Special Events
No trip to Okoboji would be complete without a campus tour, but visitors will search in vain for the ever-elusive University of Okoboji. This beloved university exists only in the hearts and minds of its ‘alumni.’ Although not a true institution, the University of Okoboji is an active fundraiser and sponsor of local events. In fact, annual activities like the University of Okoboji Hoops Classic, Wrestling Tournament, Soccer Tournament (sponsored by Coca-Cola), USTA McDonald’s Junior Tennis Classic Tournament, Rugby Tournament, Cycling Classic Campus Ride, World Tennis Classic, Homecoming (including an Environmental Clean-up Dive), Softball Tournament and Oktoberfest Bike Ride and more make up the entire curriculum. For specific event dates, refer to the Calendar of Events or call The Three Sons at (712) 338-2424 to register or to get additional event information.

Don’t miss Milford’s Holiday Fantasy starting with a lighted parade on November 23rd, a parade of trees, chili feed, photos with Santa, and a parade of homes.

The annual University of Okoboji Winter Games take place the last full weekend in January, coinciding with the Super Bowl weekend. The games attract more participants every year. The Games promise fun for all ages with events like the 5K and 10K Road Race and Walk, a broomball tournament, kids’ ice fishing contest, Wild Women and Men of Okoboji contest, mini-golf on the lake, a snowmobile run, dog sled rides, ATV rodeo, bike rides, talent show, snowball softball and football, chili cook-off and a bonfire of Christmas trees and fireworks on the lake Saturday night.

This year the Okoboji Tourism Committee will host the second annual Okoboji Walleye Classic. The fishing tournament will be held on May 26-27 on the five interconnecting lakes with a guarantee of $5,000 for first place. Teams will compete for two days, with the weigh-ins taking place at the Arnolds Park State Pier at 3 pm each day. A youth fishing clinic will also be offered Saturday at 10 am with instruction from Pro-Angler Eric Naig. Take in some great blues bands at the Budweiser's Fish Bone Blues Fest in the Roof Garden from 1–3 pm both days during the fishing tournament.There will be no admission charge for the fishing clinic and the Budweiser Fish Bones Blues Fest. It’s a great way to start your Summer! For more information or entry forms for the fishing tournament, contact Okoboji Tourism.
Come enjoy a patriotic weekend at Spencer’s Flagfest Celebration and Flight Breakfast on June 8-10. This festival includes fun for all ages, featuring a dance, live music, parade, antique car cruise night, a flight show, breakfast and much more!
Spirit Lake Mainsail presents their 4th Annual Cruise-In featuring classic cars and hot rods Saturday, June 30, 2001 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in uptown Spirit Lake. Enjoy food, music, fun and see some great classics.
What is always after 10 pm, always on the 4th of July at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park and always the holiday highlight? It’s the 4th of July Fireworks. The lights on the spectator boats rival the fireworks and help make the night one to remember all year.
You’ll see the most unique collection of antique wooden boats at the Antique Classic Wooden Boat Show Saturday and Sunday, August 5, lakefront at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park where you can view these beauties up close.

Who doesn’t love a little red Corvette? To tempt the sports car enthusiast, visit the U of O Corvette Club ‘Vettes at the Park’ at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, with more than 100 Corvettes on display.
The ‘World’s Greatest County Fair’ is just a few minutes from the Iowa Great Lakes. Spencer, Iowa, hosts the annual Clay County Fair, September 8-16, and boasts the largest agri-business machinery display in the United States and Canada. The fair features traditional rides and games, popular musical acts, tractor pulls, livestock shows, car races, rodeos and an assortment of stage shows.
Come celebrate a beautiful Indian Summer during Oktoberfest on October 6th. The University of Okoboji annual Oktoberfest Bike Ride starts at 8 a.m. with festivities at Minervas, Village East Resort. Other fun events throughout the day are sponsored by Spirit Lake Mainsail. At 4:00 p.m. enjoy Polka dancing, great music, authentic German food, kids games and other fun activities at the Spirit Lake Expo Building.