Know Before You Go: The 2025 Linn County Fair

It's officially Linn County Fair week!

If you're headed to Central City any time from June 25th through June 29th, we've got a rundown with everything you need to know before you go!

Does it cost money to get in?

Yes, anyone ages 11+ will need to pay an admission fee at the gate, or in advance online HERE.

Single Day Gate Admission is $10 per person, or you can purchase a Weekly Admission Wristband for $30 if you plan to attend the fair more than three days. Here are the "chargeable admission" hours each day:

• Thursday, June 26th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday, June 27th & 28th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, June 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The only days where fair admission is FREE for all ages is "Sneak Peek Day," the very first day of the fair, on Wednesday, June 25th, and on "Youth Day" Thursday, June 26th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Past and present military personnel can also get in for free on Sunday, June 29th for "Military Appreciation Day."

What if I have tickets for a grandstand event?

Even if you purchased tickets for one of the grandstand events at the 2025 fair, you will still need to pay the fair admission fee at the gate.

Where do I park?

There is absolutely no parking on the actual fairgrounds or along the fair road, but there are several parking lots surrounding the fair with FREE parking. There will also be some free golf cart shuttles running to and from the fair gates, in case you need a lift!

What are this summer's grandstand events?

Ticketed events at the fair's grandstand begin on Thursday, June 26th. Here's a look at the 2025 schedule:

• Thursday, June 26th
  • ECIPA Truck & Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m. - gates at 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 27th
  • Chris Cagle Concert at 7:30 p.m. - gates at 6 p.m.
    • Opener Matt Stell
• Saturday, June 28th
  • Dylan Scott Concert at 7:30 p.m. - gates at 6 p.m.
    • Opener Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys
• Sunday, June 29th
  • Tough Trucks at 5 p.m. - gates open at 4 p.m.

You can purchase tickets for all of the 2025 grandstand events HERE. They are also available at the fair box office, which opens at 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

What's happening in the beer tent?

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

• Wednesday, June 25th
  • Open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • NO band
• Thursday, June 26th
  • Open from 3 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.
  • Big Foot Park - 9 p.m.
• Friday, June 27th
  • Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Ruthless County - 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Saturday, June 28th
  • Open from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Back Booth Alley - 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Sunday, June 29th
  • Open from 12 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.
  • The Boys Duo - 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

There is also a craft beer available at the Cattlemen’s Beef Corral Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What are the carnival hours?

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

• Wednesday, June 25th from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, June 26th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, June 27th from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, June 28th from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, June 29th from 12 p.m. to 6 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, June 25th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, June 26th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, June 27th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

What is there to do that doesn't cost any money?

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

• Ag-ucation Zone
  • Open daily at 9 a.m.
  • Includes Ag Plinko, a Corn Pit, a Duck Pond, the Holy Cow Milking Simulator, Lets Hatch Chicks!, and more
• Agri-Golf
  • Open Wednesday through Friday at 12 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 11 a.m.
• Cock-a-Doodle Zoo
  • Open daily at 9 a.m.
• Draft Horse Fun Show
  • Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dueling Pianos
  • Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hospitality Tent
• Kidbucks Game Show
  • 2 to 4 shows each day
  • "... a thrilling game show where randomly selected members of the audience, participate in wild and crazy games" for a chance to win prizes
• Lumberjack Show & Interactive Camp
  • 2 to 3 shows each day
  • "Our All American Lumberjack Shows include Log Rolling, OP Race, Axe Throwing, Spring Board Tree Topping, Single Buck, 2 Man X-cut Sawing, Stock Saw Racing, Hot Saw Racing, Quick Carve & Log Boom Racing."
• Next Generation Face Painting
  • Available Thursday through Sunday in the Lynn Dunn Memorial Building
• Old West Camp
  • Open Thursday through Sunday at 9 a.m.
• 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."
• Youth Day
  • Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Includes a balloon artist, train rides, a magic show, contests, and more

For a full schedule of events and activities at the 2025 Linn County Fair, click HERE!

READ MORE: A Full List of Eastern Iowa County Fairs in 2025

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