign up to help – even a couple of hours will go a long way to the success of the festival.
Sign up today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA9AF2FA5F5C16-64802542-2026#/
Tonight
The Misfits
Thursday • September 17 • 7:00 pm
Throwback Thursday at The Iowa Theater
1/2 off popcorn on Throwback Thursday!
When a divorcee meets an older cowboy, they move into his friend’s partially constructed house. As the trio start a business and spend more time together, their lives take an adventurous turn. 1961, Rated NR, 2hr 4min
Thank you to our sponsors!
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This Week!
Senior Speaker Series: Bonnie and Clyde Before and After the Shootout
Friday • September 18 • 10:00 am
Bricker Price Block, Earlham
Thrive Iowa Collective Impact Meeting
Friday • September 18 • 1:00-2:00 pm
The Warehouse on 2nd
Honey Lounge – Fall/Winter Hours
It’s the “ber” months time! We have one more week of being open 7 days a week. Starting Sept 15th we will go to our reduced fall/winter hours that more accommodate traffic flow.
Everything else is still the same – great drinks, easy meals and even better company.
Movie at The Iowa Theater: Coyote vs. Acme
- Friday, September 18 – 7:00PM
- Saturday, September 19 – 7:00PM
- Sunday, September 20 – 2:00PM
When ACME products fail him one too many times in his dogged pursuit of the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote decides to hire a down-on-his-luck lawyer to sue the corporation.
2026 Rated PG, 1hr, 43min
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This Weekend!
Madison County Farmers Market
Saturday • September 19 • 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Madison County Courthouse Lawn
Located in the heart of Winterset, Iowa, the Madison County Farmer’s Market is your go-to destination for fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and a vibrant community experience. Every week, our market brings together farmers, artisans, and small businesses to offer high-quality products straight from the source.
Whether you’re shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh meats, baked treats, or handcrafted treasures, you’ll find something special at our market. Join us in celebrating the best of local agriculture, craftsmanship, and community spirit—we can’t wait to see you there!
Runway on 2nd: Fall into Fashion
Saturday • September 19 • 9:30 am
Warehouse on 2nd
Fly Iowa Festival
Saturday • September 19 • 2:00-9:00 pm
Winterset Municipal Airport
Join us for an unforgettable day of aviation, community, and celebration at the Fly lowa Festival 2026!
Saturday, September 19, 2026 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Winterset Airport (3Y3) – Winterset, lowa
FREE ADMISSION!
Experience the sights and sounds of aviation up close! The festival will feature:
- Military, Vintage and Classic aircraft
- Food & drink vendors
- Local shops and vendors
- Kids activities and family fun
- Fireworks Show at dusk
- Live music And much more!
Calling All Pilots!
Pilots flying in should plan to arrive by 11:30 AM for a special pilot briefing and FAA FAAST Team safety seminar that starts at 12:00PM. Attendees can earn WINGS credit, have a chance to win PRIZES, FREE lunch, and will enjoy early entry to the festival grounds.
Sign up through our website:
https://flyiowa2026.com/faa-faasteam-seminar
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a pilot, or just looking for a fun family outing – this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars and bring your friends for an incredible afternoon and evening celebrating aviation in lowa!
Interested in being a Vendor? Apply online at the link below!
https://flyiowa2026.com/
“Plane Air” Art Event at Fly Iowa
Saturday • September 19 • 2:00-9:00 pm
Winterset Municipal Airport
IT’S A PLANE AIR EVENT!
MAKE ART WITH US AT THE 2026 FLY IOWA FESTIVAL!
Past Winterset Art Center students and local artists of all ages – we want YOU to help represent the Winterset Art Center at the 2026 Fly lowa Festival.
Saturday, September 19 at Winterset Municipal Airport – Hangar 4. Come anytime after 2 PM
Bring your supplies and a lawn chair, then draw, paint, or photograph the airplanes, airport, people, or whatever inspires you!
THEN LET THE PUBLIC PICK THEIR FAVORITE!
Finish your artwork and return it to the Winterset Art Center by October 7th, framed and ready to hang or securely mounted on foam core.
Your artwork will be displayed at the Art Center on Saturday, October 10, during Covered Bridge Festival Weekend, when the public will vote for their favorites.
People’s Choice Awards announced at 4 PM!
$100 first-place prize in EACH age division!
18 & Under | Over 18
No entry fee for the art contest All ages and skill levels welcome
.Come enjoy the airplanes. Get inspired. Make some art. Then let the public choose their favorite!
We’ll see you in Hangar 4!
Evening Under The Stars
Saturday • September 19 • 5:00 pm
Madison County Conservation Center
Live Music & BBQ
Saturday • September 19 • 6:00-9:00 pm
Big Rack Brew Haus
Come on out to Big Rack for some live music by Scott Lemon, great food by White Smoke BBQ, and of course, all of your favorite Big Rack beer on tap and other tasty beverages!
Scott Lemon (S.E. Lemon) is an Iowa artist, singer-songwriter, and vocalist whose work spans alternative rock, experimental music, Americana, and acoustic songwriting. His musical history includes Elsewhere, Yellow 5, and Wreckage of the Modern City, along with regional touring, film work, solo releases, and collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artists. Today, Lemon continues writing, recording, and performing original music alongside reimagined covers.
$5 cover charge for the music, and cash or Venmo for food.
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2139947660276524/
Live Music at the Cidery
Saturday • September 19 • 5:00-8:00 pm
Winterset Cidery
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE CIDERY!
Join us for a fun evening at Winterset Cidery on Saturday, September 19th! We’ll have live music from the JKB Duo from 5-8pm!
We won’t have a food vendor that evening, so grab your favorite carry-out and bring it with you to enjoy at the Cidery!
Gather your friends, bring the family, grab a glass of cider, and settle in for a relaxing evening filled with great music and new memories at the orchard.
Open 1-10pm | Live Music 5-8pm
We can’t wait to spend Saturday evening with you!
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Sunday Winedown
Sunday • September 20 • 2:00-4:00 pm
Covered Bridges Winery
Live music from 2-4PM No Cover charge if you like what you hear please tip the musician.
The Dan Medeiros Project is the creative endeavor of singer-songwriter Dan Medeiros, known for his distinctive blend of alternative and rock music. Born and raised in the suburbs of Toronto, Canada, Dan was immersed in a musical environment from a young age, with a family rich in musical talent.
In March 2012, Dan relocated to Des Moines, lowa, where he established himself as a solo artist within the local music scene. His official debut solo album, “Forever & After,” was released in 2015. Over the next several years, Dan performed over 100 shows annually across the Midwest, captivating audiences with his unique use of 12-string acoustic guitars and a vocal range that transitions seamlessly from soft and haunting to gritty and powerful.
On March 10, 2024, Dan released his debut single and music video, “DREAMS,” produced in collaboration with Misha Olson at Speed of Sound in Des Moines. The song achieved significant acclaim, winning “Best Music Video” and “Best Inspirational Song” at the 3rd Annual lowa Music Awards. The music video, directed by Dan himself, was also highlighted among the best lowa music videos of 2024 by Iowa Public Radio.
Sunday Funday at the Cidery
Sunday • September 20 • 2:00-5:00 pm
Winterset Cidery
SUNDAY FUNDAY AT THE CIDERY!
Join us at the Cidery on Sunday, September 20th for an afternoon full of great music, delicious food, refreshing cider, and memories made with the people you love!
Live Music by Corey Jamison
14 Sunday, September 20th 02-5 PM
Cidery Open 1-6 PM
Food by Hammer and a Fork
Come hungry and thirsty, stay for the music, and leave happy, full, and with a few new memories!
We’ll see you at the orchard!
No Other Choice
Sunday • September 20 • 5:30 pm
Sunday Movie Club at The Iowa Theater
The lowa Theater’s Sunday Movie Club selection for August is the 2025 film “No Other Choice.” Doors and the concession stand open at PM. The movie starts at 5:30. Total run time is 2 hours, 19 minutes.
When a happy family man is dismissed after twenty-five years of loyal service at a paper company, he finds the perfect solution to land his next role: truly eliminate the competition.
“No Other Choice” is an audience and critic favorite and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with 93% of viewers rating it positively.
Sunday Movie Club is the lowa Theater’s once-a-month series of slightly off-the-beaten path, thought-provoking films. The screenings include a short, fun, moderated (and optional) discussion after the credits roll.
Join Sunday Movie Club any time to see exciting films at an exceptional value: only $75 for a year’s worth of critically-acclaimed movies. Nonmembers are always welcome for Movie Club screenings and discussion; individual tickets are $10. To join or learn more visit www.the-iowa.com/club or talk with a staff member during showtimes.
Next month, we’ll show “The Christophers,” about a celebrated artist who befriends an unlikely figure: the would-be forger hired by the artist’s children in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance.
Concession-stand offerings at The lowa include beer, wine, Coke products, coffee, movie candies, and delicious lowa-grown popcorn served with real butter.
Earlham Splash Pad
Donate & Make a Difference
Earlham, Iowa
Next Week
Women’s Giving Circle: 3rd Quarter Meeting
Tuesday • September 22 • 6:00-7:00 pm
Union State Bank Community Room
Madison County Women’s Giving Circle 3rd quarter meeting will be held September 22nd at Union State Bank Community Room, 611 West Hwy 92, Winterset.
The no-more-than-1-hour meeting will start at 6:00 pm and end at 7:00 pm.
You may come at 5:30 pm if you wish to socialize before the meeting.
Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the organization is welcome to attend. Local charitable 501(C)(3)tax-exempt organizations who wish to present information about their projects for supporting women and children in Madison County should arrive by 5:30 pm. to register. We ask that applicants, during registering to present, provide a brief description of their project; their tax-exempt status; and email address and telephone number where they may be reached. Three organizations will be selected (by a drawing) to present at the meeting. Each will be allowed 4 minutes to present and 4 minutes to answer questions. One of the three non-profits will then be elected by vote to receive this quarter’s donations. If more than 3 non-profits wish to present, the remainder will each have 2 minutes to tell us about their project.
Racktoberfest at Big Rack
Saturday • September 26 • 1:00-10:00 pm
Big Rack Brew Haus
It’s our 6th Annual Racktoberfest! Saturday, Sept 26. Open 1–10pm
White Smoke BBQ serving up great food
Games & prizes
Big Rack Racktoberfest on tap (of course!)
Music by Black Dirt Ramblers 6-9pm
More details coming soon…mark your calendars now! You don’t want to miss this event!
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2020349878611079/
It’s a GREAT day to be a Citizen—
Thank you for reading!
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Plant Share & Sale
Saturday • September 26 • 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Winterset Public Library
Bingo Bites & Autumn Delights
Saturday • September 26 • 2:00 pm
Homestead Assisted Living, Osceola
Madison County Fall Crawl
Sunday • September 27 • 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Madison County, Iowa
The Madison County Fall Crawl is a small, local event near Winterset, IA that takes place on the last Sunday in September.
Take a drive with friends around Madison County to see 15 small local businesses in their rural setting. There are a few stops along the crawl that have normal business hours where you can grab a glass of coffee, wine, cider, beer, or a bite to eat.
The fall crawl is a free event for the entire family, with lots of fun things to do with live music, kid’s activities, 80+ vendors and food trucks. Earliest businesses opening at 9am. Varies by stop location.
Big Rack will be open 11am – 5pm and have Dog Town Gourmet Hotdogs, plus Big Rack beer on tap, of course!
Find more info here!
Evergreen & Lily: Fall Open House
Sunday • September 27 • 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Evergreen & Lily
Iowa: and the Broken Circle
Sunday • September 27 • 5:30 pm
at The Iowa Theater
Followed by a discussion with director Charlie Morris!
Iowa: and the Broken Circle is a documentary film made by Iowa City local, Charlie Morris, and a part of The Iowa Prairie Documentary Project. This movie explores the story of the land we call Iowa, tackling tough questions like why most of us don’t swim in the water any longer and why so many of us are getting cancer. It’s also a spotlight on the beauty of Iowa, land restoration, and how easily we could be doing the right thing. 2026, Rated NR, 1hr 30min
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Coming Soon
Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure: Season Premiere Launch Party!
Saturday • October 2 • 2:00 pm
Winterset Public Library
Hotter Than Hell Beef Stick Eating Competition
Sunday • October 3 • 4:00-6:00 pm
Wagner Locker
2026 Covered Bridge Festival
Saturday • October 10 • 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Sunday • October 11 • 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Winterset Town Square
Please join us in Madison County, Iowa, for the 2026 Madison County Covered Bridge Festival! Saturday, October 10th, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday, October 11th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (parade starts at 3:00). Every second full weekend in October since 1970, the Winterset courthouse square fills with over 140 food, and arts and crafts vendors, continuous live music, children’s activities, and much more. Don’t miss Madison County’s signature annual event! $3.00 at the gate only! Children 11 & under are free.
Decades on the Orchard
Saturday • October 17 • 5:00-11:00 pm
Winterset Cidery
Get ready to rewind. For one day only, we’re taking over the orchard with nonstop music from the 60s through the 2000s. Winterset, lowa becomes the soundtrack of every era you love.
From classic rock to 90s alt to early-2000s emo anthems, each set is crafted to take you back!
Live on stage:
- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
- Not Quite Brothers
- Emo Kids
Plus: - local vendors
- Food trucks serving up delicious eats
- Craft ciders, beer, and ice-cold beverages from lowa brewers Bring your crew, your blankets, and your love for every decade.
Spread out under the open sky, wander the orchard paths, or post up near the stage!
Unfiltered Events is creating a place to connect, celebrate, and feel rooted.
Tickets on sale now.
Trick or Treat Around the Square
Friday • October 30 • 3:30-5:00 pm
Winterset Town Square
🎃 Downtown Trick-or-Treating is Coming! 👻
In partnership with the City of Winterset, we’re excited to welcome families downtown for an afternoon of Halloween fun!
Friday, October 30th – 3:30–5:00 PM
Downtown Merchants: If you would like to participate, please plan to set up outside your front door to hand out treats during the event.
REMINDER: We will not be placing participation decals in business windows. Setting up outside will make it easy for families to see which businesses are participating as they make their way around downtown. If you are NOT located on the downtown square but would like to participate, reach out to the chamber and we will help find an available location for you.
We’re looking forward to a fun afternoon of costumes, treats, and community in Downtown Winterset!
Chamber Members: We would love to include your upcoming events in the weekly snapshot, Chamber Chat and The Citizen.
Chamber Chat is great for business-to-business communication, while The Citizen is the perfect way to reach the wider community! To ensure you get included, please email your event information to: communications@madisoncounty.com
