Events 2026

Storm Lake has lots of annual events and festivals for people of all ages to enjoy. Mark your calendar for these special occasions in 2026! Also, keep your eye on the calendar on our home page for music events, sports tournaments, homecoming celebrations and other activities that are scheduled during the year.

STORM LAKE FARMERS' MARKET | JUNE 14- OCTOBER 25, 2026

The Storm Lake Farmers' Market is held Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings and runs from June 14th until October 25th. The market is located in parking lot "C" on Erie Street in downtown. As you wander past the stalls you will find lots of fresh, nutritious garden fare, local honey, farm fresh eggs, baked goods and more. Some of the events include live music with local performers.

STORM LAKE MUNICPAL BAND | JUNE - JULY, 2026

A tradition is renewed each Sunday afternoon through June and into July, with a free performance by the Storm Lake Municipal Band . Hear symphony, big band, march and modern pop music in the park. The municipal band performs each Sunday during June and into the first week of July, at 2 p.m. All concerts are held at the Sunrise Park Band Shell.

2026 Concert Schedule
June 7, 2025 at 2 pm
June 14, 2025 at 2 pm
June 21, 2025 at 2 pm
June 28, 2025 at 2 pm
July 3, 2025 at 5:30 pm - Independence Day Celebration
July 5, 2025 at 2 pm

KIDS FEST | JUNE 14, 2026

Kids' Fest: Iowa’s Happiest Celebration will return to Storm Lake in June. Details coming soon. Kids’ Fest is brought to you by the City of Storm Lake and King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort.

STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR | JULY 3 & 4, 2026

The grand-daddy of all Storm Lake celebrations! Storm Lake is the place to be for the Independence Day celebration. The Star Spangled Spectacular is a two-day festival that features concerts, a massive parade, patriotic ceremony, Artists’ Alley, street performers, classic car cruise, food vendors and much more. End the 4th with a bang-up fireworks show!

The 14th annual Hy-Noon Kiwanis Storm the Lake triathlon/duathlon is a charity event for Storm Lake Kiwanis Projects for Youth. Join other athletes at beautiful Storm Lake, IA King’s Pointe Waterpark and Resort. Swim in the protected bay, bike around the lake and run along the lake finishing at the flower lined path. All transition areas are at the waterpark. Storm Lake is considered one of the most beautiful venues for a triathlon in Iowa. The entire route is well marked with yellow vested Kiwanis volunteers cheering the athletes and providing assistance all along the way. The triathlon is .5 mi swim in the bay, 12 mile bike and 5K run. The duathlon is a 1 mile run, 12 mile bike and 5 K run all along the same race area as the triathlon. This also is a sanctioned event. Come join the fun along beautiful Storm Lake!

WOOD, WINE & BLUES | AUGUST 27-29, 2026

Sunset Park in Storm Lake is the place to be as some of the finest chainsaw carving artists from around the country compete to produce winning wood sculptures during Wood, Wine & Blues. You can see the art emerge up close. Plus concerts, food trucks, vendors, a cornhole tournament, and wine and craft beer tastings.

HY-NOON KIWANIS ESCAPE TO THE LAKE KAR SHOW | SEPTEMBER 6, 2026

The Hy-Noon Kiwanis “Escape to the Lake” Kar Show is a highlight of every Labor Day weekend celebration. The show packs Chautauqua Park with 35 classes of vehicles from antiques to sports cars to hot rods, with plenty of vintage music as a background. This will be the 19^th annual show. The modest admission fee helps the Hy-Noon club to fund its many efforts on behalf of the community.

OKTOBERFEST | OCTOBER, 2026

A taste of the old world with polka music and dance, German-style food and beer, plus special keepsakes. Event location and times coming soon!

CHILLS & THRILLS | OCTOBER 24, 2026

A Halloween extravaganza! Come out in costume and trick-or-treat up and down Lake Avenue in downtown Storm Lake. Tons of treats and fun, followed by events at the Storm Lake Public Library and Witter Art Gallery. Event time is from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

FIESTA LATINA | OCTOBER , 2026

A high-spirited festival led by Buena Vista University student organization RAICES. The event is a celebration of Latino culture and heritage and will include food vendors, entertainment, music and so much more. Fiesta Latina is held at the Storm Lake Middle School located at 1811 Hyland Drive, in Storm Lake.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2026

Storm Lake – Get ready to Sip, Sample, and Shop your way through Storm Lake United’s Holiday Open House, This annual event is a chance for shoppers to find unique and memorable gifts, clothing, jewelry, décor, and much more! You also have a chance to register at participating retailers to be entered into a drawing to win big prizes for your own holiday shopping! Storm Lake is the place to preview new holiday products, drop in for a holiday crafting class, or just eat, drink and be merry! To learn more about Holiday Open House please contact Storm Lake United at 712.732.3780.

SANTA'S CASTLE | NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER, 2026

Thanksgiving is opening day for this amazing holiday tradition of more than 60 years. Santa's Castle is located in a classic 1905 Carnegie Library structure, the Castle boasts one of the world’s largest collections of priceless antique holiday animation, a massive miniature railroad, shop full of unusual gifts, and of course, the holiday hero himself. A must-see, open through the end of December in downtown Storm Lake.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | DECEMBER, 2026

Storm Lake is once again serving up a magical Breakfast With Santa! The City of Storm Lake presents a jolly holiday event for the children and families of the community! Breakfast With Santa will be held in December at King’s Pointe Resort. More details to come!

MIRACLE ON LAKE AVENUE | DECEMBER 3, 2026

A great family celebration in downtown Storm Lake. A lighted Christmas parade, tree-lighting ceremony, musical performers, crafts, treats and much more. Lots of surprises in the stores.