Don’t Miss These One-Day-Only Events at the 2026 Clay County Fair

Spencer, Iowa — Fair Brain can look a little different for everyone. Some fairgoers come for the food, some for the livestock, some for the entertainment, and some have a favorite Fair tradition they look forward to every year. While many activities happen throughout the nine-day Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, plenty of events happen for one day only.

From classic cars and tractor parades to live demonstrations and special programs, these one-day-only events give fairgoers even more reasons to make the most of their time at the 2026 Clay County Fair.

Saturday, September 12

The first day of the Fair brings two can’t-miss afternoon activities. At 2:30 p.m., fairgoers can watch the Pie Eating Contest at Julie’s Diner, followed by Happy Hour at the Big Iron BARn from 4–5 p.m., sponsored by Big Iron.

Sunday, September 13

Sunday offers a full lineup of one-day-only experiences, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. Worship Service in the 4-H Auditorium. Then from 12 p.m.–4 p.m., classic car enthusiasts can enjoy the Classic Car Drive-In located east of the Grandstand. The evening brings two distinctly different entertainment options. SMG’s Prices Are Right takes over the Events Center Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 4:45 p.m., while the Ranch Rodeo gets underway at 6 p.m. in the Outdoor Arena.

Monday, September 14

Monday is packed with special events honoring those who have served our country. The Veterans Day Parade will travel around the Fairgrounds at 10 a.m., followed by the Veterans Day Appreciation Program at 11 a.m. in the Events Center Ballroom. At 2 p.m., the Events Center Ballroom will host Glenn Henriksen’s Salute to Veterans, offering another opportunity to recognize and honor our nation’s veterans.

Tuesday, September 15

Tractor enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to on Tuesday. The Antique Tractor Pull gets underway in the Grandstand from 9 a.m.–noon, while the Vintage Tractor Parade will travel around the Fairgrounds at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, September 16

Don’t head home after Bulls & Broncs; Wednesday night has one more spectacle in store. Sky Elements will light up the sky with a patriotic drone show following the rodeo in the Grandstand.

Thursday, September 17

The tractors make another appearance Thursday with a Vintage Tractor Parade at 10 a.m., traveling around the Fairgrounds.

Friday, September 18

Friday brings a little something for the whole family. At 11 a.m., fairgoers can watch Team Roping in the Outdoor Arena, or the Iowa State Patrol K-9 Demonstration in the Events Center Ballroom, for a closer look at the skills of these highly trained working dogs. Later in the day, the Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull will take place at 5 p.m. in Grandpa’s Barn.

Saturday, September 19

Saturday brings another round of one-day-only activities. Fairgoers can enjoy Happy Hour at the Big Iron BARn from 4–5 p.m., sponsored by Big Iron. The Open Class Horse Show: Farm Team Challenge will also take place at 6 p.m. in the Outdoor Arena.

Sunday, September 20

The final Sunday of the Fair begins with an 8:30 a.m. Worship Service in the 4-H Auditorium, allowing fairgoers to gather before the final day of Fair fun.

From classic cars to tractors, demonstrations and special programs, these one-day-only events are just a few of the experiences waiting at the 2026 Clay County Fair. Whatever your Fair Brain is craving, don’t miss your chance to experience it.

For complete dates, times, locations, and everything happening during the 2026 Clay County Fair, visit claycountyfair.com and check the full Fair schedule.

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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