Thursday, June 18 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
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Discover the tradition that is Rose Festival
Held annually since 1958 (except in 2020 due to COVID-19), the State Center Rose Festival celebrates the history and charm of our beautiful town and historic Rose Garden. Nestled near the center of the state, our town is the perfect setting to be known as the “Rose Capitol of Iowa” and host to this tradition.
Each year during the third weekend in June, the town comes alive as current residents host those who have moved away, those who are just passing through, and anyone interested in a weekend full of fun, family-centered events.
The Fun
Featuring a Grand Parade at 10:00 am on Saturday, the Rose Festival has something for everyone to indulge in throughout each day. Kids and adults alike will love the new Extreme FunZone, smaller kiddies can enjoy the kid’s RoseZone on the library grounds where there’s always something ‘wild’ to explore.
All ages can find something fun to do over this 4-day event!
Special Events
Evenings are capped off with main events like the Rose Queen coronation pageant, live music, and an explosive fireworks show. Reigning over the festivities are the Rose Queen and her Princess, along with Little Miss Rosebud.
This year we will feature the 25th Annual KCBS Barbecue Competition–quite a feat for our small town festival–it’s the longest running competition of it’s kind in Iowa!
Food and Shopping
Friday night features a Rib dinner FUNDRAISER near the Rose Garden on Friday night, food vendors serving an array of tastes fill our food court area, and other local stands complete the menu. Shoppers can browse through our many main street stores open for business and also enjoy the Main Street Market!
If you need a tranquil setting tour the aromatic Rose Garden.
To learn more about State Center, we encourage you to visit our town’s website at http://www.statecenteriowa.org.
Welcome to the 68th Annual Rose Festival! 