Dallas County Iowa Fairgrounds Events

The Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel, Iowa, serves as a gathering place for agricultural exhibitions, youth competitions, racing, and the annual Dallas County Fair. Located at 28057 Fairground Road, the grounds bring together families, exhibitors, local organizations, and visitors from across central Iowa.

The Dallas County Fair dates back to 1855, giving it a long connection to the county’s agricultural traditions. Today, the fair combines 4-H and FFA projects, livestock exhibitions, carnival attractions, entertainment, and community activities. The venue also hosts stock-car and figure-eight racing on many Saturday nights during the warmer months.

Overview of Dallas County Fairgrounds

Location and address

Dallas County Fairgrounds is located at:

28057 Fairground Road, Adel, Iowa 50003

Adel is the county seat of Dallas County, west of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The fairgrounds are situated along Fairground Road, with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dallas County office nearby at 28061 Fair Ground Road.

Visitors traveling from Des Moines can head west on Interstate 80 and then north on U.S. Highway 169 toward Adel. Those approaching from the Omaha area can travel east on Interstate 80 before taking Highway 169 north. Drivers should check their navigation directions before setting out, particularly during large events.

What the grounds are used for

The property accommodates the annual county fair, livestock and youth exhibitions, grandstand entertainment, racing, and camping. The grounds also include event areas such as the South Arena and a race track.

A complete, verified acreage figure and a current inventory of every permanent exhibition building are not readily established here, so those details should be confirmed with the fair association before planning a large event or commercial setup.

Who manages the fairgrounds?

The Dallas County Fair Association is the primary public-facing organization responsible for the fair. Fair board members, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and youth-program organizers help coordinate the annual celebration and its activities.

The fairgrounds also sit alongside county extension facilities, which play an important role in educational programming and youth development in Dallas County.

Upcoming Events at Dallas County Fairgrounds

Annual fair and summer activities

The main annual attraction is the Dallas County Fair, held in July. Its program includes youth exhibits, livestock shows, free family entertainment, carnival attractions, and selected grandstand performances.

The grounds have a separate racing program during the warmer months. Stock cars, figure-eight races, and other racing events are listed among the activities held on many Saturday nights. The exact race calendar varies, so visitors should confirm individual event dates before traveling.

Other activities that may be relevant to visitors include community gatherings, youth-program events, and exhibitions scheduled by the fair association. Do not assume that the grounds host a particular flea market, gun show, rodeo, motocross competition, or holiday festival unless it appears on a confirmed event calendar.

How to check the current schedule

The fair’s annual program and its racing calendar are separate considerations. A visit during the county fair does not necessarily follow the same schedule as a Saturday-night race.

Before leaving home, confirm:

• The date and starting time of the event.
• Whether the activity requires a separate ticket.
• Whether food concessions and other attractions will operate.
• Whether parking arrangements or campground reservations have changed.

Renting space for outside events

Organizations interested in using Dallas County Fairgrounds should contact the fair association to ask about facility availability, rental fees, insurance requirements, setup access, and event restrictions. Availability and terms depend on the space and proposed activity; rental rates should not be assumed without confirmation.

The Dallas County Fair

Typical fair season: July

The Dallas County Fair is traditionally held in July. The next scheduled edition is July 6–10, 2027. The 2026 fair was scheduled for July 7–11.

Visitors should use the published annual schedule to confirm the dates of individual competitions and performances because activities do not necessarily take place every day.

Livestock shows and competitive exhibits

Livestock exhibitions are an important part of the Dallas County Fair, particularly for young people involved in 4-H and FFA. Participants prepare animals and projects before fair week, then present their work for evaluation.

Depending on the published year’s divisions, agricultural competitions may include beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, and other livestock categories. Visitors can learn about animal care, feeding, handling, and the preparation required for a competitive exhibit.

Youth and open-class exhibits may also cover photography, visual arts, crafts, woodworking, food preparation, baking, gardening, and other home or agricultural skills. The official premium book or exhibitor guide should be consulted for the actual categories, entry requirements, and judging times in a particular year.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The fair advertises free carnival attractions and free general admission during fair week. This makes the Dallas County Fair accessible to families who want to walk the grounds and explore the public activities without buying a general-admission ticket.

The exact number of rides, operating hours, and any special ride arrangements should be checked in the current schedule rather than assumed. Visitors should also distinguish free entry to the grounds from any separately ticketed grandstand performance.

Food is another familiar part of the fair experience. Visitors can look for traditional fair concessions such as burgers, hot dogs, fried foods, sweet treats, and cold drinks, subject to the vendors operating that year. Specific vendors and local specialties should be confirmed from the event listings.

Grandstand entertainment varies by year. Racing and other scheduled performances provide additional reasons to visit outside the livestock barns and exhibit areas.

Admission and parking

General admission to the Dallas County Fair is advertised as free, and parking during fair week is also advertised as free. Some grandstand or special events may charge separate admission.

The fair’s visitor information also identifies accessible parking and seating, although availability is limited. Visitors who need particular accessibility arrangements should confirm their options before arriving.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and livestock areas

The Dallas County Fairgrounds provides space for animal exhibitions, youth projects, public activities, and scheduled entertainment. Livestock barns allow exhibitors to present animals during fair week, while exhibition areas give visitors opportunities to view projects prepared by local young people.

The precise number of permanent buildings, the species assigned to individual barns, and the current stall-rental rules should be verified with fair management. Exhibitors should obtain the year’s instructions before transporting animals to Adel.

Explore Dallas County Iowa Fairgrounds Events for information about county fair schedules agricultural exhibitions livestock shows and vendor opportunities. Visitors can also check Crawford County Iowa Fairgrounds Events to learn more about Iowa fairgrounds.

South Arena and racing facilities

The South Arena is used for scheduled grandstand entertainment. The fairgrounds also feature a race track where stock-car and figure-eight racing takes place during the racing season.

A verified seating capacity for the arena and the exact specifications of the racing facilities are not stated here. Visitors attending a particular event should check its ticket information and venue instructions.

Camping and RV facilities

Camping is available at the Dallas County Fairgrounds. The fair’s public information describes the campground as having nearly 80 campsites.

Campers should confirm reservation procedures, site availability, hookup details, length-of-stay rules, and applicable charges before making plans. A campsite should not be assumed available simply because the fairgrounds are open.

Accessibility, parking, and amenities

The fair provides free parking during fair week and identifies accessible parking and seating, with limited availability. Visitors who need step-free access or accessible seating should contact the fair association ahead of time.

The exact locations of first aid, ATMs, accessible restrooms, and other services should be checked against the current visitor information. Do not assume every amenity is available at every event.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a commercial booth

Businesses, food vendors, artisans, and organizations interested in participating in the Dallas County Fair should contact the fair association about vendor opportunities. Applicants should ask which spaces are available, what products may be sold, whether electricity is provided, and whether health permits or liability insurance are required.

Vendor fees, application deadlines, and booth dimensions may change between annual fairs. Obtain the applicable information before purchasing supplies or arranging transportation.

Entering competitive exhibits

People planning to enter livestock or non-livestock exhibits should review the annual exhibitor instructions. The guide should explain eligible classes, registration procedures, animal health requirements, check-in times, judging arrangements, and any required forms.

Livestock participants should pay particular attention to identification and health documentation. Craft, photography, baking, and other non-livestock exhibitors should verify submission dates and whether their entries must be delivered in person.

Contacting the fair office

The public contact details for the Dallas County Fair Association are:

• Address: 28057 Fairground Road, Adel, IA 50003
• Email: [email protected]

Ask the association directly for the current vendor packet, premium book, camping information, rental terms, or fair board contact details.

Getting to Dallas County Fairgrounds

From Adel and nearby communities

The fairgrounds are located in Adel, the Dallas County seat. Visitors already in town can use Fairground Road to reach the venue.

From Des Moines, travel west on Interstate 80 and take U.S. Highway 169 north toward Adel. From Omaha, travel east on Interstate 80 before continuing north on Highway 169. These are the general approaches identified in the fair’s visitor information; drivers should follow current navigation directions for the final approach.

Public transportation and rideshare

Do not assume a dedicated public-transit route or fair-week shuttle operates between Des Moines and the fairgrounds. Visitors without a vehicle should arrange transportation in advance.

Rideshare availability can vary in the Adel area, particularly late at night after grandstand events or races. Confirm your pickup location with the driver and agree on a convenient meeting point if event traffic is heavy.

Parking during busy events

Parking is advertised as free during fair week. However, traffic volume can increase around popular performances, livestock activities, and racing events. Arriving early can make it easier to park and walk to the intended attraction.

Do not use private driveways or roadside areas unless parking is expressly permitted.

4-H and FFA at Dallas County Fairgrounds

Youth education and project judging

The Dallas County Fair gives young exhibitors a place to demonstrate skills developed through 4-H and FFA programs. Livestock projects require preparation and animal care, while non-livestock projects can demonstrate skills in creative work, agriculture, food, and practical problem-solving.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dallas County is located at 28061 Fair Ground Road in Adel. The extension office provides local 4-H programming and guidance for families learning how to participate. The number of active clubs and the list of participating FFA chapters can change, so those details should be confirmed for the relevant year.

Junior livestock auction

Livestock auctions, when included in the annual program, provide an opportunity for buyers to support youth exhibitors and recognize their work. Buyers should check the current fair schedule for auction eligibility, registration, sale procedures, and timing.

The rules governing sale proceeds, animal ownership, and the exhibitor’s responsibilities depend on the specific auction arrangements. Prospective buyers should ask the organizers how bidding works and what payment or purchase commitments apply.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The fair is the grounds’ best-known annual event, but the racing season provides another regular reason for visitors to come to Adel. The track’s program includes stock-car and figure-eight races, with events commonly scheduled on Saturday nights during warmer months.

Other uses of the grounds may be scheduled independently of the county fair. Before traveling for a flea market, craft show, rodeo, tractor pull, gun show, concert, or seasonal festival, verify that the event is actually listed for the venue. An activity that is common at some Iowa fairgrounds is not automatically part of the Dallas County calendar.

Organizations considering the venue for a fundraiser or community event should contact the fair association to discuss scheduling, facilities, insurance, and operating requirements.

History of Dallas County Fairgrounds

A fair dating back to 1855

The history of the Dallas County Fair begins with the county’s agricultural society, organized in Adel on December 31, 1855. Archibald Crowe was elected chairman and tasked with organizing the first fair.

Local historical accounts record that the agricultural society purchased 23 acres on the north side of Adel in 1903 for $3,200. The land became known as Riverside Park, now Kinnick Feller Park, and was used for fairs for many years, with some exceptions.

The current Dallas County Fairgrounds at Fairground Road is the venue associated with today’s annual fair. The historic Riverside Park site and the present fairgrounds should not be confused when researching the event’s history.

How the fair has evolved

The Dallas County Fair has expanded beyond its early agricultural focus to include youth project displays, livestock competitions, carnival attractions, live entertainment, and racing. The combination reflects the changing interests of Dallas County residents while retaining the agricultural education that has long been part of the fair.

A detailed, verified year-by-year record of attendance, cancellations, major renovations, and weather disruptions is not established here. Those milestones should be confirmed through local historical records and fair association archives rather than attributed to specific years without evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Dallas County Fair in 2027?

The next scheduled Dallas County Fair is July 6–10, 2027, in Adel, Iowa. Check the annual schedule for specific livestock judging times, entertainment, and other daily activities.

What time does Dallas County Fairgrounds open?

The fair advertises daily hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. during fair week. Individual buildings, attractions, and special events may follow different hours.

Is admission free at Dallas County Fairgrounds?

Yes. General admission during fair week is advertised as free, and parking is also free. Some special events or grandstand performances may require separate tickets.

Is there camping at Dallas County Fairgrounds?

Yes. The grounds have a campground with nearly 80 campsites. Visitors should confirm reservation requirements, site availability, hookups, and charges before arriving.

How do I enter livestock in the Dallas County Fair?

Review the current exhibitor instructions and contact the fair association or Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dallas County. Registration deadlines, health requirements, check-in times, and eligible classes must be confirmed for the relevant year.

Are dogs allowed at Dallas County Fairgrounds?

Do not assume pets are permitted throughout the grounds or inside exhibition buildings. Contact fair management for the current animal policy, including any exceptions for service animals.

Where do I park at Dallas County Fairgrounds?

Fair-week parking is advertised as free. Follow event-day signs and staff directions, and confirm any special parking arrangements for large performances or racing events.

Who do I contact to rent Dallas County Fairgrounds?

Contact the Dallas County Fair Association at 28057 Fairground Road, Adel, Iowa 50003, or email [email protected]. Ask about available facilities, dates, rental costs, insurance, and event requirements.

Does Dallas County Fairgrounds have carnival rides?

Yes. Carnival attractions are part of the advertised Dallas County Fair experience. Ride availability, operating hours, and any special arrangements should be checked in the schedule for the year you plan to attend.

What events take place outside fair week?

The grounds host racing events during the warmer months, including stock-car and figure-eight races on many Saturday nights. Other activities depend on the published calendar.

Is accessible parking available?

Yes. The fair’s visitor information identifies accessible parking and seating, but availability is limited. Contact the organizers ahead of time if you need a specific accommodation.