Each summer, Iowans share their agricultural roots and kick up their heels at County Fairs. See grandstand shows at reasonable prices, local youth sharing their talents during 4-H exhibits and competitions. Eat cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs and enjoy carnival rides and games.
Eat all the FREE popcorn you can hold at Popcorn Days, enjoy the peaceful ascent of hot air balloons or watch live jousting and visit artists' markets at the Renaissance Faire.
Popcorn Days
Free Popcorn, first Saturday after Labor Day. Participate in the 10 K Run, flea market, kids games, softball, parades and BBQ.
Phone: 712-382-1313
Fremont County Fair
Third weekend in July and it's FREE! Don't miss the cherry pie contest, in 2006 they had 61 entries and a 10 year-old boy took home the Blue Ribbon prize. Pies are auctioned. Buildings are air-conditioned and handicap accessible.
Phone: 712-374-2715
Keg Creek Days
Heritage displays and farming exhibits, live entertainment, games and specialty booths. Last weekend in August.
E-Mail: terryjcraig@aol.com
Phone: 712-527-3587
Emerson Days
First weekend in September, featuring a parade, barbeque, games, heritage clothing style show and threshing.
Phone: 712-621-0737 or 712-623-3167
Whistle Stop Days
Crafts, flea market, parade, kids games in the park, mud volleyball, poker run and dance.
Phone: 712-622-8157
Please call between 8-11 a.m. Monday-Friday
Two Music Festivals at Fairgrounds
Annual Spring Country Music Festival and a Fall Country Music Jamboree.
Web site: http://www.pottcountyfair.com
Phone: 712-343-2377
Renaissance Faire of the Midlands
Mid- June join the crowd at the faire for three days of non-stop fun! Bring your friends and family to enjoy entertainment and live jousting demonstrations. Shop the artists' market for unique handcrafted treasures and feast on delicious turkey drumsticks. Rides, Activities and Games are great for children
Lighter than Air Balloon Fair, End of August
Creative celebrations, inflatable rides, clowns, face painting, games, arts and crafts, hot air balloon walk, tethered rides, balloon glow, balloon ascension and fireworks.
Phone: 712-325-3241
Autumn In the Bluffs, First week in October
A weekend festival that celebrates the art, culture nature and community of Council Bluffs and the Loess Hills. A host of family oriented, often free, events take place primarily in Bayliss Park and Bayliss Park Hall. Indoor art fair, free on-stage entertainment, children's activities and nature hikes.
For more information about the above events contact
the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau
712-325-1000 or 800-228-6878 http://www.councilbluffsiowa.com
Pottawattamie Westfair
Drawing more than 40,000 visitors annually, National Music performers from country to rock-n-roll perform each year and you will find non-stop excitement at ATV Drag Races, Hot Farm Tractor Pulls, Figure 8 races and Demolition Derby. More than 350 area youth exhibit and compete in talent shows, livestock shows, visual arts, food and nutrition, photography, agriculture and natural resources.
Phone: 712-322-3400
Web site: http://www.westfair.net
Gospel Sing
Three-day event with gospel groups, music and fellowship. Second weekend in June. Fairgrounds and City Park. Phone: 712-647-2509
Applefest
Apple stands, entertainment, toy and quilt shows, craft show, food stands antique vehicle show, airplane rides and glider rides. Last Saturday in September.
Phone: 712-647-2550
Web site: http://www.woodbineia.org
Play Days
Parade, carnival, antique & classic car show, food games, teen & adult dance. Last weekend in June.
Phone: 712-456-2301
Lewis and Clark Festival
Held the second weekend in June at Lewis & Clark State Park. Enjoy a buffalo burger feed, buck skinner's rendezvous, music, American Indian dancing, crafts and demonstrations from the Lewis and Clark era.
Phone: 712-423-2829
Website: http://www.onawa.com
Onabike Annual Bike Ride
Take a 29 or 63-mile journey through the beautiful Loess Hills followed by a day in Onawa. Fourth Saturday in August.
Phone: 712-423-1801
Web site: http://www.onawa.com
Awesome Biker Nights
This annual motorcycle rally features poker run, live music, vendors, parade, pancake breakfast and more. Sturgis style rally in the Historic District of Downtown Sioux City.
Phone: 712-224-2759
E-mail: info@awesomebikernights.com
The Big Parade
FREE Mardi Gras parade on the Sioux City riverfront (Anderson Dance Pavilion) with beads, bands, floats, huge Macy parade balloons and carnival for children. Concessions available. Free live Cajun concert and fireworks at dusk.
Phone: 712-279-4800
Saturday in the Park
Annual 4th of July weekend music festival with kids area, concessions and more. Shuttle service from Martin Luther King Transportation Center. Over 20 food vendors and multiple craft vendors will be in Arts Alley, plus fun for kids in the Kid's Zone. No cooler or pets are allowed.
Phone: 712-279-4800
Plymouth County Fair
Pioneer Village is the highlight of the fair with a miniature historic chapel, school and drugstore. Tractor pulls, demo-derby, stage shows, livestock, 4-H project judging, food stands and a large carnival area are a few more. July 23-27, 2008.
Phone: 712-546-7835
Web site: http://www.plymouthcountyfair.org