This week in Madison County…
Volunteer Opportunities
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
Stitch-In at the Museum
Thursday • September 10 • 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Iowa Quilt Museum
The Asphalt Jungle
Thursday • September 10 • 7:00 pm
Throwback Thursday at The Iowa Theater
1/2 off popcorn on Throwback Thursday!
After a criminal is released from jail, he decides to steal precious jewellery with the help of a lawyer and a few other men. Even though they commit the heist successfully, they fall into trouble. 1950, Rated PG, 1hr 52min
Dark Sky Photography Workshop
Thursday • September 10 • 7:30-10:00 pm
Madison County Conservation Center
Thank you to our sponsors!
Click on ads to learn more.
This Week!
Senior Speaker Series: Iowa’s Lost History on the Titanic
Friday • September 11 • 10:00 am
Bricker Price Block, Earlham
Fridays on the Farm
Friday • September 11 • 5:00-9:00 pm
Speckled Hen Farms
Join us this Friday at Speckled Hen Farms for the last Fridays at The Farm of the 2026 season!
Farm store opens at 5pm
Music by Willie Mac and The Lost Cousins from 6-9
Food by Harvest Market
Covered Bridges Wine by the bottle and Cider from Winterset Cidery will be available for purchase in the farm store, or you are welcome to BYOB.
$5/ cover charge. Bring a chair, relax and chill out to the fresh farm vibes.
Movie at The Iowa Theater: Coyote vs. Acme
- Friday, September 11 – 7:00PM
- Saturday, September 12 – 7:00PM
- Sunday, September 13 – 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
September at Bit of a Stretch
Month of September
Bit of a Stretch Yoga & Wellness
106 E Main St, St. Charles
September is bringing even more ways to move, recover, connect, and feel better at Bit of a Stretch Yoga & Wellness.
Join us for our regular weekly Flow, Sculpt, Barre, and Chair classes, plus Monday evening Flow/Restore with Haley. Can’t make it into the studio? Our new on-demand online video library lets you practice wherever life takes you.
New to the studio? Start with your first week of daytime classes for just $25. Prefer to drop in? Non-members are always welcome for $20 per class, including Monday evenings.
September also brings two special experiences: The Gathering: Chapter One, Coming Back to Yourself on September 15, a women’s evening of connection, reflection, and community, and our Restore Your Nervous System Intensive on September 26, combining education and guided practices designed to help you reset, regulate, and restore.
The Gathering begins at 6:00 PM and includes a special seasonal drink, something delicious to munch on, and a little take-home goodie to continue the experience beyond the evening. The Restore Your Nervous System Intensive begins at 9:00 AM, and participants will leave with take-home tools and goodies to support continued integration after the intensive.
Not a yoga person, or just looking for something a little different? We’ve got you there too. Bit of a Stretch also offers wellness and recovery services, including infrared sauna, lymphatic compression, Zyto scanning, and other supportive wellness options designed to help you recover, recharge, and feel better in your body.
New faces are always welcome. Scan the QR code on the flyer or jump on our website to explore classes, memberships, wellness services, events, and registration.
https://www.bitofastretchwellness.com
Address: 106 E Main St, St. Charles
It’s a GREAT day to be a Citizen—
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This Weekend!
Madison County Farmers Market
Saturday • September 5 • 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!
LifeServe Blood Drive at Farmer’s Market
Saturday • September 12 • 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Madison County Courthouse Lawn
Apples & Art Interactive Activity
Saturday • September 12 • 8:30-11:30 am
Madison County Farmer’s Market
Apple Shop Hop
Saturday • September 12 • 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Winterset Retail District & Madison County Farmer’s Market
Central Iowa Auto Club Show & Shine
Saturday • September 12 • 4:00-7:00 pm
Winterset Town Square
Thank you to our sponsors!
Click on ads to learn more.
Sip, Sound, Savor – HMS at the Winery
Saturday • September 12 • 5:30-8:00 pm
Covered Bridges Winery
We will be serving up your favorite fare at the Covered Bridges Winery. Concert artist to be released at a later date. We will post updates as we get them. Feast Fare Fans!
Live Music & BBQ
Saturday • September 12 • 6:00-9:00 pm
Big Rack Brew Haus
Stan Mason & Southern Rain Band from 6-9 pm
Come on out to Big Rack for some live music by Stan Mason and Southern Rain Band , great food by White Smoke BBQ, and of course, all of your favorite Big Rack beer on tap and other tasty beverages!
Southern Rain Band plays country and variety mix of dance music around Iowa.
*Lenny Hudson – Lead Guitar/Vocals
*Kim Van Gundy – Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
*Chris Hudson – Keys/Vocals
*Brian Van Gundy – Bass Guitar
*Stan Mason – Drums
$5 cover charge for the band, and cash or Venmo for food.
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1368230452127286/
Madison County Community Music Series: Fred Gazzo Quintet
Sunday • September 13 • 5:30 pm
The Iowa Theater
What’s better than the smooth jazz/swing sound of Fred Gazzo?! How about the full Fred Gazzo QUINTET? Don’t miss your chance to see this live show at The lowa Theater next Sunday. Learn more and grab tickets at https://bit.ly/madcomusicseries
PURCHASE SEASON PASSES HERE
The Madison County Foundation for Community Arts has a fantastic line-up planned for its new Madison County Community Music Series. This inaugural season will bring a vibrant celebration of live music featuring world-class jazz, innovative vocal ensembles, a captivating silent film with live orchestral accompaniment, and the stirring sounds of a premier wind ensembl
“The arts play a vital role in building vibrant communities, and we’re proud to contribute to the cultural life of Madison County through this new series,” said board member Megan Barrett. “By offering affordable and accessible performances, we’re creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike to experience superb music right here in Madison County.”
2026-2027 Season Passes for the Madison County Community Music Series are on sale now for $75, and the passes include four phenomenal performances:
- Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. – Fred Gazzo Quintet at The lowa Theater
- Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 7 p.m. – Vox Infinitus at The Warehouse on 2nd
- Late January/Early February 2027 – The VIVO Chamber Players present Cops and Robbers at The Warehouse on 2nd
- Saturday, April 3, 2027 at 7 p.m. – Capital City Winds at The Warehouse on 2nd
This music series is a project of the Madison County Foundation for Community Arts, an organization whose purpose is to help create a thriving and diverse cultural landscape, and to support the creation and dissemination of artistic work in Winterset and Madison County.
Season passes provide the best value for music lovers and are available now. Single tickets for individual concerts will go on sale on Aug. 10 at 8 a.m. Visit bit.ly/ madcomusicseries for more details and for tickets.
The Madison County Foundation for Community Arts provides support to artists, cultural organizations, and creative industries. Visit madcoarts.org to learn more or to support the mission.
Register for Fall Field Trips
Madison County Conservation
Pammel State Park
Next Week
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/
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
Earlham Splash Pad
Donate & Make a Difference
Earlham, Iowa
It’s a GREAT day to be a Citizen—
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Coming Soon
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.
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 Events
Sunday • September 27 • 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Evergreen & Lily
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.
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
