Alta Hometown Days returns this weekend with an expanded lineup of entertainment and activities planned throughout the Buena Vista County community.
The two-day event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, and is organized by Alta Hometown Pride, a local initiative partnered with Keep Iowa Beautiful that focuses on community improvement, volunteer involvement and building community pride.
Alta Hometown Days began in 2025 after residents expressed a desire for more opportunities to gather and celebrate the community. Organizers say the event has continued to grow, with additional activities planned this year.
“We’re excited to see Alta Hometown Days continue to grow,” said Alta Hometown Pride Committee Co-Chair Kevin Walsh. “The event really came from the community wanting more opportunities to get together, and it has been exciting to see so many people and businesses get behind it. We’re looking forward to a fun weekend for the whole community.”
Saturday’s schedule begins with gentle yoga at the Alta Community Library at 10 a.m.
Car show registration runs from 3 to 3:30 p.m. at Main Street and First Street.
Saturday’s main event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. in downtown Alta and will feature vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, a car show, face painting, balloon animals, PBS STEAM activities, a library pie sale and teen table and a live broadcast by Storm Lake Radio.
The first 150 attendees will receive a free pumpkin, while supplies last.
A kiddie parade is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with participants meeting at the Alta Hometown Pride booth at 5:15 p.m. Children participating in the parade are encouraged to wear costumes or decorate their bicycles.
The evening’s entertainment will include an expanded live music lineup featuring Nashville-based country artist and songwriter Lawson Harris, with Newell native Rowyn Nielsen opening the show. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m.
Harris released his debut full-length album, “Autumn Wind,” in 2026. He has performed at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and has opened for artists including Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum and the Josh Abbott Band.
Nielsen performs a mix of country, pop and classic rock.
Scooters on Main will also offer outdoor service during the evening, and a hot air balloon glow is scheduled for 8 p.m. downtown.
Activities continue Sunday with a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting for the new pickleball court and trail at Alta City Park.
The Alta Firemen’s Association will then host its annual appreciation meal from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Alta Fire Station.
Organizers are encouraging residents and visitors from surrounding communities to attend the weekend activities and support local businesses, vendors and organizations.
Alta Hometown Pride says the event is supported by numerous local businesses and organizations through sponsorships and volunteer efforts.
