Your Complete Guide to the 72nd Annual Dubuque County Fair

The 72nd Annual Dubuque County Fair gets underway on Tuesday, July 22nd and runs through the 27th. Since moving to Dubuque, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Fair in back-to-back years. Last year, I had a blast seeing old and new faces, and hanging with Ken Peiffer at the 103.3 WJOD tent for multiple days in a row.

Every year, the tireless Dubuque County Fairgrounds staff helps put together a jam-packed week of fun events, great food, and of course, musical acts. Personally, I cannot wait for the Statler Brothers tribute band, which takes the stage opening night at 8pm!

With that, I've decided to break down the major happenings for each day of the fair. Scroll for the full schedule!

Photo Credits: Steve Pulaski

Tuesday, July 22nd (Free Day):

Opening night of the 2025 Dubuque County Fair is "Free Day," where admission is free all day, thanks to sponsor Tegeler Body & Frame Wrecker & Crane in Dyersville, IA.

8am: Grounds Open
8am: Entry of all 4-H Horses & Ponies - Horse Arena
9am: 4-H/FFA Horse and Pony Show - Horse Arena
9am: 4-H/FFA Dairy Goat - Show Barn
9am: 4-H/FFA Sheep Show - Swine Barn
9:30am: 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle/Cows Show - Show Barn
10am - 6pm: Country Store Open
10am - 8pm: Creative Arts Building/Kids Corner Open
10am - 8pm: 4-H Building Exhibits Open
10:30am: Kids Decorate and Chill Activity - Creative Arts Building
11am - 8pm: Commercial Building Open
11am: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
12pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
12:30pm: 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show - Swine Barn
1pm - 5pm: Bingo - Across from Grandstands
1pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: DNR and Wildlife Program - Exhibit Grounds
3pm - 7pm: Ken Peiffer Live Broadcast from the Fair on 103.3 WJOD
3pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: Carnival Rides Open
4pm: North American Midway Rides Open
4pm: Dubuque Dance - Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden
4pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
4:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Steamers Trill Show - Exhibit Grounds
6pm: Opening Ceremony - Mainstage
6pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
7pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
8pm: Free Concert: Tribute to the Statler Brothers - Mainstage
8pm: Ken Peiffer, DJ - Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden

A look at some of the rides at the Dubuque County Fair. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski

Wednesday, July 23rd (Kids Day/Race Day):

Wednesday is "Kids Day"/"Race Day" at the Dubuque County Fair, sponsored by The Donovan Family.

8am: Grounds Open
9am: 4-H/FFA Beef Show - Show Barn
10am - 1pm: Kid's Activities - Top of the Grandstands
10am - 6pm: Country Store Open
10am - 8pm: Creative Arts Building/Kids Corner Open
10am - 8pm: 4-H Building Exhibits Open to the Public
10am: Kid's Day Activities - Top of the Grandstands
10:30am: Clover Kids Poultry Show - Poultry Barn
11am - 8pm: Commercial Building Open
11am: 4-H/FFA Poultry Show - Poultry Barn
11am: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
12pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
12:30pm: Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Sing-Up - Festival Garden
1pm - 11pm: North American Midway Ride Bracelets ($35)
1:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm: Kids Pedal Tractor Pull - Festival Garden
2pm: DNR and Wildlife Program - Exhibit Grounds
3pm - 7pm: Ken Peiffer Live Broadcast from the Fair on 103.3 WJOD
3pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
3pm: Kid's Day Prize Giveaway - Top of Grandstands (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)
3pm: Release of Poultry, Breeding Heifers, Milking Animals
4pm: Frog Jump - Festival Area
4pm: Dubuque Dance - Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden
4pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
4:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
5:30pm: 4-H/FFA Awards Ceremony - Festival Garden
6pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
6:30pm: Pro Late Model Series - On the Track
7pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
8pm: Ken Peiffer, DJ - Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski

Thursday, July 24th (Country Day):

Thursday is "Country Day" at the Dubuque County Fair, with a Toby Keith tribute band taking the Grandstands Stage, as well as Beau Timmerman and Tyler Richton & High Bank Boys performing on the Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden.

8am: Grounds Open
9am: 4-H/FFA Swine Show - Swine Barn
10am - 6pm: Grounds Scavenger Hunt
10am - 6pm: Country Store Open
10am - 8pm: Creative Arts Building/Kids Corner Open
10am - 8pm: 4-H Building Exhibits Open to the Public
10:30am: Kids Crown Making - Creative Arts Building
11am - 8pm: Commercial Building Open
11am: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
12pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
12pm: Eating Contest - Front of the Grand Ballroom
1pm - 11pm: North American Midway Ride Bracelets ($35)
1pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm - 3:30pm: LEGO Contest - Creative Arts Building
1:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: DNR and Wildlife Program - Exhibit Grounds
2:30pm: Clover Kids Pet Show - Shown Barn
2:30pm: Bacon Buddies - Swine Barn
3pm - 7pm: Ken Peiffer Live Broadcast from the Fair on 103.3 WJOD
3pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
3pm: Tiny Prince & Prince Judging - Festival Garden
3:30pm - 5:30pm: Plant Marigolds with Steve's Ace - Creative Arts Building
4pm: Entry of All 4-H Pets - Show Barn
4pm: Release of 4-H/FFA Animals (Livestock not being sold)
4pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: Dubuque Dance - Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden
4pm: 4-H/FFA Pet Show - Show Barn
4:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Beau Timmerman - Festival Garden
6pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
6:45pm: Fair Queen Coronation - Main Stage
5pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
7pm: Tyler Richton & High Bank Boys - Main Stage
9pm: American Ride: Tribute to Toby Keith
9pm: Tyler Richton & High Bank Boys - Festival Garden

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski

Friday, July 25th (Fantasy Truck Pull):

Friday at the Dubuque County Fair features the Fantasy Truck Pull as well as Cory Farley performing from 8pm - midnight on the Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden.

8am: Grounds Open
9am: 4-H/FFA Auction - Swine, Sheep, and Meat Goat
10am - 6pm: Country Store Open
10am - 7pm: Creative Arts Building/Kids Corner Open
10am - 7pm: 4-H Building Exhibits Open to the Public
10:30am: Kids Twist & Tales - Creative Arts Building
11am - 8pm: Commercial Building Open
11am: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
12pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
12:30pm: 4-H/FFA Dairy Basket & Beef Auction - Show Barn
1pm - 5pm: Bingo - Across from the Grandstands
1pm - 11pm: North American Midway Ride Bracelets ($35)
1pm: The Amazing Bubble Show Factory - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm: Kiddie Car Show Check in (Bring Cars to North Gate)
1:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: DNR and Wildlife Program - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: Kiddie Car Show - Top of Grandstands
2:30pm: Kiddie Car Show Judging - Top of Grandstands
3pm - 7pm: Ken Peiffer Live Broadcast from the Fair on 103.3 WJOD
3pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
3pm: Kiddie Car Show (Release Vehicles Back to Parking)
4pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: Release of All Remaining 4-H/FFA Livestock
4pm: Chicken Chucking Contest - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: Dubuque Dance - Blain's Stage in the Festival Garden
4:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
6pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
6:30pm: Fantasy Truck Pull - On the Track
7pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
8pm: Cory Farley - Blain's Stage/Festival Garden

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski

Saturday, July 26th (Tractor Pull/Family Day):

Saturday at the Dubuque County Fair is "Tractor Pull/Family Day," sponsored by Theisen's.

7:30am: Entry of 4-H/FFA Rabbit - Swine Barn
8am: Grounds Open
8am: Cook-Off Check In - Top of Grandstands
9am: Open Class Horse Show - Horse Arena
9am: Clover Kids Rabbit Show - Swine Barn
9:30am: Open Class Dairy Show - Show Barn
10am: 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show - Swine Barn
10am - 6pm: Grounds Scavenger Hunt
10am - 6pm: Country Store Open
10am - 7pm: Creative Arts Building/Kids Corner Open
10am - 7pm: 4-H Building Exhibits Open to the Public
11am - 8pm: Commercial Building Open
11am - 2pm: Beer Olympics - Festival Garden
11am - 2pm: Face Painting - Creative Arts
11am: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
12pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
12pm - 11pm: North American Midway Ride Bracelet ($35)
12pm: Kiddie Calf Show - Shown Barn
12pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
1pm - 5pm: Bingo - Across from the Grandstands
1pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: DNR and Wildlife Program - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: Cook-Off Turn-In - Top of Grandstands
2pm - 6pm: Ozzy and Bon JoeB - Blain's Stage/Festival Garden
2:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
3pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
3:30pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: Chicken Chucking Contest - Exhibit Grounds
4:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
6pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
6:30pm: ECIPA Truck & Tractor Pull - On the Track
7pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
8pm: ViceBox - Blain's Stage/Festival Garden

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski

Sunday, July 27th (Demo/Race Day):

Sunday is the final day of the Dubuque County Fair, underscored by a Demo Derby, Stock Car Races, and more as a last hurrah.

8am: Grounds Open
8am - 10:30am: Open Class Beef Check In - Show Barn
10am - 6pm: Grounds Scavenger Hunt
10am - 6pm: Country Store Open
10am - 7pm: Creative Arts Building/Kids Corner Open
11am - 7pm: Commercial Building Open
11am - 2pm: Face Painting - Creative Arts
11am: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
11:30am: Open Class Beef Show - Show Barn
12pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
12pm - 7pm: 4-H Building Exhibits Open to the Public
12pm - 8pm: North American Midway Ride Bracelet ($35)
12pm: Demolition Derby - On the Track
1pm: Madhouse - Blain's Stage/Festival Garden
1pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
1:30pm: Open Class Beef Showmanship Begins
2pm: DNR and Wildlife Program - Exhibit Grounds
2pm: Open Class Beef Show - Livestock Arena
2:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
3pm: Special Head - The Flying Magician - Exhibit Grounds
3:30pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
4pm: Race Car Drive Autographs - Race Patios
4pm: Chicken Chucking Contest Finals - Exhibit Grounds
4:30pm: Tiger Encounter - Exhibit Grounds
5pm: Steamers Thrill Show - Exhibit Grounds
6pm: Hot Laps - Julien Dubuque Classic - On the Track
7pm: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Exhibit Grounds
8pm: DJ Music - Blain's Stage/Festival Garden

Admission to the Fair (Wednesday - Sunday) for 12 and older is $12, while children age 11 and under are FREE. For more details, visit the Dubuque County Fair's website and Facebook page!