2026 Clay County Fair Special Days Offer Something New Every Day
Spencer, Iowa — No two days at the Clay County Fair are exactly alike. From honoring our nation’s heroes and celebrating Iowa agriculture to hands-on STEM activities and special programming for fairgoers of all ages, each day of the 2026 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, September 12–20, offers its own unique experiences and traditions. Whatever your Fair Brain is craving, there’s a special day for that.
Saturday, September 12: Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Day
Sponsored by Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, fairgoers can stop by Central Park to meet their local cooperative representatives, get an up-close look at one of the utility’s impressive bucket trucks, and learn more about the work that keeps our communities powered.
Saturday, September 12: Iowa vs. Iowa State Game Day
Sponsored by DISH, don’t miss one of Iowa’s biggest rivalries as the Hawkeyes and Cyclones battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Catch all the action at DISH Plaza, and don’t forget to wear your black and gold or cardinal and gold as one of the Fair’s favorite traditions takes over the Fairgrounds.
Sunday, September 13: Choose Iowa Day
Sponsored by Choose Iowa by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, this interactive celebration highlights the people, products, and traditions that make Iowa agriculture unique. Visit Central Park to meet local farms and small businesses, discover Iowa-grown foods and products, enjoy family-friendly activities, and sign up for the free Choose Iowa Passport to continue exploring destinations across the state.
Monday, September 14: Veterans Appreciation Day
Veterans Day at the Clay County Fair is a time-honored tradition dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served our country. Veterans and active-duty military receive free admission with proof of military identification as the Fair honors those who have served through the Parade of Honor around the Fairgrounds, and the Veterans Appreciation Program in the Events Center Ballroom.
Tuesday, September 15: Senior Day
Senior Day is a longtime Clay County Fair tradition celebrating our senior fairgoers. Guests ages 65 and older receive $9.00 admission. Activities throughout the day include the Vintage Tractor Parade around the Fairgrounds, the Antique Tractor Pull in the Grandstand, and opportunities to connect with the team from Jorgensen Hearing Center in Central Park.
Tuesday, September 15: FFA Day
Sponsored by the Iowa Soybean Association, FFA Day brings together the next generation of agricultural leaders for a day of learning, leadership, and inspiration. FFA members will hear from 2025–2026 National FFA Officer Jael Cruikshank during a keynote presentation and leadership workshop in the Events Center Ballroom, while also competing in a variety of FFA Career Development Event (CDE) contests.
Wednesday, September 16: Disability Awareness Day
Sponsored by Ike & Ivy Learning, Disability Awareness Day celebrates inclusion while highlighting resources and experiences designed to make the Fair welcoming for everyone. The day will feature a sensory-friendly hour on the GoldStar Amusements Midway, where rides will operate with reduced lights and sound. Fairgoers are also encouraged to take advantage of the Fair’s Sensory Room located in Family Place, a quiet space available throughout all nine days of the Fair for anyone who may benefit from a break from the sights and sounds of the Fair.
Wednesday, September 16: First Responders Day
First Responders’ Day recognizes the dedicated men and women who serve our communities every day. First responders receive free admission with valid identification as the Clay County Fair thanks them for their commitment and service. Fairgoers can also visit Central Park to explore a display of emergency response vehicles and meet local first responders.
Thursday, September 17: Iowa Corn Day & Farmers Appreciation Day
Iowa Corn Day and Farmers Appreciation Day celebrate the farmers and agricultural industry that continue to shape Iowa’s economy and way of life. Sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association and CFE, fairgoers can explore the interactive Iowa Corn Truck in Central Park while joining the Fair in recognizing the hard work and dedication of Iowa’s farming community.
Thursday, September 17: Iowa Music Day
Sponsored by the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association, Iowa Music Day celebrates the musicians, artists, and history that have shaped Iowa’s musical legacy. Explore exhibits in the Events Center Ballroom from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., then keep the music going as Midnight Radio takes the stage at the Coke Hospitality Tent.
Friday, September 18: Iowa Dairy Day
Sponsored by the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Iowa Dairy Day celebrates one of Iowa’s leading agricultural industries through interactive displays, educational activities, and hands-on experiences in Central Park, allowing fairgoers to learn more about modern dairy farming.
Saturday, September 19: Science Saturday
Sponsored by Iowa Lakes Community College and ISU Extension Clay County, Science Saturday encourages curiosity through hands-on STEM activities and experiments designed to engage fairgoers of all ages in Central Park and the 4-H Building.
Whether you’re celebrating Iowa agriculture, honoring those who serve, exploring hands-on activities, or enjoying one of the Fair’s many traditions, each day offers a unique reason to visit the Clay County Fair. For a complete schedule of events and daily activities, 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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