West Branch's flagship summer celebration wasn't always a single unified weekend. For years, the community hosted two distinct summer events: Hoover Days, focused on honoring the 31st U.S. President near his August 10th birthday at the National Historic Site, and Hometown Heritage Days (often simply called Hometown Days), a local community festival hosted by downtown merchants, civic organizations, and residents. To streamline volunteer efforts, pool community resources, and

West Branch is rolling out the red carpet for Hoover’s Hometown Days 2026 this Friday and Saturday (August 7–8), and this year’s lineup is packed with small-town tradition, high-energy competition, and major community milestones! Whether you're coming for the day or making a full weekend out of it, here is your ultimate cheat sheet of the absolute must-sees and standout events you can't miss: ✨ The Big Highlights & New Additions: 🏛️ The Grand Reopening & Special Sneak Peeks:

This year's Hoover's Hometown Days brings something new to the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site: a mini-museum built entirely out of the neighbors, partners, and history-keepers who make this corner of Iowa special. On Saturday, August 8, from 11am to 4pm, the grounds of the Historic Site will fill with museums, historical organizations, National Park Service units, and hands-on demonstrations all gathered in one place for the day. For one day, the lawn itself becomes a

Every summer, West Branch turns into the epicenter of a sport most of the country has never heard of. But here's the thing our Hooverball die-hards should know: this game didn't start in a backyard, and it hasn't stayed in Iowa. It started on a battleship. How a Navy deck game became a presidential workout Back in 1928, President-elect Herbert Hoover was sailing home from a goodwill trip to South America aboard the USS Utah. He watched sailors playing a rough medicine-ball ga

For the past two years, we've hosted the STEAM trailer from PBS. This year, our local Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math heroes get a turn to show off their talent. It will be fun for ALL ages!!!!! Hoover's Hometown Days is all about celebrating our community, and this year we're excited to bring some fun to the festival with the West Branch Robotics Team & Boosters! 🤖 Stop by our booth in the West Branch Town Hall to check out: 🧱 A Lego table with building toys for

West Branch, get ready. This year's Hoover's Hometown Days lineup is packed with local makers, food vendors, and small businesses ready to fill downtown with something for everyone. Here's your guide to who's setting up shop. Community & Demonstrations West Branch Robotics — Dunk tank fundraiser Yocum's Self-Defense — Live self-defense demonstrations West Branch American Legion Auxiliary — Information pamphlets, coloring books, and stickers Craft & Artisan Vendors Handmade go

Hey West Branch! Mark your calendars, because Hoover’s Hometown Days is back! It’s the biggest weekend of the year, filled with history, fun, and community pride. But to pull off an event this massive and memorable, we need you! Volunteer positions are available from July (for Hoover Ball clinics) through Monday, August 10th (for final clean up). Main Street West Branch is officially looking for volunteers to join the crew and help make this year’s celebration the best one ye

Each August, the small but vibrant town of West Branch transforms into something much bigger than itself: a celebration of history, connection, and unmistakable Midwestern pride. On August 7–8, 2026, Hoover's Hometown Days returns, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience what organizers call “History’s Hottest Block Party.” Where History Meets Community Set in the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, this annual festival blends heritage with modern-day fun. What started

Whether you’re into country, bluegrass, jazz, funk, or rock, this year’s lineup of live music at Hoover's Hometown Days has something for everyone.

Whether you’re into country, bluegrass, jazz, funk, or rock, this year’s lineup of live music at Hoover's Hometown Days has something for everyone.