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.