Autumn Adventures in Jefferson: Must-Do Events this October
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Jefferson is buzzing with autumn excitement. October brings a festive lineup of seasonal events perfect for all ages, from cozy crafting workshops to thrilling Halloween adventures. Whether you're looking to sip cider at Deal's Orchard, enjoy some spooky storytelling, or experience the fall colors from the top of the Bell Tower, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Dive into our guide and discover how to make the most of fall in Jefferson!
Fall Foliage from the Top: Bell Tower
Open daily - 10 AM - 4 PM until October 31st
Experience the breathtaking beauty of fall from the top of Jefferson's iconic Bell Tower. As the leaves change to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, the panoramic view from the tower offers a stunning glimpse of the autumn landscape stretching across the countryside. It's the perfect spot to take in the season's colors and snap unforgettable photos of Jefferson’s picturesque fall foliage. Don’t miss this unique vantage point for enjoying autumn’s natural beauty!
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Sip into Fall: Java and Juice
Dates: October 4, 11, and 18th
These gatherings offer coffee, treats, and an opportunity for the host business to share more about their business. It’s a casual and welcoming environment where community members are invited to mingle, engage in great conversation, and learn something new. Whether you're a regular or it's your first time attending, Java and Juice is the perfect way to connect with others and start your morning off right!
October 4: Greene County Medical Center for Breast Cancer Awareness
Join us at Greene County Medical Center for a special Java and Juice focused on Breast Cancer Awareness. Sip on your favorite morning brew while learning about the center's efforts in breast cancer prevention. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the community and raise awareness for an important cause.
October 11: Regency Park Nursing Home
Start your day with a coffee break at Regency Park Nursing Home, where you can meet the dedicated staff and learn about the compassionate care they provide to residents. This Java and Juice is a great chance to engage with the local healthcare community and support the wonderful work happening at Regency Park.
October 18: Rec Center (Congratulate the New Director and Assistant Director)
Head over to the Rec Center to celebrate and congratulate the newly appointed Director and Assistant Director. Enjoy your morning coffee while meeting the fresh leadership team, and hear their exciting plans for the future of the Rec Center. It’s a perfect way to show community support and get involved in upcoming fitness and wellness programs.
Tales of Squirrel Hollow
Date: October 4th
Join the Greene County Historical Society on Friday, October 4, for a special lunch program at Rippey’s Methodist Church. Greene County Conservation Director, Tanner Scheuermann, will give a presentation on Squirrel Hollow Park, one of the oldest parks in Iowa.
Lunch Information:
Time: 12:00 pm
Cost: $12
Reservations: Call 515-386-4408 or contact an Historical Society member by Tuesday, October 1
Presentation:
Time: 12:45 PM (following lunch)
Cost: Free
More details here!
Live Music at Deal’s Orchard
Date: October 6th
Join Deal's Orchard for a fun-filled afternoon with free live music from Joshua Sinclair from 1 PM to 4 PM. While you enjoy the tunes, grab a hard cider, check out the food truck, and take a hayride through the orchard. Explore the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, and pick your own apples, all while soaking in the fall fun!
Details here!
Craft Your Fall Look: DIY Polymer Clay Earrings Workshop
Date: October 8th
Join Marie from Wildflower Clay Designs for this make-your-own earring workshop. You will learn the basics of working with polymer clay. Choose between different design and color options to create your own pair of custom earrings. You’ll have the option between making one pair of dangle or two pairs of stud earrings.
No prior experience necessary. This workshop is appropriate for all ages; kids must be accompanied by a parent. Space is limited- register now!
Cozy Creations: Join the Stitch Quilting Fall Retreat
Date: October 11-13th
Sew and Connect: Join the Stitch's workshops and breakout sessions to pick up new techniques and mingle with kindred spirits who share your love for all things quilting. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn, share, and have a great time!
Feast on Homemade Goodness: No need to fuss over meals. We'll provide delectable dishes starting from Friday evening through Sunday brunch. That way, you can focus on what you love most – quilting!
More details here!
Experience Fall Fun at Deal's Orchard Festival
Dates: October 12-13
Admission is free for live music, shopping in the Apple Barn, visiting the pumpkin patch, and hayrides. For access to Apple Acres attractions like the jumping pillow, giant slides, ropes course, corn maze, and corn pool, as well as sand art, spin art, and pony rides, paid admission is required.
More details!
Pony Rides at Deal's Orchard
Dates: October 12-13 and October 20
While you're at Deal's Orchard, be sure to enjoy all that Apple Acres has to offer: Jumping Pillows, Low Ropes Course, Giant Slides, Corn Maze, Human Hamster Wheel, Corn Box, Goat Run, Duck Races, and More! (Apple Acres Admission is $12.95 per person ages 3-64)
Come have fun with us this fall!
More details here!
Live Music at Deal’s Orchard
Date: October 19
Join Deal's Orchard as they welcome multi-award-winning songwriter Jordan Messerole to Deal’s Orchard for an afternoon of fun! Enjoy free live music from Jordan Messerole from 1 PM to 4 PM, and while you're here, sip on one of 10+ flavors of hard cider, grab a bite from the food truck, and hop on a hayride. Don't miss the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and all the other fall festivities waiting for you!
More details here!
Trick-or-Treat Thrills: Jefferson’s Spook the Loop Event
Date: October 24th
Get ready for a spook-tacular evening in Jefferson! On October 24th, join the community for "Spook the Loop," where local businesses will line the downtown square handing out candy and treats.
More details here!
The full evening lineup:
- 3:45 - 5:00 PM – Halloween Party at Greene County Community Center (hosted by Jefferson Parks and Recreation)
Games and prizes for kids.
- 4:30 - 6:00 PM – “Spook the Loop” (formerly called "Trick-or-Treat Around the Square)
Local businesses on the downtown square handing out candy and treats.
- 5:00 - 6:30 PM – Halloween Fun at Jefferson Public Library
More Halloween activities and surprises!
- 6:30 - 7:30 PM - Combined Middle School and High School Band Concert at the High School
This is a collaborative event with Jefferson Matters, businesses from all around Jefferson, Greene County Community Center, Jefferson Public Library, and the Greene County High School and Middle School.
*Residential trick-or-treating will be on October 31st from 5-7 PM.
Get Quilting: Craft a Holiday Tree Quilt at The Stitch
Dates: October 25-27
Join The Stitch for a festive quilting experience in our Holiday Tree Quilt Workshop! Using Lori Holt’s innovative 10" Tree Quilt Paper, you'll learn how to create charming pine tree blocks that will add a delightful touch to your holiday décor. This iron-on paper makes cutting out trees from 10" stackers a breeze, guiding you to achieve unique angles and reassemble them into an 8" finished Tree Quilt Block.
Register here!
Jefferson’s Residential Trick-or-Treating Night
Date: October 31st from 5-7 pm
Get ready for a fun and spooky evening as Jefferson’s Residential Trick-or-Treating kicks off on October 31st! Families and kids of all ages are invited to dress up in their best costumes and enjoy a safe, community-wide night of trick-or-treating. As homes light up with festive decorations and bowls of candy, this annual tradition brings neighbors together for a memorable Halloween filled with sweet treats and fun frights!