Covered Bridge Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026 & Sunday, October 11, 2026
Parade Applications
Coming soon!
Admission
- $3.00
- Free for children under 11
Please Note
There is no smoking inside festival grounds. For the safety of all visitors and participants, only service animals will be allowed on festival grounds (this does not include emotional support or therapy animals).
Festival Schedule of Activities
As you’re strolling the square and visiting the community, there are lots of activities to enjoy.
2026 Schedule TBA!
Entertainment
Live entertainment is offered both days on the south side of the Winterset courthouse at no additional charge.
Kids Zone
Keep them busy with our 2026 lineup of children's activities! The Kids Zone is located on W. Jefferson Street between the corner of 1st and 2nd Avenues. You'll find free face painting, rock painting, a huge corn box, and more.
2026 Kids Zone TBA!
2026 Vendors
2026 Covered Bridge Festival Vendor Applications are now open!
Sign up to Volunteer!
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.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA9AF2FA5F5C16-56682151-2025#/
History of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival
The first Madison County Covered Bridge Festival was held in 1970, started by a group of active and passionate citizens. Read more about its history here!
Annual Festival Events
Madison County Historical Complex
The Covered Bridge Festival experience would not be complete without a visit to the Madison County Historical Complex (815 S. 2nd Avenue). Passport to the Past activities include free museum admission, horse-drawn wagon rides around the complex, penny candy at the Field Mercantile, historical Bevington mansion tours, and Civil War Skirmishes. Free parking is available at the complex. Saturday evening activities start at 7:00 pm and include a Civil War Cannon firing and free s'mores and popcorn!
The Car Show
Held on Sunday only, just off the Winterset courthouse square, this massive show is a car lover's dream.
Tours of the Covered Bridges
Relax and enjoy a scenic tour of the historic covered bridges of Madison County conducted by the Winterset Rotary Club!
Festival Royalty
The 2025 Covered Bridge Festival King and Queen have been knighted! Find out more here.
