July 22, 2026- The Johnson County Fair is back — and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one for the books. Running July 25–29, 2026, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City, this beloved community tradition brings together livestock shows, live entertainment, carnival rides, food, and the kind of small-town fun that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a fair veteran or bringing the kids for the first time, here’s your complete guide to what’s happening this year.
Kayla Fisher, REALTOR at the Johnson County Fair
When & Where
Dates: July 25–29, 2026 Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4261 Oak Crest Hill Rd. SE, Iowa City, IA 52246
Admission is paid (2:00–8:00 PM on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), with free admission at all other times. Buy your tickets here.
Day-by-Day Highlights
Saturday, July 25, Opening Day + Tractor Pull + Fireworks
Kick things off with a packed Saturday lineup. Catch the Bill Riley Talent Show (1:00 PM), the Fair Queen Contest (4:00 PM), and exciting Crash n Bash RC Racing (2:00–6:00 PM). The evening belongs to the Foundation Tractor Pull (6:30 PM), followed by a Glow Foam Party and Fireworks around 9:30 PM. There’s also a Dog Show featuring Obedience, Rally, and Agility competitions starting at 9:00 AM.
Sunday, July 26, Ag Day + Dirt Drag Races
Sunday kicks off with a Non-Denominational Church Service (8:30 AM) and moves into a full day of agriculture — Horse Show, Meat Goat Show, Sheep Show, and the Clothing Event Style Show. The afternoon brings Corgi Races (10:00 AM), Pedal Tractor Pull (4:00 PM), and a Pie Auction (5:30 PM). Cap it off with the fan-favorite Dirt Drag Races at 6:30 PM on the track.
Monday, July 27, Veteran’s Day + ECI Tractor Pull + Fireworks
Monday honors our veterans while delivering serious fair action — Dairy Cattle Show, Dairy Goat Show, Swine Show, and a Rooster Crowing Contest (6:00 PM) that you won’t want to miss. The ECI Tractor Pull (7:00 PM) closes out the evening, with a Fireworks show to follow around 10:00 PM.
Tuesday, July 28, Kid’s Day
Tuesday is all about the little ones. Pony Rides, Barnyard Discoveries, Rabbit Show, Barrel Train, and a Bucket Bottle Show keep the youngest fairgoers busy from morning to evening. The Side by Side Pulls (6:30 PM) round out an action-packed day.
Wednesday, July 29, Final Day + 4-H Awards
Wrap up the week with Supreme Showmanship (9:00 AM), the Duck Dash Conclusion, and the highly anticipated 4-H Awards Ceremony (10:30 AM). Exhibit release is at noon — a bittersweet farewell to another great fair.
Thursday, July 30, Livestock Auction
The week wraps with the Livestock Auction at 8:00 AM in the Expo Center.
See What LKR Has to Say
Curious what the Johnson County Fair experience is really like? LKR’s own Kayla Fisher breaks it all down. Watch her video below for an inside look at what makes this fair a can’t-miss Iowa tradition:
https://youtu.be/zhy6UIne4B4?si=LVAWoT_NBtillwGC
Plan Your Visit
With five full days of events, you won’t be able to see everything — so plan ahead. From the tractor pulls and fireworks to the 4-H competitions and carnival rides, there’s something for every age and interest.
View the full 2026 Johnson County Fair schedule here
Follow the fair on social media for updates:
- Facebook: facebook.com/JohnsonCoFairgrounds
- Instagram: @thejohnsoncountyfair
- TikTok: @johnsoncountyfairgrounds
We’ll see you at the fair!
Questions or want to learn more about real estate in the Johnson County area? Contact LKR — we’re your local experts.