Made in Iowa Markets Announces 2026–2027 Season, Connecting Makers and Shoppers from October Through April

Six events at Hawkeye Downs will support small businesses and community connections, beginning with the Fall Market, Scarecrow Festival and Food Drive on October 17–18.
 
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – October 6, 2026 – Made in Iowa is announcing its 2026–2027 season of artisan markets and women’s lifestyle events, bringing makers, shoppers and community partners together at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center from October through April.
 
Created to give Iowa makers, bakers, crafters, farmers and artists a place to sell during the colder months, Made in Iowa helps keep shopping local a year-round habit. Its markets offer small businesses opportunities to reach customers beyond the outdoor market season while giving shoppers a welcoming place to discover original products and meet the people behind them.
 
Since launching in 2024, Made in Iowa connected more than 650 unique vendors with more than 25,000 shoppers across Eastern Iowa by the beginning of 2026. Carefully selected vendors bring variety to each market, helping shoppers discover new favorites while supporting the creative businesses in their communities.
 

The 2026–2027 schedule includes:

  • Made in Iowa Fall Market, Scarecrow Festival and Food Drive: October 17–18, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. both days.
  • Made in Iowa Holiday Market: November 28–29, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. both days.
  • Made for Her Merry Market: December 18, 2026, 3–7 p.m., and December 19, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Made in Iowa Winter Market: January 30–31, 2027, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. both days.
  • Made for Her Market: March 12, 2027, 4–8 p.m., and March 13, 2027, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Made In Spring Market: April 17–18, 2027, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. both days.
 
All six events take place at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, 4400 Sixth St. SW in Cedar Rapids.
 
Fall Market, Scarecrow Festival and Food Drive
 
The season opens October 17–18 with a weekend combining artisan shopping, autumn creativity and support for neighbors in need. The Made in Iowa Fall Market will feature over 150 vendor stalls offering jewelry, pottery, original artwork, woodworking, home décor, clothing, bath and body products, baked goods, specialty foods and more.
 
Throughout the market, the Scarecrow Festival will showcase 50+ imaginative scarecrows created by vendors and members of the public. Displays in booths and around the building will invite visitors to explore, with participating vendors also offering seasonal products and scarecrow-themed creations.
 
Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for Together We Achieve, which supports local individuals and families through its food pantry and resource center. Donations can be dropped off in the lobby. For each eligible food item donated, guests will receive one ticket for the Food Drive Door Prize Giveaway and can choose which participating vendors’ prize drawings to enter. Thirty-eight vendors are contributing door prizes.
 
The partnership extends beyond opening weekend: Together We Achieve is Made in Iowa’s partner charity for the 2026–2027 season, with food collections planned at the October, November and January markets.
 

The Fall Market, Scarecrow Festival and Food Drive runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18. Admission is $5, available online or at the door.
For the complete season schedule and vendor information, visit MadeInIowa.org. Fall event details, participating vendors and food donation information are available at ScarecrowFestival.org.

 
About Made in Iowa
 

Made in Iowa produces artisan markets and Made for Her women’s lifestyle events that connect small businesses with shoppers during the October–April season. Its markets create opportunities for Iowa’s makers and meaningful ways for the community to shop small, shop local and give back.