Wednesday, July 1, 2026 

The Best Six Days of Summer Return: Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Dubuque County Fair DUBUQUE, Iowa — One of the Tri-State area’s most anticipated summer traditions is set to return as the 73rd Annual Dubuque County Fair opens Tuesday, July 28, and runs through Sunday, August 2 at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.

Known as “The Best Six Days of Summer,” this year’s fair offers a packed schedule featuring agricultural competitions, nationally recognized entertainment, motorsports, family attractions, carnival rides, educational exhibits, live music, food vendors, and activities for visitors of all ages. Organizers have expanded family-friendly programming while continuing to celebrate the agricultural heritage that has made the Dubuque County Fair one of Iowa’s premier county fairs. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy daily attractions including Old MacDonald’s Farm, Tiny Town, an Exotic Animal Zoo, the Creative Arts Building, Kids Korner, the 4-H Building, exhibit halls, mechanical bull rides, carnival attractions, comedy and magic performances, live music, Grace Good aerial performances, Lasting Impressions entertainment, foam and bubble shows, and numerous educational demonstrations. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Tuesday, July 28 – Free Admission Day

The fair opens with Free Admission Day, sponsored by Tegeler Wrecker & Crane.

Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. with a Sensory-Safe Hour, followed by livestock judging featuring dairy goats, sheep, horses, ponies, dairy cattle, dairy cows, and meat goats.

Families can enjoy STEM activities, cupcake decorating, honey tasting, bingo, Scott’s Comedy & Magic Show, Grace Good performances, Lasting Impressions entertainment, and the official Fair Opening Ceremony.

The evening concludes with the Mainstage performance featuring Doug Allen Nash’s Neil Diamond Tribute and Country Duets, while Ken Peiffer performs in the Festival Garden. Carnival rides begin at 4:00 p.m. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Wednesday, July 29 – Kids Day

Wednesday is dedicated to families with Kids Day, sponsored by The Donovan Family.

Children can participate in pedal tractor pulls, frog jumping contests, prize giveaways, poultry shows, foam parties, and interactive entertainment throughout the grounds.

Agricultural competitions continue with beef judging and swine weigh-ins.

Racing fans can head to the grandstand for the Pro Late Model Series beginning at 5:30 p.m., while evening entertainment continues with Ken Peiffer in the Festival Garden. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Thursday, July 30 – Country Day

Thursday celebrates agriculture and country living with Country Day, sponsored by Theisen’s.

Events include the popular Bring Your Own Chalk Party, Lego activities, fair eating contests, Joey V Music, the Bacon Buddies Show, Tiny Prince and Princess judging, gardening activities, and live music throughout the afternoon.

The evening’s headline attraction is country music artist Dylan Marlowe, joined by special guest Atlus, taking the Mainstage beginning at 7:00 p.m. Festival Garden entertainment continues with Back Booth Alley. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Friday, July 31 – Rock Day

Friday shifts into high gear with Rock Day.

The day begins with the annual 4-H and FFA livestock auctions before transitioning into family activities including Lego building events, the Kiddie Car Show, chicken chucking contests, bingo, and live music.

Friday night’s featured concert brings modern rock to Dubuque as Sleep Theory takes the Mainstage with special guest Silly Goose, while Crazy Delicious performs in the Festival Garden. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Saturday, August 1 – Family Day & Truck and Tractor Pull

Saturday combines Family Day with one of the fair’s signature motorsports attractions.

Visitors can enjoy rabbit shows, horse competitions, dairy shows, Family Fun Day activities, cook-off competitions, bingo, Kiddie Calf Show, live music, and numerous children’s activities throughout the grounds.

The evening features the always-popular ECIPA Truck & Tractor Pull, expected to draw large crowds, while Ditch Lillies perform in the Festival Garden into the night. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Sunday, August 2 – Race Day & Demo Day

The fair concludes with one of its biggest days of entertainment.

Sunday includes open-class beef competitions, Lego activities, live music, race car driver autograph sessions, the Chicken Chucking Contest Finals, and family entertainment throughout the grounds.

The grandstand features a Demolition Derby beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by hot laps for the Julien Dubuque Classic, providing an exciting finish to the six-day celebration. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)

Agriculture Remains the Heart of the Fair

While entertainment continues to grow each year, agriculture remains the foundation of the Dubuque County Fair.

Hundreds of 4-H and FFA members from throughout Dubuque County will exhibit livestock, showcase projects, compete in judging contests, and participate in livestock auctions. Visitors will also find educational exhibits, creative arts displays, horticulture projects, demonstrations, and numerous opportunities to learn about Iowa agriculture and youth leadership. (Iowa State University Extension)

Something for Everyone

Whether you’re attending for the livestock shows, nationally touring concerts, motorsports, carnival rides, fair food, children’s activities, or live entertainment, the 2026 Dubuque County Fair offers one of the largest family events in eastern Iowa.

From free admission on opening day to championship racing and demolition derby action on closing day, this year’s fair promises six days filled with community spirit, agriculture, entertainment, and family memories.

The 73rd Annual Dubuque County Fair runs Tuesday, July 28, through Sunday, August 2, at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Daily schedules, ticket information, admission prices, entertainment details, and event updates are available through the fair’s official website. (Dubuque County Fairgrounds)