Festivals are a universal language. You may refer to them as “fiestas”, “ပွဲတော်”, “fête”, or “good ol’ fashioned shindig”, but they all translate to food, fun, music, and celebrating culture. Festivals are the perfect way to celebrate our own culture, experience a new culture or have fun while eating something fried.

This week, The Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Arts + Culture Alliance (ACA) announced the launch of Fiesta Season — a new initiative that celebrates the dynamic variety of festivals in the Marshalltown area. Under the tourism identity, Meet in Marshalltown, and the ACA’s call to action Take pART Marshalltown, this joint effort showcases more than 20 unique festivals happening across Marshall, Tama, and Grundy counties from June through October 2025.

Each of these festivals includes three major elements: food, music, and a celebration of culture. Often, culture is defined as art collections and symphonies or a different language and customs. I believe that culture is more varied than this definition. I see culture through three lenses:

We are born into a culture. The place we live, the language we speak, the food we love, and the values we share. We have many wonderful festivals celebrating our different heritage, from the 109th Annual Meskwaki Powwow to the 103rd Annual Gladbrook Corn Carnival.

Our talent/interests create the parameters for culture. Gifted musicians, artists, athletes, coin collectors, volunteer organizations, faith communities, and the like. Mid-Iowa Antique Power Show will celebrate the 41st annual gathering celebrating the shared love of past farming practices and machinery.

Our experiences create culture. Experiences creating culture can best be seen within our robust Veteran community. The shared experience of serving our country creates a lifelong connection and culture. The Red, White, & Blue Celebration on July 3rd and 4th is rooted in honoring and celebrating this culture.

I encourage you to go out and celebrate this summer. Eat fried food, experience music, and engage in celebrating cultures that are familiar to you and those that are new to you.

From now, until the first week of October, you have 20+ nearby opportunities to celebrate “Fiesta Season” in Marshall, Grundy, and Tama counties.

A complete schedule of events will be available at www.meetinmarshalltown.com. Follow along on social media for weekly postings of upcoming events at @ArtsandCultureAlliance.

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Dylan Does is the tourism director for the

Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.