2026 Clay County Fair “Fair to Fork Market” Stage Lineup Revealed
Spencer, Iowa — As cases of Fair Brain continue to rise across northwest Iowa, the 2026 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, is introducing another new way for fairgoers to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Fair with the debut of the Fair to Fork Market Stage.
Located in the gazebo area adjacent to the Big Iron BARn, the Fair to Fork Market Stage serves as the centerpiece of the Fair to Fork Market, a gathering space featuring local growers, makers, producers, and artisans. Designed to capture the atmosphere of a traditional outdoor market, the area invites fairgoers to browse unique products, connect with local vendors, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.
Whether guests are shopping the market, taking a break between exhibits, or meeting friends for lunch, the Fair to Fork Market Stage provides the perfect soundtrack to the experience.
The nearby Big Iron BARn will once again serve a variety of beverages for guests to enjoy throughout the day, including domestic and craft beer, as well as new blended cocktail options such as margaritas and daiquiris. Together, the market, stage, and BARn create a welcoming destination where fairgoers can shop, relax, enjoy live music, and soak in the atmosphere of the Fair.
Featuring local talent, country music, and bluegrass favorites, the Fair to Fork Market Stage lineup delivers a daily dose of live entertainment for fairgoers looking to treat their Fair Brain.
September 12: Singer-songwriter Gavin Erickson brings hometown talent to the Fair to Fork Market Stage. Hailing from the Iowa Great Lakes area, Erickson combines popular acoustic covers with original music, creating an engaging performance that highlights the musical talent found right here in northwest Iowa.
September 13-15: Southwest Minnesota native Kayla Daniels brings authentic country music and Nashville experience to the Fair. A recording artist and songwriter, Daniels combines powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a mix of original songs and country favorites that connect with audiences of all ages.
September 16-18: The William Lawson Band delivers a dynamic blend of bluegrass, country, and acoustic music. Featuring award-winning musicians and exceptional harmonies, the group’s performances showcase both traditional influences and modern energy, creating an entertaining experience for music lovers of all kinds.
September 19-20: A familiar name to many fairgoers, L.D. Three has been entertaining audiences across the Midwest for nearly six decades. Their diverse repertoire includes country, country rock, classic rock, and original music, creating a crowd-pleasing performance packed with familiar favorites and timeless sounds.
Each act will perform multiple times daily during their scheduled dates, giving fairgoers plenty of opportunities to treat their Fair Brain symptoms with free live entertainment throughout the Fair. Official showtimes will be available in the Clay County Fair Daily Guides, which will be released later in August. For more information, visit www.claycountyfair.com.
About The Clay County Fair & Events Center
Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair and Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 200 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Clay County Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at www.claycountyfair.com.
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