New Winter Welcome Center Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 am to 3 pm

Covered Bridge Festival

Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 9 am to 7 pm
Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 9 am to 3 pm (Parade starts at 3 pm)

Vendors & Demonstrators

We are accepting applications for vendors and demonstrators (of old-timey skills) for the 2025 Covered Bridge Festival. Head over to our Applications page to download the correct form:

Vendor Applications

Parade Applications

Apply to join the parade on Sunday, October 12th, at 3:00 pm!

Parade Applications

Admission

  • $3.00  or 2 for $5.00
  • 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).

Thank You, Sponsors!  Parade Information


Activities

As you’re strolling the square and visiting the community, there are lots of activities to enjoy. The schedule will be available later this year.

Entertainment

The 2025 Entertainment Lineup will be available later this year.

Kids Zone

Keep them busy with our 2025 lineup of children's activities! Coming soon!


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!

Festival History

Annual Festival Events

Madison County Historical Complex

Exterior of a historical building in Madison County, Iowa.The Covered Bridge Festival experience would not be complete without a visit to the Madison County Historical Complex.

History on the Hill

The Car Show

Classic cars parked on a green lawn for the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival car show.Held on Sunday only, just off the Winterset courthouse square, this massive show is a car lover's dream.

Car Show Schedule

Tours of the Covered Bridges

A covered bridge of Madison County, Iowa
Relax and enjoy a scenic tour of the historic covered bridges of Madison County conducted by the Winterset Rotary Club!

Tour Information

Festival Royalty

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year's Royalty. Please click below to find the application form!

Royalty