Things to Do in Newton, Iowa This Fall
Fall brings cooler mornings, colorful trees, and a full calendar to Newton, Iowa. Whether you live here or you’re planning a day trip, this list covers some of the best things to do in Newton, Iowa this fall.
Fall highlights at a glance:
Trails
Walk or bike Newton’s eight-mile hike-and-bike trail, which connects Maytag Park to Woodland Park.
Mid-September Events
Catch the Fall Plant Sale, Landmark Arts Festival, or KrakenFest in mid-September.
Fall Festivals
Stop by fall festivals at The Flower Court on September 25 and the Jasper County Historical Museum on October 3.
Cardinal Sports
Cheer on Cardinal football, volleyball, and cross country all season.
Arboretum Festival
Visit the Newton Arboretum’s Fall Festival on October 10.
Theatre and Library
Settle in for a play at Newton Community Theatre or an afternoon at the Newton Public Library.
Watch Glass Come to Life at Fuego Hot Glass
Few things in Newton are as mesmerizing as a visit to Fuego Hot Glass, a glassblowing studio where a furnace holds molten glass at more than 2,000 degrees. The studio is a family project built by John and Mary Curiel, who fabricated much of their own equipment and now offer monthly classes that regularly sell out, drawing students from hours away. Visitors can watch pieces take shape by hand or sign up to blow their own, and the fall season is a great time to plan ahead, since classes fill quickly.
Walk the Trails While the Leaves Change
Newton’s trail system is one of the easiest ways to take in the season. Maytag Park offers shaded walking paths, open green space, and a favorite gathering spot for families. For a longer outing, the city’s eight-mile hike and bike trail stretches from near I-80 and Highway 14 to Woodland Park, connecting Maytag Park, Newton High School, Aurora Park, and Agnes Patterson Park/Newton Arboretum along the way. It’s an easy route to string together several fall stops in one outing.
Early morning or late afternoon light tends to make for the best fall photos along the trail, so plan your visit accordingly if you’re chasing color.
Wander a Downtown Full of Local Finds
Downtown Newton takes on a cozy feel once the weather cools, and it’s worth setting aside an afternoon to wander through it. Stop by Silverado Jewelry for a handmade gift, browse music and books at Mattingly’s or spend time with the animals and gear at EarthWise Pet. You can get your creative juices flowing at Crazy Redhead Quilting or Jan’s Yarn Barn. History and art lovers can explore the Centre for Arts & Artists or catch a film at the Capitol II Theatre, a longtime downtown landmark. With so many locally owned shops close together, downtown is an easy place to spend a few hours without ever moving the car.
Raise a Glass at Gezellig Brewing Company
After a day of exploring, Gezellig Brewing Company in Legacy Plaza is a fitting place to unwind. The award-winning taproom has earned more than 21 national brewing honors, but regulars will tell you the real draw is the atmosphere: a warm, welcoming space built for card games, celebrations, and long conversations. Gezellig has even partnered with Fuego Hot Glass on a beer mug class, where students blow their own mug and bring it next door for a pour.
A Busy Stretch of Mid-September Events
Mid-September brings a run of events worth marking on the calendar. The Jasper County Master Gardeners host their Fall Plant Sale on September 12, a good chance to pick up perennials and fall-appropriate plants while supporting a local gardening group. The following weekend, the Landmark Arts Festival takes over the Newton DMACC Campus on September 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with local art, live performances, and hands-on activities for all ages. That same weekend, KrakenFest celebrates one year of The Kraken’s Crate with a weekend-long gathering at Legacy Plaza, running September 18–20, featuring open gaming, themed activities, and giveaways for board gamers, trading card players, and tabletop enthusiasts. Details for each are on the city calendar.
Stop by Two Fall Festivals
Newton has two more fall festivals worth adding to your calendar. The Flower Court, a local garden center on E 10th St N, hosts its fall festival on September 25, with fall mums, bulbs, and seasonal color on full display. Then on October 3, the Jasper County Historical Museum hosts its own fall festival, offering a chance to explore the museum’s exhibits on Jasper County history, including its collection of Maytag washing machines, in a festive fall setting.
Celebrate the Season at the Newton Arboretum
The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens hosts its Fall Festival on October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s theme, Season of the Pumpkin, includes a pumpkin decorating contest, a pumpkin pie baking contest, and a search for the biggest pumpkin, along with food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. You can find updates at newtonarboretum.com.
The Arboretum grounds are worth a quiet visit on any weekend this fall, too. Trees across the property turn shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of Newton’s most photographed spots.
Cheer on Cardinal Fall Sports
Fall is a busy season for Newton High School athletics. Football, volleyball, and cross country all compete throughout September and October, and home games and meets are an easy way to spend an evening or weekend cheering on the Cardinals alongside the rest of the community. Check the school’s athletics schedule for game times and locations.
Take in a Play or a Quiet Afternoon at the Library
Newton Community Theatre presents The Shawshank Redemption this fall, with performances September 25–27 and October 2–4. The theatre, located at 1701 S 8th Ave E, has been staging community productions since 1962, and it’s a great way to spend a cool fall evening. Showtimes and tickets are available on their website.
For a quieter outing, the Newton Public Library offers story times, book clubs, and adult programs throughout the season, including monthly mystery bags for adults that pair a themed set of library books with a craft. Program schedules are posted on the Library Calendar.
