Okoboji is more than just a summer destination—it’s a community that celebrates all year long. From ice-covered lakes in January to festive holiday parades in December, there is always something happening in the Iowa Great Lakes. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a seasonal visitor, or someone considering making Okoboji your home, these events highlight the energy and spirit that make our area so special. Let’s take a month-by-month look at some of the most popular annual events you can enjoy in Okoboji.
January: University of Okoboji Winter Games
The year kicks off with the University of Okoboji Winter Games, an event that has been a tradition for over 45 years. Always held on the last weekend in January, this is truly the area’s biggest celebration. From Thursday through Sunday, the community comes alive with activities that take full advantage of winter on the lakes.
Visitors and locals alike can take part in a wide variety of events, including a 5K fun run, broomball, snow softball, chili cook-off, dog show, cribbage tournament, human foosball, keg toss, mega pong, volleyball, and so much more. You’ll also find unique favorites like smooshing, snowga, and the thrilling polar plunge. On top of all that, the weekend includes fireworks, the burning of the greens, and an impressive inflatable #BojiKites kite show over the frozen bay.
This is the kind of event that you absolutely do not want to miss. For full schedules and details, visit uofowintergames.com.
February: Okoboji Vintage Snowmobile Ice Drags
As winter continues, February brings the excitement of the Okoboji Vintage Snowmobile Ice Drags. Held on East Lake Okoboji in front of The Ritz, this event draws snowmobile enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Vintage machines line up on a 1,500-foot, four-lane track, thrilling spectators with high-speed races. Best of all, the event is free for the public to watch.
Because the event relies on ice conditions, race dates are determined each year, so be sure to follow their Facebook group for updates.
March: Explore Okoboji Home & Sports Show
As spring approaches, the Lakes Area gears up indoors with the Explore Okoboji Home & Sports Show at the Dickinson County Expo Building in Spirit Lake. Sponsored by KUOO and its sister stations, this show highlights home improvement, outdoor recreation, fitness, and more. It’s a great way to get inspired for the upcoming warm-weather season.
April: Okoboji Masters Mini Golf Tournament
In April, the fun moves outdoors again with the Okoboji Masters Mini Golf Tournament. This unique event combines a pub crawl with a round of mini golf, as participants “putt” their way through local bars in a day-long competition. It’s free to join, and prizes are awarded at the finale, held at Captain’s Entertainment Complex in Arnolds Park. Grab some friends, pick up a scorecard, and start wherever you like—it’s a creative way to enjoy Okoboji nightlife while adding a little competitive spirit.
May: Kicking Off Summer in Okoboji
May is when the Lakes Area truly wakes up for summer, and the month is filled with exciting events:
- Spirit Lake Sip & Stroll: Stroll downtown Spirit Lake, sampling wines, brews, and spirits paired with hors d’oeuvres from local businesses. Enjoy live music and shopping while sipping your way through the heart of the community.
- Iowa Great Lakes Area Walleye Weekend: A must for fishing enthusiasts, this tournament releases ten tagged walleye into the lakes, with prizes totaling more than $40,000. Even if you don’t catch a tagged fish, there are plenty of other prizes and fun throughout the weekend.
- Memorial Day Weekend: Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Okoboji. Farmers markets open, flea markets pop up at Vick’s Corner and Treasure Village, and live music fills restaurants and bars. The highlight is the free concerts at Preservation Plaza, capped off with fireworks over West Lake Okoboji.
June: Sports, Fitness, and Fun
By June, summer is in full swing, and events highlight the area’s love of sports and outdoor activity:
- University of Okoboji Soccer Classic: Over 60 youth teams gather at the Bedell Family YMCA fields for this competitive yet fun tournament, complete with an Olympic-style Parade of Teams.
- University of Okoboji Campus Bike Ride: Held the last Saturday of June, this ride offers 25-, 50-, or 100-mile routes around the Iowa Great Lakes. Riders enjoy breakfast before the event and live music afterward, making it a true celebration of fitness and community.
July: Peak Summer Celebrations
July is one of the busiest months in Okoboji, filled with events that showcase summer at its best:
- Fourth of July Weekend: Fireworks light up West Lake two nights in a row, accompanied by concerts, floating performances in Miller’s Bay, flea markets, and nonstop live music.
- BRASL (Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake): Cyclists take on 15-, 25-, or 50-mile routes around Iowa’s largest natural lake, Big Spirit.
- Classic Car Cruise & Cruise-In: Downtown Spirit Lake fills with vintage cars and trucks for spectators to admire. The weekend features live music, food vendors, and a Friday night cruise around the lakes.
- University of Okoboji Homecoming Races: Triathlons, half-marathons, and 5Ks bring athletes of all levels to the area. Races showcase Okoboji’s beautiful trails and waters, making for a truly memorable competition.
- Milford Pioneer Days: This beloved town festival features parades, races, games, food, and community fun at the end of July.
- Antique & Classic Boat Show: Held at Arnolds Park Amusement Park, this event lets visitors admire beautifully restored wooden boats before they parade through the lakes.
- Vettes in the Park: Corvettes from across the country gather for Iowa’s largest Corvette event, complete with shows and meet-ups in Arnolds Park.
August: A Month Full of Festivals
August is overflowing with festivals that celebrate food, art, music, and community:
- Estherville Sweet Corn Days: A four-day town celebration serving over 6,000 ears of sweet corn alongside parades, games, and fireworks.
- Lake Park Farmers Appreciation Days: A weekend of live music, parades, tournaments, and community fun.
- Tiki Bike Ride: A massive fundraising ride for Dickinson County Trails, offering music, food, and fun along the way.
- Art in the Park by Pearson Lakes Art Center: A juried art show featuring over 50 regional and national artists.
- Taste of Okoboji: Local breweries, wineries, and distilleries showcase their best flavors at Central Park in Arnolds Park.
- University of Okoboji Point to Point Swim: A 3.2-mile swim across West Lake Okoboji for experienced athletes.
- Okoboji Bible Conference: A week of worship, teaching, and music in downtown Arnolds Park.
- Okoboji Blue Water Festival: Iowa’s premier water-quality event, featuring educational exhibits, family activities, and live music.
- The Spectacular Car Show: Classic cars fill Preservation Plaza for a judged competition.
- Iowa Rock ’N Roll Induction Weekend: The Roof Garden Ballroom honors musicians and influencers with concerts and awards.
- Labor Day Weekend: Summer winds down with concerts, fireworks, flea markets, and farmers markets.
September: Transitioning Into Fall
As the weather cools, the celebrations keep coming:
- Dee’s Bee & Butterfly Festival at Kenue Park celebrates pollinators with crafts, live music, and activities for kids.
- University of Okoboji Couples Golf Tournament: Couples enjoy three days of golf at area courses.
- Clay County Fair: Known as the “World’s Greatest County Fair,” it draws more than 300,000 visitors each year.
- Okoboji Writer’s Retreat: Writers from across the country gather for workshops, panels, and concerts.
- University of Okoboji Oktoberfest: This fall festival combines a scenic bike ride with games, live music, and family-friendly fun.
October: Art and Fall Fun
October offers a blend of art, family activities, and spooky fun:
- Artisans Road Trip: A self-guided tour of artists’ studios across Northwest Iowa.
- Iowa Great Lakes Fall Festival: Family-friendly activities, hayrides, and crafts at Camp Foster.
- Fort Defiance Fright Hike: A haunted hike through the woods in Estherville, filled with scares and surprises.
November: Women’s Okoboji Weekend (WOW)
November brings the Women’s Okoboji Weekend (WOW) at the Dickinson County Expo Building. This event offers shopping, food, fashion, and fun for a perfect girls’ weekend or mother-daughter getaway. Deals also extend into local shops and marinas, making it a great way to kick off the holiday season.
December: Holiday Cheer
The year ends with festive celebrations across the Lakes Area:
- Milford Holiday Fantasy: Downtown Milford comes alive with a Christmas Bazaar, Festival of Trees, Santa visits, and a holiday parade.
- Santa’s Village on Hill Avenue: Families can enjoy photos with Santa, crafts, live music, carriage rides, and even visits from Whoville characters and Buddy the Elf.
Experience Okoboji All Year Long
No matter the season, there is always something happening in Okoboji. From winter sports and summer festivals to fall traditions and holiday cheer, our community offers experiences that bring people together year after year. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a longtime local, these annual events highlight the heart of Okoboji. The Okoboji Realty team lives here all year long. Feel free to contact us about any local events!
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