The 130th Annual Pottawattamie County Fair returns to the Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds in Avoca July 15-20, bringing six days packed with livestock shows, family activities, live entertainment, competitions, fair food, and hometown traditions. Whether you're stopping by for a few hours or spending the entire week at the fairgrounds, here's what you can look forward to each day.
Wednesday, July 15
The fair kicks off with 4-H Static Project Evaluation beginning at 8 AM. Visitors can grab breakfast or lunch from the 4-H & FFA Food Stand, open from 8 AM to 1:30 PM, before checking out the 4-H Working Exhibits at 2:30 PM. The food stand reopens at 4:30 PM for an evening bite.
Thursday, July 16
Thursday's Family Night at the Fair is packed with activities from morning to night. The Poultry Show begins at 9 AM, followed by the Livestock Judging Contest. Visitors can also catch wood carving demonstrations by 3 Timber Studio at 9 AM, noon, and 3 PM.
The evening festivities begin with Family Night and Food Trucks. At 6 PM, Awards Night features Share the Fun performances and the Fair Queen Coronation. Tethered hot air balloon rides begin at 7 PM, while pedal tractor pull registration opens at 7 PM and the competition starts at 7:30 PM.
Live music from Cole Rath takes the stage from 7:30 to 10:30 PM, and the BBQ Contest gets underway at 9 PM.
Friday, July 17
Friday starts with the Goat & Sheep Show at 8 AM, BBQ Contest judging at 9 AM, and wood carving demonstrations continue throughout the day!
The Rabbit & Small Pet Show begins at 1 PM, followed by the Dog Show. Food trucks and the beer garden open at 4 PM, while BBQ Contest winners are announced at 5 PM. Cap off the evening with Finding Dixie performing live at 7:30 PM!
Saturday, July 18
Saturday features a full slate of fair favorites. The Beef Show begins at 9 AM, followed by the FFA Stuffed Animal Show and wood carving demonstrations.
The Fair Olympics start at 2 PM, followed by Mutton Bustin' and the Mechanical Bull at 4 PM. Food trucks, concessions, and the beer garden also open at 4 PM. The excitement continues with the Figure 8 Races at 7 PM, while teens can head to the Teen Dance from 7 to 9 PM.
Sunday, July 19
Sunday begins bright and early with the Swine Show at 7:30 AM The 4-H & FFA Food Stand will be open from 8 AM to 1:30 PM.
Attend the Cowboy Church Service before spending the afternoon at the fair. The Fairboard Concessions and Beer Garden open at 11 AM, followed by the Corn Hole Tournament at noon, the Basketball Tournament, and the Redneck Rally Race!
Monday, July 20
The fair wraps up with the Livestock Premium Auction, highlighting the hard work and dedication of local exhibitors and providing one final opportunity to support area youth.
Make Plans for Fair Week
From livestock shows and live music to hot air balloon rides, races, tournaments, and family activities, every day of the Pottawattamie County Fair offers something different. Mark your calendar for July 15-20 and join in a tradition that has been bringing the community together! For the latest updates and announcements throughout the week, check out the Pottawattamie County Fair Facebook page.
