Polk County Fair Schedule
Current as of 11/19/25
Join Us for the 2026 Polk County Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
The Polk County Fair is packed with exciting competitions and events, from livestock shows and pet exhibits to static displays, shooting sports, and fun contests like the Little Tyke Tractor Pull. Beyond the competitions, you can join the 5K, dance the night away at the teen dance, catch a movie, or give back at the blood drive. Whether you're showcasing your talents, bidding at the livestock auction, or just here for the fun, there’s something for everyone—so come be part of the excitement!
Sunday, TBD
TBD
County Fair Shooting Sports Contest (Izaak Walton)
Saturday, June 20th
8:00 AM
Fair Royalty Interviews (Polk County Extension Office)
Saturday, July 11th
8:00 AM
Clothing Event Judging (Polk County Extension Office)
Friday, July 17th
4:00-7:00 PM
Club Booth Set-up
Livestock Barns CLOSED until 5 pm due to insecticide application
5:00-8:00 PM
Stall Assignments posted- tack may be moved in
Saturday, July 18th
8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Horse arrive
8:00 AM
Advanced Cattle Feeder Arrival
8:30 AM-3:00 PM
4-H & FFA Conference Judging (4-H Building)
9:00 AM
Advanced Cattle Feeder Weigh/Scan (Sheep Barn)
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Open Class Entries (4-H Building)
12:00 PM
Open Class Judging (4-H Building)
3:00 PM
4-H Building Closed
3:00 PM
Cat Show (Jacobson Arena, Southwest Corner)
4:00 PM
Horse Check-in, Exhibitor Meeting to Follow
4:00-7:00 PM
Poultry Arrival
4:00-7:00 PM
Sheep and Goat Arrive- All Must Vet Check in Rock Island Parking lot
4:00-7:00 PM
Sheep Weigh-in
4:00-7:00 PM
Goat Weigh-in
7:00 PM
Anything goes (Jacobson Arena)
Sunday, July 19th
5:30 AM-8:30 AM
Swine Arrive- All Must Vet Check in Rock Island Parking lot
5:00 AM-7:00 PM
Cattle arrival
6:00 AM-8:00 AM
Broiler & Turkey Arrival
8:30 AM
Clover Dash 5K (Near 4-H Building)
9:30 AM
Pedal Tractor Pull (Sheep Barn Show ring)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
County Fair Barbecue- Free will donation (4-H Building)
12:00 PM
Clover Kid Graduation (4-H Building)
12:30 PM
Polk County Fair Royalty Coronation (4-H Building)
2:00 PM
Open Class Poultry (Sheep Barn)
3:00 PM
Horse Show- Halter, Showmanship, and Trail (Jacobson Arena)
3:00-7:00 PM
Rabbit Arrival
3:00 PM
Market Poultry Show (Sheep Barn)
4:00 PM
Bill Riley Talent Search (4-H Building)
7:00 PM
Cattle Weigh-in (Sheep Barn)
7:00 PM
Sheep & Meat Goat Fitting Contest
8:00 PM
4-H Building Closed
9:00 PM
Set-up Dog Show in Jacobson
Monday, July 20th
8:00 AM
Dog Show (Jacobson Arena)
8:00 AM
Rabbit Showmanship (Sheep Barn)
8:00 AM
Dairy Goat Show (Sheep Barn Show ring)
9:00 AM
Communication Event (4-H Building)
10:00 AM
Cattle Fitting Contest (Sheep Barn)
10:00 AM
Open Class Dairy Goat Show (Sheep Barn Show ring)
10:00 AM
Open Rabbit/Cavy Show (Sheep Barn)
10:30 AM
Rabbit/Cavy Show (Sheep Barn)
11:00 AM
Open Sheep Show (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
1:00 PM
Breeding/Market Sheep Show (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
1:00 PM
Horse Show (Jacobson Arena)
2:00 PM
Sheep Showmanship (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
6:00 PM
Polk County Cattleman Cook-out (East end of sheep barn)
6:30 PM
Lead line & Horse Fun Show (Jacobson Arena)
8:00 PM
4-H Building Closed
Tuesday, July 21st
7:00-10:00 AM
County Council Pancake Breakfast (4-H Building)
8:00 AM
Swine Show (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
9:00 AM
Horse Show (Jacobson Arena)
3:00 PM
Open Class Swine Show (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
3:00 PM
Breeding Poultry Show (Sheep Barn)
4:45 PM
Shooting Sport Recognition (4-H Building)
5:00 PM
Fashion Show (4-H Building)
6:00 PM
Share the Fun (4-H Building)
8:00 PM
4-H Building Closed
Wednesday, July 22nd
8:00 AM
Open Meat Goat Show (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
9:00 AM
Meat Goat Show (Sheep Barn Show Ring)
9:00 AM
Horse Show Games (Jacobson Arena)
10:30 AM
Advanced Cattle Feeders Interviews (Sheep Barn)
11:30 AM
Advanced Cattle Feeders (Sheep Barn)
12:30 PM
Set-up Cattle Ring in Jacobson
1:00 PM
Open Class Bucket/Bottle Calf Show (Jacobson Arena)
3:00 PM
Cattle Show (Jacobson Arena)
7:00 PM
Movie Night (13 years-12th grade) (4-H Building)
8:00 PM
4-H Building Closed
Thursday, July 23rd
8:30 AM
Livestock Skill-A-Thon (Sheep Barn Show ring)
11:00 AM
Horse Awards (Warm-up Arena)
1:00 PM
Bacon Buddies (Jacobson Arena)
1:45 PM
Skill-a-Thon Results
2:00 PM
Supreme showmanship or following Bacon Buddies & Sheep Show (Jacobson Arena)
3:00 PM
Release of Advanced Cattle Feeders
4:00-5:00 PM
Release of all Conference Exhibits
5:00 PM
4-H Building Closed
5:00 PM
Release of Poultry and Rabbits
5:00 PM
Release of all Livestock Exhibits & Tack
Friday, July 24th
11:00 AM
Auction Meal
12:00 PM
Livestock Auction- Auction order: Goat, Swine, Beef, Poultry, & Sheep
4-H Exhibit Building Hours
Friday, July 17 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Saturday, July 18 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Sunday, July 19 | 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Monday, July 20 | 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Tuesday, July 21 | 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Wednesday, July 22 | 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Thursday, July 23 | 8:30 AM–5:00 PM