TrekFest: A Star Trek–Inspired Weekend in Riverside, Iowa

If you’ve ever wanted to attend a Star Trek festival without leaving Iowa, set your course for Riverside.

Each summer, this small Washington County town leans all the way into its claim as the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk. The result is TrekFest — a one-of-a-kind Iowa festival filled with costumes, sci-fi fun, live music, food vendors, a parade, guest appearances, family activities, and plenty of small-town pride.

For 2026, TrekFest 41 is scheduled for Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27, with the main festival activities taking place Friday and Saturday.

When Is TrekFest?

TrekFest 41 is scheduled for:

Thursday, June 25, 2026 — Warmup events
Friday, June 26, 2026 — Main festival day
Saturday, June 27, 2026 — Parade, costumes, music, fireworks, and more

The official schedule is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official TrekFest website or Facebook page before making the trip.

Where is TrekFest held?

TrekFest takes place in Riverside, Iowa, with many events centered around Hall Park, Railroad Park, the Voyage Home History Center, Trinity United Methodist Church, and other spots around town.

Riverside is located in southeast Iowa, not far from Iowa City, Kalona, and Washington. It makes a fun day trip from eastern Iowa, but Star Trek fans may want to make a full weekend out of it.

What Is TrekFest?

TrekFest is a Star Trek–themed community festival, but you don’t have to be a die-hard fan to enjoy it.

Yes, you’ll see Starfleet uniforms, Klingons, Vulcans, sci-fi costumes, and plenty of Trek references. But at its heart, TrekFest is also a classic Iowa summer festival with food, music, kids’ activities, vendors, a parade, fireworks, and community events.

That mix is what makes it such a fun Iowa road trip stop. It’s quirky, welcoming, and unlike almost anything else you’ll find in the state.

2026 TrekFest Guests

One of the big draws for TrekFest 41 is the guest lineup. The 2026 schedule includes appearances from several Star Trek actors, authors, and fan-favorite personalities, including:

Garrett Wang, best known to Star Trek fans as Ensign Harry Kim
Robert Duncan McNeill, known for playing Lieutenant Tom Paris
Denise Crosby, known for playing Tasha Yar
Dayton Ward, Star Trek author
Kevin Dilmore, author and pop-culture writer
Bonnie Gordon
John Paladin, special effects makeup artist

Guest appearances may include autograph sessions, photo opportunities, Q&A sessions, panels, and special events. Some of these experiences may require a fee, so check the official schedule before you go.

Thursday Warmup Events

TrekFest now includes Thursday evening warmup events, which gives visitors a chance to ease into the weekend.

The Thursday schedule includes the Shipyard Beer Tent opening in Hall Park, live music, a beer tasting event, and ticketed sessions of The Romulan Gambit.

If you’re planning to spend the weekend in Riverside, Thursday night could be a good time to arrive, get settled, and start enjoying the festival before the bigger crowds arrive on Friday and Saturday.

Friday Highlights

Friday brings a full day of TrekFest activities, including film-related programming, panels, book signings, guest appearances, music, vendors, kids’ activities, and evening entertainment.

A few Friday highlights include:

Trekkies film showing followed by a Denise Crosby Q&A session
TrekFest Photo Scavenger Hunt
Academic panels and Star Trek discussions
Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore discussion panel
Book signing with Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore
Guest star autograph sessions and photo opportunities
The Romulan Gambit ticketed game sessions
Intergalactic Pet Show
Star Trek Trivia Contest
Live music in Hall Park
Stargazing at Highland Elementary School

Friday is also when food vendors, the beer tent, kids zone, and shopping/vendor areas begin opening for the weekend.

Saturday Highlights

Saturday is the biggest day of TrekFest and the day most first-time visitors will want to target.

The day starts early with breakfast, fitness activities, tournaments, model show registration, and parade lineup. Then the celebration moves into one of the signature moments of the weekend: the TrekFest parade.

The parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday and follows Highway 22 through downtown Riverside.

After the parade, the day continues with family activities, food vendors, the beer tent, costume contest, live music, model show, kids activities, photo opportunities, and evening entertainment.

Saturday highlights include:

Trek for a Cause 1K and 5K
TrekFest Model Show and Contest
TrekFest Parade through downtown Riverside
Sci-Fi Costume Contest
Kids Zone in Hall Park
Caricature artist
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull
Bingo
Food vendors and local fundraisers
Live music throughout the afternoon and evening
Q&A session with Garrett Wang and Robert Duncan McNeill
Final autograph and photo opportunity
Fireworks at dusk

If you’re only able to attend one day, Saturday is the day that gives you the fullest TrekFest experience.

The TrekFest Parade

The TrekFest parade is one of the most popular parts of the weekend.

It starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and travels along Highway 22 through downtown Riverside. Expect community groups, floats, costumes, Star Trek references, and plenty of small-town festival energy.

If you’re planning to watch the parade, arrive early enough to park and find a good spot. Summer weather in Iowa can also be hot, so bring water, sunscreen, and anything you’ll need to stay comfortable.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

TrekFest is a fun event for families, even if the kids don’t know much about Star Trek.

The official schedule includes bounce houses, a kids zone, face painting, pedal tractor pull, caricature artist, Lego-related activities, and other kid-friendly events. Some activities are free, while others may have a cost or require registration.

The Intergalactic Pet Show is another fun one to watch, especially if you like seeing how creative people get with their pets and costumes.

Food, Drinks, and Vendors

TrekFest includes food vendors, local fundraisers, a beer tent, and shopping/vendor areas.

Saturday morning includes a breakfast fundraiser at the Riverside VFW, and food vendors are scheduled in Hall Park during the main festival. The Shipyard Beer Tent is also part of the weekend, including special TrekFest-themed beverages and collector items in some years.

No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the park during TrekFest, so plan to support the local vendors while you’re there.

Paid and Registration Events

TrekFest is generally free to attend, but some parts of the weekend may require a reservation, registration, or fee.

On the official schedule, events marked with “R” require registration, and events marked with “$” have a cost to participate or purchase. Examples may include autograph/photo opportunities, ticketed game experiences, beer tasting, fan makeup, races, contests, or tournaments.

If there’s something specific you really want to do, check the official schedule in advance instead of waiting until you arrive.

Planning Tips for TrekFest

Here are a few tips before you go:

Check the official TrekFest schedule before leaving, because times and locations can change.

Plan for hot weather. Late June in Iowa can be warm and sunny, especially during the parade and afternoon activities.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets if you plan to spend time listening to music in the park.

Arrive early for the parade, especially if you want easier parking and a better viewing spot.

Consider wearing a costume. You don’t have to dress up, but it definitely adds to the fun.

Make time to explore Riverside’s Star Trek landmarks while you’re in town.

Why TrekFest Belongs on Your Iowa Road Trip

TrekFest is exactly the kind of event that makes Iowa road trips fun.

It’s not just another summer festival. It’s a small town that found a quirky piece of pop-culture identity and turned it into a celebration that brings people together year after year.

You’ll find Star Trek fans, families, local volunteers, live music, community fundraisers, costumes, vendors, and visitors who simply wanted to experience one of Iowa’s most unusual festivals.

Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or just looking for a road trip that’s a little different, TrekFest in Riverside is worth adding to your summer calendar.

Final Thought

You don’t need a warp drive to reach one of Iowa’s most unique festivals.

Just point your car toward Riverside, Iowa, and get ready for a weekend that’s out of this world.