JOIN THE FUN: SEPTEMBER 18 & 19, 2026
Compete in a Festival Event
2026 COMPETITIONS
Be part of the fun and compete in the exciting contests at the Beaverdale Fall Festival!
PUMPKIN BAKING COMPETITION
Presented by Dinner Delights
Show off your best baking skills in our baking competition! Prizes include a $40 Dinner Delights gift card for first place, $25 for second, and $10 for third. Winners will be announced after judging.
DOG PARADAE
Presented by Snookie's Malt Shop
One of the festival's favorite traditions! Dress up your dog to this year's theme and parade them around! Prizes will be awarded based on several categories.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Grab a teammate and sign up for the fourth annual Beaverdale Bags Tournament. Each team only needs to sign up once and the cost is $40 per team ($20/player).
Team Trivia
​​​​The 4th annual Team Trivia will be Friday, September 18th starting at 6:30 PM in the Medicap Pharmacy parking lot. In case of rain, this event will be held at the Acanthus Lodge on Urbandale Avenue.
KIDS & FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT
Beaverdale Fall Festival’s famous mascot Baxter Beaver got lost while exploring all the fun around Des Moines’ favorite neighborhood celebration! Can you help us find him?! This is a fun, free, and easy to play activity!
BACKYARD BBQ COOK-OFF
Sponsored by Fareway Meat Market
New to 2026! Watch 8 backyard teams go head-to-head smoking chicken and ribs in our Iowa BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off, judged by certified BBQ judges for cash prizes and bragging rights. Then grab a tasting wristband and vote for your own favorite in the People's Choice competition — sampling, a side from Fareway, and a drink included.
CAR NIGHT
Show of your classic, muscle or unique car. Free admission. Trophies will be awarded for select categories.