Friday - Kickoff
Hometown Night
The festival kicks off with the Youth Hoover-Ball tournament, a Kids' Tractor Pull and an adult Bags (Corn Hole) Tournament. Support the local volunteer Fire Department in the beer garden and grill. All are invited to enjoy Live Music on the Fire Station Stage at 8pm.
Saturday - Festival
Eat, Shop, Explore
Saturday includes a jam-packed schedule featuring something for everyone! Enjoy free family-fun like the Mayor's parade, inflatables, petting zoo, giant bubbles, special activities from our local award-winning robotics team, plus a variety of live music, special performances, historic reenactments, food trucks, pop-up shops and exhibitors!
Saturday - Finale
Hoover-Ball Championships
Watch the final Hoover-Ball National Championship Games in Village Green and stick around for local night life at local businesses!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is the main festival action located?
A: The festivities are centered right in Historic Downtown West Branch and stretch across the beautiful grounds of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Village Green (home to the national Hoover-Ball championships).
Q: What do I need to know about parking, carts, and accessibility?
A: Designated parking areas are mapped out around the perimeter of the festival grounds to keep foot traffic safe and easy. If you have mobility concerns or need assistance getting from outer parking lots to the main historic district, look for designated festival accessibility golf carts and volunteer shuttle zones operating throughout peak hours. Check the official HHTD Parking Map for exact pick-up/drop-off loops.
Q: Which streets will be closed during the weekend?
A: Expect temporary road closures and local detours directly through the historic downtown commercial district and surrounding event zones. Review the festival's Road Closures + Detours Map ahead of time to plan your arrival smoothly.
Q: Where are the public restrooms located?
A: Portable restrooms and hand-washing stations are strategically placed in high-traffic zones across the festival footprint, including near the main food vendor clusters on Main Street, adjacent to the family activity areas, near the Village Green, and close to the National Historic Site visitor facilities. Look for the restroom icons on the General Festival Map.
Q: Where can I watch the Mayor’s Parade?
A: The parade route winds right through the heart of town. Grab a lawn chair or stake out a spot early along the official Parade Route map to guarantee a front-row view of the floats, local groups, and marching bands.
Q: Are the museum and historical sites open during the festival?
A: Yes! It’s a monumental weekend for history lovers. You can tour the historic birthplace cottage, gravesite, and grounds. Plus, don't miss the grand reopening festivities and special sneak peeks happening at the newly renovated Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum!