Summer 2018: Can’t Miss County Fairs in Central Iowa

Summer 2018: Can’t Miss County Fairs in Central Iowa

Fair season in Iowa allows the perfect opportunity for FREE family fun. Whether you choose to attend the iconic Iowa State Fair or you opt for one of the smaller county fairs in the area, here are some of our top picks for fair fun in and around the Des Moines metro. 

Here’s your guide to county fairs happening this summer in Central Iowa:

July 11-14, 2018

Central Iowa Fair

Central Iowa Fairgrounds – 2608 S 2nd Street • Marshalltown, IA 50158 • (641) 753-3671

Delights visitors with a farmers’ market, pig races, a kiddie tractor pull, livestock shows and rodeo. Fair Admission is FREE.  Select events and activities charge admission.

July 11-15, 2018

Dallas County Fair

Dallas County Fairgrounds – 28057 Fairground Road • Adel, IA 50003 • (515) 993-3728

Features a carnival with amusement rides and games, live entertainment, fun contests, a talent show, a pet show, tasty fair food and more. Fair Admission is FREE.

July 13-19, 2018

Marion County Fair

Marion County Fair Grounds – 1000 N Lincoln Street • Knoxville, IA 50138 • (641) 842-5431

Visitors will enjoy family-friendly activities like arts and crafts, a carnival, classic fair food, daily livestock shows, and Warrant will be their featured concert act on July 13th. Fair Admission is FREE.

July 18-22, 2018

Madison County Fair

Madison County Fairgrounds – 1204 W. Summit Street • Winterset, IA 50273 • (515) 462-1295

See livestock shows, a wide variety of agricultural exhibits, ride rides at the carnival, enjoy fair food, cow pie bingo, grandstand shows and more. See fair guide for a complete schedule of events. Fair Admission is FREE.

July 18-23, 2018

Polk County Fair

Iowa State Fair Grounds –  3000 E Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50317 • (515) 262-3111

The Polk County King and Queen will be crowned, kids pedal pull, BBQ contest, exhibits and more. See website for a complete schedule of events. Fair Admission is FREE.

July 19-22, 2018

Boone County Fair

Boone County Fair Grounds – 1601 Industrial Park Road • Boone, IA 50036 • (515) 432-5899

Fair goers will enjoy a carnival, livestock shows, grandstand shows, food and entertainment. Tickets required for grandstand shows and carnival rides.  Fair Admission is FREE.

July 20-25, 2018

Story County Fair

Story County Fairgrounds – 220 H Avenue • Nevada, IA 50201 • (515) 382-6551

Don’t miss livestock and pet shows, Queen Coronation and Family Fun Night (Sunday, July 22nd). Kids will also enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting. Fair Admission is FREE.

July 20-27, 2018

Jasper County Fair

Jasper County Fairgrounds – 359 N. Walnut Street • Colfax, IA 50054 • (515) 674-4382

Features a variety of contests, including a hot dog eating contest; there will be a parade, a kid’s carnival, tractor pull and rodeo.  Fair Admission is FREE.

July 25-30, 2018

Warren County Fair

Warren County Fairgrounds – 1400 W 2nd Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-5861

Features a carnival with amusement rides and games, live entertainment, kid’s activities and contests, a tractor pull, yummy fair food and more. Fair Admission is FREE.

Want more family-friendly fun? See our guide to summer festivals.

Will your family be attending a county fair this summer? Let us know and give it a mention in the Comments below.