Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 Linn County Fair

Happy Linn County Fair Week!

The 2026 Linn County Fair in Central City officially kicks of today, June 24th, and runs through Sunday, June 28th. Here's a rundown of everything you need to know before your visit!

Admission Prices

Fair admission can be purchased at the gate or online in advance for $11.40 for a single day or for $38.40 for a wristband that's good for the entire fair. Kids 10 and under get free admission, and parking at the fair is free.

Sunday is Military Appreciation Day, which means that all past and present military personnel receive FREE admission to the fair, as well as free tickets to the Tough Trucks event. Admission for everyone else is half-price: $6.20. You can check out the full schedule for Military Appreciation Day HERE.

Grandstand Events

There are five Grandstand events scheduled for the 2026 fair, with four of them requiring tickets. Here are details on all of them:

• Wednesday, June 24th
  • Bulls & Barrels at 6:30 p.m.
  • FREE event
• Thursday, June 25th
  • ECIPA Truck & Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m. - gates at 5:30 p.m.
  • Tickets range from $6.20 to $33.20 - purchase them HERE
• Friday, June 26th
  • Arch Allies Concert at 7:30 p.m. - gates at 6:30 p.m.
  • Fireworks begin after the concert
  • Tickets are $17.60 - purchase them HERE
• Saturday, June 27th
  • Chase Matthew & Terri Clark Concert at 7:30 p.m. - gates at 6 p.m.
  • Fireworks begin after the concert
  • Tickets are $44.60 - purchase them HERE
• Sunday, June 28th
  • Tough Trucks at 2 p.m. - gates at 1 p.m.
  • Tickets range from $6.20 to $33.20 - purchase them HERE

A quick reminder! Even if you have tickets for a Grandstand event, you are still required to pay the fair admission upon entry at the front gate. Admission can be paid for in advance HERE.

Also, there is a Clear Bag Policy being implemented for all Grandstand events. Exceptions include medical device bags and diaper bags. ALL bags are subject to search upon entry.

Beer Pavilion Entertainment

The Beer Pavilion is ages 21+ and will feature live music each night. Here are the hours and band information for each day:

• Wednesday
  • Open from 3 p.m. to close
  • Live music from Palomino from 9 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.
• Thursday
  • Open from 12 p.m. to close
  • Live music from Big Foot Park at 9 p.m.
• Friday
  • Open from 12 p.m. to close
  • Live music from Party Plan from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Saturday
  • Open from 12 p.m. to close
  • Live music from Back Booth Alley at 9 p.m.
• Sunday
  • Open from 12 p.m. to close
  • Live music from Danny Whitson from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Carnival Information

Carnival rides/games are up and running during these times:

• Wednesday from 1 p.m. to close
• Thursday from 11 a.m. to close
• Friday from 3 p.m. to close
• Saturday from 1 p.m. to close
• Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

You can purchase tickets for carnival rides, but there is also a $20 wristband for unlimited rides that is valid during these specific times:

• Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Free Activities/Entertainment

There is all sorts of free entertainment included with your fair admission! Here are some of the fun things happening throughout the week:

• Aaron Warner (Singer/Songwriter)
  • Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • At the Farm Bureau Pavilion
• AVP & Her 'Rockstar Lesson' Students
  • Thursday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • At the Farm Bureau Pavilion
• Ag-ucation Zone
  • Open daily at 9 a.m.
  • Includes Ag Plinko, a Corn Pit, a Duck Pond, the Holy Cow Milking Simulator, and more
• Cock-a-Doodle Zoo
  • Open Wednesday through from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cynosure (Band)
  • Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • At the Farm Bureau Pavilion
• The Electric Paper Clips (Band)
  • Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • At the Farm Bureau Pavilion
• Furious Love (Band)
  • Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • At the Farm Bureau Pavilion
• Next Generation Free Face Painting
  • Open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • At the Lynn Dunn Memorial Building
• Old West Camp
  • Open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Osborn Comedy Hypnosis
  • Thursday & Saturday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • At the Farm Bureau Pavilion
• RIDDLE ME THIS? - A Game, Mystery & Riddle Fun Zone!
  • Open daily at 9 a.m.
  • "Take an adventurous trip through a fun zone loaded with riddles and brain challenging interactive exhibits."
  • Appropriate for ages 3+
• Royal Legacy Circus
  • Shows daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sunday)
• Sea Lion Splash
  • Shows daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on Sunday)
  • "Sea Lion Splash is an entertaining and informative presentation that showcases the relationship between an “adopted family” of rescued sea lions and their handlers. In each presentation, our sea lion stars demonstrate how well they have bonded with their trainers, show off their natural behaviors, and even teach kids how to recycle!"
• Stephen Martin Memorial Tractor Ride
  • Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Youth Day
  • Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Includes a balloon artist, face painting, a book giveaway, train rides, a magic show, a cookie stacking contest, a free "cold treat," and a tae kwon do demonstration
  • FREE gate admission from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For a full schedule of events and activities at the 2026 Linn County Fair, click HERE!

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READ MORE: County Fairs, Concerts, & Festivals – A Giant List of July 2026 Events in Eastern Iowa