Guthrie County Iowa Fairgrounds Events
The Guthrie County Fairgrounds in Guthrie Center, Iowa, have brought local families, farmers, livestock exhibitors, and visitors together since 1858. Located on the western edge of the county seat, the grounds host the annual Guthrie County Fair, a Labor Day weekend tradition featuring agricultural exhibits, youth competitions, carnival attractions, grandstand entertainment, and community activities.
The fairgrounds are more than a once-a-year destination. Their exhibition buildings, livestock facilities, campground, and outdoor entertainment spaces also support gatherings and events throughout the year. Whether you are planning a visit, entering a 4-H project, looking for a vendor opportunity, or checking camping arrangements, knowing how the grounds operate can help you prepare.
Overview of Guthrie County Fairgrounds
Location and layout
The Guthrie County Fairgrounds are on the west end of Guthrie Center, Iowa, in Guthrie County. Visitors can access the grounds from Iowa Highway 25 south of town or Iowa Highway 44 west of town. Maple Avenue is another access point used by campers during fair season.
The fair office lists its mailing address as Guthrie County Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 153, Guthrie Center, IA 50115. A separate street address for every entrance or facility should be confirmed with the fair office before navigating to a specific building.
The grounds cover more than seven acres, according to local tourism information, and include livestock barns, exhibit halls, community buildings, an amphitheater, and camping areas. Mitchell Park and its aquatic center are also located next to the fairgrounds, making the area a recognizable destination for Guthrie Center residents.
Who operates the fairgrounds?
The Guthrie County Agricultural Society oversees the fair, while the Guthrie County Fair Foundation, a nonprofit organization, supports fairground improvements and related activities. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Guthrie County coordinates important 4-H programming and youth exhibit requirements.
The fairgrounds are significant to local agriculture because they give young exhibitors an opportunity to present projects, demonstrate skills, and share their work with the community. They also provide a regular meeting place for families from Guthrie Center and surrounding communities.
Upcoming Events at Guthrie County Fairgrounds
Annual fair and seasonal activities
The main event is the Guthrie County Fair, held around Labor Day weekend. Its program has included livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, a parade, carnival rides, rodeo entertainment, tractor and truck pulls, Figure-8 racing, bingo, and family activities.
The fair’s late-summer timing distinguishes it from many Iowa county fairs held earlier in July. Outside fair week, the facilities can accommodate approved private gatherings, receptions, reunions, educational events, and other group functions.
Do not assume that every event offered in previous years will return on the same date. The fair’s current schedule and announcements determine which attractions are operating in a particular year.
How to check the event calendar
For upcoming Guthrie County fair events, visitors should check the fair’s official announcements and the county Extension office’s fair information. These sources are particularly useful for updated grandstand schedules, youth judging times, registration deadlines, and changes caused by weather.
The fair office can also answer questions about building rentals, campground arrangements, and event access. Specific non-fair events, such as flea markets, gun shows, or motorsports events, should not be considered scheduled unless they appear in a current announcement.
The Guthrie County Fair: Dates, Attractions, and Admission
When is the Guthrie County Fair in 2026?
The 2026 Guthrie County Fair is scheduled for September 3–7, 2026, in Guthrie Center. The event follows the Labor Day weekend tradition and brings agricultural competitions and family entertainment to the county.
The fairgrounds’ published event information and local tourism calendars have also listed September 4–7 for the main fair dates, so visitors should confirm the final daily program and opening times with the fair office before travelling.
Livestock shows and competitive exhibits
Livestock judging is a central part of the Guthrie County Fair. The program has included swine, sheep, goats, horses, beef cattle, poultry, and rabbits. These competitions allow young exhibitors to demonstrate animal care, preparation, handling, and knowledge of livestock production.
Other fair entries may include agricultural products, gardening, creative arts, photography, food preparation, sewing, crafts, and educational projects. The exact divisions and judging requirements depend on the current fair book.
Carnival rides, food, and grandstand entertainment
The carnival midway is one of the main attractions for families visiting the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Traditional fair food includes items such as corn dogs, cotton candy, and other quick meals sold by concession operators and community groups.
Past fair programs have featured rodeos, Figure-8 races, tractor and truck pulls, parades, talent competitions, and live music. These are examples of the fair’s established entertainment traditions, not a guarantee that every activity will appear in the same year.
Admission prices
The fair’s published admission information lists the following prices:
| Admission type | Published price |
|---|---|
| Season pass | $35 |
| Day pass | $15 |
| Children aged 5 and under | Free |
| Grandstand events | Free |
| Carnival | Free |
| Active military | Free |
These are published prices, not a guarantee that every special event or future season will use identical rates. Confirm current arrangements before visiting. Free carnival rides and grandstand entertainment are notable features of the fair’s admission policy.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition buildings and livestock facilities
The grounds include an Event Center, a 4-H static exhibit building, agricultural and art exhibition spaces, livestock barns, and facilities for animal shows. These buildings support both the competitive fair program and approved events outside fair week.
Explore Guthrie County Iowa Fairgrounds Events for information about county fairs livestock exhibitions agricultural displays and community gatherings. Visitors can also discover Grundy County Iowa Fairgrounds Events for additional county fairground details.
The Event Center includes a large room measuring approximately 60 by 125 feet, with seating for around 400 people. It has kitchen and restroom facilities, making it suitable for receptions, reunions, educational functions, and other gatherings.
The grounds also have an outdoor amphitheater used for entertainment, rodeos, and motorsports. Its exact seating capacity should be confirmed with the fair board when arranging an event.
Camping and RV facilities
Camping is available at the fairgrounds, and the campground is used by families and fair visitors. Availability, utility hookups, reservation dates, and fees vary according to the arrangements for each fair season.
People planning to bring an RV should reserve in advance and ask about campsite dimensions, electrical service, water access, and the designated entrance. The Maple Avenue entrance is used by many campers during fair season.
Accessibility, parking, and amenities
The grounds contain several separate facilities, so walking distances depend on where visitors park and which activities they attend. Visitors who need accessible parking, step-free access, or accessible restrooms should confirm the location of those facilities with fair staff before arrival.
Parking instructions and overflow arrangements may change with attendance and weather. During busy fair periods, arriving early can make it easier to find a space and reach the livestock barns before judging begins.
Visitors should not assume that ATMs, first aid services, or every concession stand will be available at all hours. Check the event-day information for the services operating during your visit.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
How to apply for a vendor booth
The Guthrie County Fair accepts applications for commercial vendors interested in selling products or operating concessions during the fair. Available options have included indoor booths in the Event Center, outdoor spaces, concession stands, and grandstand concession locations.
The published vendor application has listed a fee of $100 for an 8-by-10-foot indoor booth and $100 for an outdoor booth. Concession stand spaces have been listed at $500. These rates should be verified for the season in which you intend to participate.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Vendors should be prepared to provide business details, describe the products they plan to sell, supply proof of insurance where required, and follow the fair board’s rules. Food vendors should confirm applicable food-service permits and electrical requirements.
How to enter exhibits
Open-class exhibitors and 4-H or FFA members should consult the appropriate fair book for class descriptions, judging rules, entry procedures, and deadlines.
The county Extension office has published the following 2026 youth-entry deadlines:
- May 15: livestock identification through 4-H Online.
- July 1: static exhibit entries through FairEntry.
- August 1: livestock entries through FairEntry.
These dates apply to the published 2026 program and should not be assumed to apply to 2027. Exhibitors should check eligibility, identification requirements, and late-entry policies before preparing a project.
Getting to Guthrie County Fairgrounds
Driving directions
Guthrie Center is the county seat and the most direct starting point for visitors heading to the fairgrounds. From the town, follow Iowa Highway 44 toward the western edge of town, or use Iowa Highway 25 south of Guthrie Center for the southern entrance.
Visitors travelling from Des Moines or other larger Iowa communities should plan their route using current road conditions and the exact entrance assigned to their destination. The correct gate may differ for general parking, camping, vendor deliveries, and livestock unloading.
Public transportation and rideshare
Visitors should not count on a regular public transit service to the fairgrounds. Rideshare availability can also be limited in a rural community, particularly late at night after grandstand entertainment.
Ask the fair office whether a shuttle is operating for the relevant event. The grounds’ rental information has listed an in-county shuttle service, but that does not mean a shuttle operates automatically during every fair.
4-H and FFA at Guthrie County Fairgrounds
Youth education and agricultural competitions
The Guthrie County Fair has a long-standing connection with youth agricultural education. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Guthrie County helps coordinate 4-H enrollment, exhibit registration, livestock identification, judging schedules, and educational activities.
Guthrie County’s 4-H history includes the development of youth clubs during the early twentieth century. Local agricultural families and school staff helped establish a tradition of involving young people in livestock projects and home economics exhibits. The Clover Kids program, introduced locally in 2003, extends age-appropriate activities to younger children.
FFA members and other eligible youth exhibitors can participate according to the fair’s rules and individual competition requirements.
Junior livestock and premium auctions
The fair has offered youth livestock sales and a premium auction supporting exhibitors. In a traditional livestock sale, buyers may purchase an animal, while a premium auction rewards a young exhibitor’s work without necessarily requiring the buyer to take ownership of the animal.
Guthrie County’s premium auction program has included eligible participants from livestock, static exhibits, communications, and other youth activities. Rules determine which exhibitors qualify, whether an animal can be retained, and how proceeds are distributed. Buyers should check the current fair book for sale order, payment arrangements, and auction procedures.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Private gatherings and community functions
The fairgrounds are available for approved rentals outside the annual fair. The Event Center, Little Amphitheater, and open grounds provide options for different group sizes and event formats.
The published rental schedule has listed these rates:
| Facility or service | Published rate |
|---|---|
| Event Center, Monday–Thursday | $500 per day |
| Event Center, weekend rental | $1,500 |
| Event Center, one-day weekend rental | $750 |
| Little Amphitheater | $150 per day |
| In-county shuttle | $150 |
Additional days and open-ground rentals may have separate charges. Confirm current rates, deposit requirements, cleaning arrangements, and availability before booking.
Other events and activities
The amphitheater and outdoor grounds can accommodate approved entertainment and motorsports activities. Agricultural displays, horse-related activities, fundraisers, and other community events may also be suitable for the facilities.
However, there is no reason to assume that a gun show, flea market, swap meet, motocross competition, or seasonal festival is taking place without a confirmed announcement. Check the event calendar before making travel arrangements.
History of Guthrie County Fairgrounds
The history of the Guthrie County Fair began on October 15, 1858, when local settlers organized the Guthrie County Agricultural Society at the home of E. B. Newton. The first fair took place east of Guthrie Center’s City Park.
As attendance grew, organizers purchased land west of the river for the permanent fairgrounds. Fences, exhibition buildings, and a half-mile track were built in time for the 1885 fair. Early attractions included horse and mule races, foot races, fireworks, school displays, and other forms of public entertainment.
The grounds have experienced substantial changes over the decades. A major flood destroyed fairground buildings in the 1950s, prompting rebuilding efforts. More recently, the fair board has replaced aging structures and invested in newer facilities, including a grandstand completed in 2008, updated offices and restrooms in 2010, an Event Center completed in 2012, and a new outdoor amphitheater completed in 2022.
The fair’s history also includes a difficult episode in 1980, when a business that purchased livestock from local 4-H members went bankrupt. Community partners organized fundraising efforts and donations that raised more than $12,000 to cover losses for affected youth exhibitors.
These events illustrate why the Guthrie County Fairgrounds remain important to the community: they are not only a venue for entertainment but also a place where agricultural education, local cooperation, and generations of family participation come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Guthrie County Fair in 2026?
The published fair dates are September 3–7, 2026. Some local calendars list September 4–7 for the main public program, so visitors should confirm the final schedule with the fair office.
What time do Guthrie County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times vary by day and activity. Livestock check-in, exhibit judging, the carnival, and grandstand events may have different schedules. Check the daily fair program before arriving.
Is there camping at Guthrie County Fairgrounds?
Yes. The grounds offer camping, including options for RVs. Campsite availability, hookups, reservation procedures, and seasonal prices should be confirmed before booking.
How do I enter livestock in the Guthrie County Fair?
Eligible exhibitors should complete livestock identification and FairEntry registration by the applicable deadlines. The Guthrie County Extension office can explain animal identification, eligibility, health requirements, and judging procedures.
Are dogs allowed at Guthrie County Fairgrounds?
Do not assume pets are permitted throughout the grounds. Check the current fair rules before bringing a dog, and confirm any exceptions for service animals and specific events.
Where do I park at Guthrie County Fairgrounds?
Parking arrangements depend on the entrance, event, and expected attendance. Visitors can reach the grounds from Iowa Highway 44 or Iowa Highway 25. Follow event-day signs and staff instructions.
Who do I contact to rent Guthrie County Fairgrounds?
For building, grounds, or shuttle rentals, contact Leah Carico at 515-238-1324. Ask about availability, current prices, deposits, and rental conditions.
How much does it cost to attend the Guthrie County Fair?
Published admission prices have included $15 for a day pass and $35 for a season pass. Children aged five and under, active military personnel, carnival rides, and grandstand events have been listed as free under the published policy. Confirm the current rates before attending.
What livestock can visitors see at the Guthrie County Fair?
Depending on the year’s program, livestock competitions can include beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, and rabbits. The daily schedule identifies the animals being shown and the times of individual competitions.
Can businesses sell products at the Guthrie County Fair?
Yes. The fair accepts vendor applications for indoor and outdoor booths and concession spaces. Applications are subject to approval, and vendors must meet the fair board’s requirements.
Is the fairgrounds open throughout the year?
The grounds support rentals, camping arrangements, and approved events outside fair week. However, individual buildings and public facilities may have restricted access or seasonal operating schedules.
What is the history of Guthrie County Fairgrounds?
The fair dates to 1858, when the Guthrie County Agricultural Society organized the first county fair. The permanent grounds were established west of the river near Guthrie Center and have since developed into a venue for agricultural exhibits, youth competitions, entertainment, and community gatherings.
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