Fall in Stuart, Iowa: A 2026 Guide to the Market, Beggars Night, and Where to Eat
Stuart sits right on I-80 west of Des Moines, and in the fall it’s easy to enjoy. Here’s what’s on between now and Halloween, and the local businesses worth building a stop around.
Wednesdays: the Stuart Farmers Market, through October 14
The Stuart Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30pm at Lawbaugh Park. Local growers, bakers, and makers, and it changes week to week. The last market of the season is October 14, so there are only a few Wednesdays left. Make it a dinner trip: pick up produce at the park, then head over for dinner at Los Altos, or a scoop at The Stuart Scoop, which rotates 16 flavors and makes its own waffle cones.
October 8 through 30: vote for your Stuart favorites
The Best of Southwest Iowa ballot opens October 8 and closes October 30. Stuart members are in it, and every vote counts the same whether you live here or you’re just passing through. The full how-to is in our nomination post. Winners are announced November 16.
Saturday, October 31: Beggars Night
Downtown businesses hand out candy from 5:00 to 6:30pm, then trick-or-treating moves to the residential streets from 6:00 to 9:00pm. The downtown slot is the easy one for families coming in from Menlo, Dexter, Adair, or Panora. Park once, walk the storefronts, then stay for dinner. Ruby’s does burgers, tenderloins, and pizza. Catch the 7pm show at the Fremont Theatre, and grab some popcorn and maybe even some more candy for the kids who haven’t quite had enough yet.
The Freedom Rock
If you’re routing a fall drive along I-80, the original Freedom Rock is here. We wrote up why it’s worth the stop.
Eat and shop local while you’re in town
Breakfast: The Sunny Spoon does breakfast and lunch just down the road in Menlo, and Ruthie’s Coffee House pours handcrafted espresso. Try their pumpkin-flavored drinks…you won’t be disappointed!
Lunch and dinner: Ruby’s Pub and Grill, a Stuart landmark. Brown Dog BBQ is catering only, so if you’re feeding a tailgate or a family gathering this fall, call them ahead.
A treat: The Stuart Scoop.
Before the hunt: Goldfinch Provisions sells hunting licenses, outdoor apparel, and craft beer, and it leans a little more toward the guys. Doe A Deer, from the same owners, has the gifts, specialty foods, and kitchen goods. Stuart Flowers & Gifts has a little something for everyone.
Groceries and the drive home: Hometown Foods for the grocery run, World Liquor and Tobacco and World Golf for the beer cave. Gas up at Kwik Star.
New in town: The Wildcat Den Energy and Nutrition opened this September at 203 Front Street.
Every business in that list is a Stuart Chamber member. Hours change with the season, so check each listing before you drive in. See you this fall.
