This week in Madison County…
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
Many hands make light work. Sign up to volunteer for Covered Bridge Festival today!
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 Monuments Men
Thursday • October 1 • 7:00 pm
Throwback Thursday at The Iowa Theater
1/2 off popcorn on Throwback Thursday!
During World War II, the Nazis steal countless pieces of art and hide them away. Some over-the-hill art scholars, historians, architects and other experts form a unit to retrieve as many of the stolen masterpieces as possible. The mission becomes even more urgent when the team learns about Hitler’s “Nero Decree,” which orders destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich falls. Caught in a race against time, the men risk their lives to protect some of mankind’s greatest achievements. 2014, Rated PG-13, 1hr 58min
Thank you to our sponsors!
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This Week!
Senior Speaker Series
Friday • October 2 • 10:00 am
Bricker Price Block, Earlham
Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure: Season Premiere Launch Party!
Friday • October 2 • 2:00 pm
Winterset Public Library
Warehouse Trivia Night
Friday • October 2 • 6:00 pm
Warehouse on 2nd
Think you’ve got what it takes? Let’s put that big ol’ brain to work! e Join us for TRIVIA NIGHT at The Warehouse on 2nd on Friday, October 2!
Doors open at 6 PM
Trivia starts at 7 PM
& Teams of up to 6
NO COVER for trivia!
And because thinking makes us hungry…
SMASH BURGERS will be available
Drink specials all night!
Trivia categories include:
PokémonTV, Game Shows, Wordle, Medieval Song Parodies
Grab your smartest friends, your nerdiest friends, and that one person who somehow knows everything about everything.
Tag your trivia team and we’ll see you Friday!
Movie at The Iowa Theater: Practical Magic 2
- Friday, October 2 – 7:00PM
- Saturday, October 3 – 7:00PM
- Sunday, October 4 – 2:00PM
Two witches must confront the dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all.
2026 Rated PG-13, 2hr, 10min
It’s a GREAT day to be a Citizen—
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This Weekend!
Madison County Farmers Market
Saturday • September 26 • 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!
Adaptive Theater Camp
Saturday • October 3 • 9:00 am-12:00 pm
The Winterset Stage
Pumpkin Palooza
Saturday • October 3 • 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Speckled Hen Farms
Join us for our annual end of the season bash at Speckled Hen Farms! Join us to celebrate another season on the farm with Pumpkins and gourds for sale, fresh pressed apple cider, mini donuts, farm fresh seasonal treats and the farm store loaded with funky fall merchandise! Free family fun! Live music
Music by Willie Mac and The Lost Cousins and food by Harvest Market!
Hotter Than Hell Beef Stick Eating Competition
Saturday • October 3 • 4:00-6:00 pm
Wagner Locker
Nature Trivia
Saturday • October 3 • 5:30 pm
Madison County Conservation Center
Madison County Line at Big Rack
Saturday • October 3 • 6:00-9:00 pm
Big Rack Brew Haus
Come on out to Big Rack for some live music by Madison County Line, great food by White Smoke BBQ, and of course, all of your favorite Big Rack beer on tap and other tasty beverages!
Madison County Line (MC Line) is an Americana Band Covering the Classics from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Enjoy covers of The Stones, The Who, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, The Band, The Animals, Eric Clapton, Marshall Tucker Band, Van Morrison, Tom Petty, CCR, America, The Eagles, and more.
$5 cover charge for the music, and cash or Venmo for food.
See you there!
For updates and info, visit the Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1320713379999444/
Bloody Mary Sunday Funday
Sunday • October 4 • 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Big Rack Brew Haus
Join us for October Bloody Mary Sunday Funday at Big Rack – loaded Bloody Mary drinks, cold Big Rack Beer on tap, and White Smoke BBQ will be here serving up some great food!
We look forward to seeing you there!
For updates and info, visit the Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1116413548003865/
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Next Week
Madison County Genealogical Society: Full Text Search
Tuesday • October 6 • 6:00 pm
Winterset Public Library
LIVE WILD
From Herd to Harvest: What to Expect this Deer Season
Tuesday • October 6 • 6:00-7:00 pm
Madison County Conservation Center
Floral Ghost Workshop
Thursday • October 8 • 5:30-7:00 pm
Evergreen & Lily Floral
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.
WHS Alumni All Class Reunion
Saturday • October 10 • 5:00-8:30 pm
Jackson Building
WHS Alumni All Class Reunion
Saturday, October 10th from 5-8:30pm
Location: Jackson Building
All Alumni welcome
Car Show at Covered Bridge Festival
Sunday • October 11 • 9:00 am-12:00 pm
by Central Iowa Auto Club at Covered Bridge Festival
Upcoming Events at Big Rack
Saturday • October 10 • 6:00-9:00 pm
Big Rack Brew Haus
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Coming Soon
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.
EMO KIDS LIVE — Winterset Cidery
Saturday, October 17, 2026, Winterset, lowa
Doors: 7:00 PM | 21+
Emo Kids brings a nationally touring, full-band emo/pop-punk live experience packed with the songs people grew up screaming along to.
https://emo-kids.com/
Pasta Dinner
Saturday • October 17 • 5:00 pm
The Winterset Livery
Omitel Bingo Night
Tuesday • October 20 • 6:00 pm
Red Acre Barn, Prole
Haunted Harvest Festival
Saturday • October 24
Madison County Conservation Center
Orchard Holiday Market
Saturday-Sunday • October 31-November 1 • 12:00-5:00 pm
Winterset Cidery
JOIN US FOR AN ORCHARD HOLIDAY MARKET!
We’re bringing a little holiday magic to the orchard! Winterset Cidery is partnering with Xperience Candle Bar to host a unique and festive Holiday Market featuring local vendors, shopping, and a fun weekend at the Cidery!
14 Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1 12-5 PM both days, at Winterset Cidery.
Shop local vendors and find something special for everyone on your holiday list!
SATURDAY NIGHT | 5-8 PM
Stick around after the market for live music by FunHouse and enjoy a Saturday evening at the Cidery!
ARE YOU A VENDOR?
We’d love to have you join us! Vendor applications are now open. Apply using the link below: https://docs.google.com/../1FAlpQLSf35iMjPkG../viewform..
And stay tuned… we’ll be announcing our AMAZING vendor lineup soon!
Come shop local, sip some cider, and kick off the holiday season with us!
FunHouse Live at the Cidery
Saturday • October 31 • 5:00-8:00 pm
Winterset Cidery
Celebrate Halloween with FunHouse at Winterset Cidery!
Join us on Friday, October 31, for an evening of live classic rock, handcrafted lowa hard cider, and beautiful orchard views at one of Central low’s most unique venues. The cidery is known for its locally crafted hard ciders, spacious tasting room, and scenic outdoor setting overlooking the orchard.
Costumes are encouraged (but not required), so come dressed up if you want!
Friday, October 31 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Winterset Cidery
1638 Highway 169, Winterset, IA
Grab your friends, enjoy a crisp cider, and spend Halloween rocking with FunHouse. We can’t wait to see you there!
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 by the Friday before publication.
