Fairfield has celebrated numerous recent accomplishments, including the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, the 16-mile Fairfield Loop Trail, renovation of the Historic Maasdam Barns, downtown streetscape and building facade restoration. The community also added a new outdoor skatepark, outdoor swimming pool and indoor recreation center with $6 million dollars in private investment. The added amenities in the community have increased tourism and spurred population growth. Public-private partnerships have been successful because of the strong community commitment to living up to the Iowa Great Place ideals and status. The downtown improvements have inspired the community to envision greater things, and it has turned to several studies and program recommendations for improved wayfinding, functionality, beautification and other elements that contribute to a vibrant and dynamic cultural center.

The Fairfield Cultural & Entertainment District is located in downtown Fairfield and features many historic buildings, mixed-commercial uses and local events. The town square is the center for locally owned shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Since 2005, the Fairfield Cultural Alliance has supported arts, culture, history and creative expression in the district. From 2010 to 2017, it distributed Cultural Trust Fund Mini-Grants to worthy projects in the district and surrounding area.

Fairfield was designated an Iowa Great Place in 2006. The Fairfield Central District was re-designated in 2019.

It was designated an Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District in 2005 and re-designated in 2018.

Project Spotlight

The Fairfield Cultural & Entertainment District is located in the downtown area and features many historic buildings, mixed-commercial uses and local events. The town square is the center for locally owned shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Since 2005, the Fairfield Cultural Alliance has supported arts, culture, history and creative expression in the district. From 2010 to 2017, it distributed Cultural Trust Fund Mini-Grants to worthy projects in the district and surrounding area.