Celebrate Iowa PBS During Fall Festival 2026
Join us this fall for a celebration of Iowa PBS’s best programming, featuring a mix of dramas, musical performances, cooking shows, DIY projects, and of course, the best Iowa stories! This fall, we’re bringing you an exciting lineup that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for these highlights.
Monday, November 23
Get ready for a delicious journey across Iowa with Pieowa: A Piece of America at 8 p.m. Discover the people, places and traditions behind one of Iowa's favorite desserts, and celebrate the homemade goodness that brings families and communities together.
Saturday, November 28
First, put on that apron and head into the kitchen for America’s Home Cooking: Easy Recipes for Thrifty Cooking at 9:30 a.m., followed by Cooking with Legends Lidia Bastianich and Pati Jinich at 11:30 a.m. Join these two celebrated chefs as they share favorite recipes, cooking tips and the joy of bringing family and friends together around the table.
Then sit back with your homemade delights and enjoy André Rieu: Power of Love at 4 p.m. Experience the romance and excitement of André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra as they bring beautiful melodies and unforgettable performances to the stage.
Next, revel in heartwarming performances from Lawrence Welk: Precious Memories at 6 p.m. Enjoy a nostalgic collection of favorite songs from the beloved television series. And don't miss the perennial favorite, This Land Is Your Land, at 8 p.m. It's your chance to relive the folk revival of the 1960s and take home a few CDs to enjoy the music again and again.
Sunday, November 29
And the music doesn't stop! Iowa PBS is your place for a wide variety of musical performances. Don't miss Josh Groban: An Evening at Union Chapel at 3 p.m. Enjoy the extraordinary voice of Josh Groban in an intimate concert setting, featuring his signature blend of powerful vocals and heartfelt performances.
Then stay put for Carpenters: Close to You and Christmas Memories at 5 p.m. Take a trip down memory lane with the timeless music of Karen and Richard Carpenter, featuring beloved hits and holiday favorites that continue to warm hearts.
The night doesn't end there! Our friends from the Yorkshire Dales return for the holidays in All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas Cheer at 7 p.m. Celebrate the season with James Herriot and the residents of Darrowby as they share heartwarming moments and holiday traditions with you.
Monday, November 30
Spend time with John Denver at 7 p.m. in John Denver: Rocky Mountain High, featuring performances from the 1970s when he was at the peak of his fame and talents. Sing along to the songs and celebrate the music and memories of one of America's most beloved singer-songwriters.
Tuesday, December 1
Discover the history and architecture of Sioux City with the premiere of Historic Buildings of Iowa: Sioux City at 7 p.m. Explore the historic buildings that tell the story of Sioux City's past and the people and events that helped shape this northwest Iowa community.
Then get ready for a delicious journey across Iowa with Pieowa: A Piece of America at 8:30 p.m. Celebrate the homemade goodness that brings families and communities together.
And don't miss Tractor Wars 2 at 10 p.m. Take another look at the fascinating history of America's tractor industry.
Wednesday, December 2
Celebrate the music and legacy of George Harrison with Concert for George at 7 p.m. Enjoy an extraordinary lineup of musicians and friends performing some of Harrison's most beloved songs.
Saturday, December 5
Saturday is all about the music on Iowa PBS! Settle in for an afternoon and evening filled with legendary performers, timeless hits and wonderful holiday memories.
Start your afternoon with Magical Moments: The Best of the '50s at 2 p.m. It's a nostalgic celebration of the music that still brings back so many wonderful memories.
Then get into the holiday spirit with The Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Family Christmas from the 1960s at 4:30 p.m. Followed by The Carpenters: Close to You & Christmas Memories at 6 p.m. Celebrate the timeless music of Karen and Richard Carpenter, featuring beloved hits and holiday favorites that continue to warm hearts.
And don't miss Dolly Parton: Here I Am at 8 p.m. Spend the evening with one of America's most beloved entertainers as Dolly shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Tennessee to international stardom.
Sunday, December 6
And the music doesn't stop! Spend your Sunday afternoon with a Christmas special from Johnny Mathis, entitled Johnny Mathis: Wonderful, Wonderful at 2 p.m.
Then it's time for a little drama with Destination Masterpiece at 5:30 p.m. Check out many of the beautiful towns and settings that have made Masterpiece a TV favorite.
Finally, travel to France for Lucy Worsley's Keys to the Castle: Versailles at 7 p.m. Join historian Worsley as she explores the magnificent Palace of Versailles, uncovering the fascinating history, royal intrigue and extraordinary lives behind one of the world's most famous palaces.
For a sneak peek at our special thank-you gifts, check out all the details at iowapbs.org/gifts.