Covered Bridge Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026 & Sunday, October 11, 2026
Entertainment
Kids Zone
Keep the kids entertained with our 2026 lineup of children’s activities! The Kids Zone is located along W. Jefferson Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues, with additional activities indoors at The Warehouse on 2nd, just around the corner.
From hands-on fun to activities the whole family can enjoy, there’s plenty to keep our youngest festival-goers smiling!
Best of all, all children’s activities are included with your festival admission!
2026 Vendors
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Annual Festival Events
Festival Royalty
Bill and Mary Seibert of St. Charles have been selected as our 2026 CBF Royalty!
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!
About Madison County Historical Complex
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!
Parade Information
One of the best-loved events of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is the annual parade.
