Get ready for five days packed with family fun, live entertainment, animals, music, motorsports, midway excitement and plenty of reasons to make memories in Mason City. The North Iowa Fair returns July 29–August 2, 2026, bringing a full lineup of entertainment and activities to the North Iowa Events Center.
From tiger encounters and prehistoric adventures to high-energy shows, livestock competitions, live music, stock car racing and hands-on agricultural fun, there is something new to discover around every corner.
Entertainment for the whole family
This year’s entertainment lineup brings plenty of action to the fairgrounds. Get an up-close look at some animals during Tiger Encounters, be amazed by an electrifying magic show and watch four-legged performers take center stage during a high-energy dog show.
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Young dinosaur fans can embark on prehistoric dinosaur adventures, while thrill seekers can catch The Steamers Thrill Show for action-packed performances throughout the fair.
Families can also spend time exploring the Family Fun Park, where even more activities and entertainment await.
Celebrating agriculture
Agriculture remains at the heart of the North Iowa Fair, and there are opportunities to experience it firsthand.
Throughout the week, visitors can cheer on local youth during livestock shows and discover where their food comes from through interactive agricultural experiences. Little ones can participate in Little Farmers and explore the Farm Bureau Agriculture Learning Center, which offers ways for kids and families to connect with North Iowa's agricultural roots.
Visitors can also explore the Open Class Exhibits, where the talents, creativity and work of area residents are on display.
Turn up the volume at the Midway Stage
Live music will fill the Midway Stage throughout the fair with a lineup of local and regional performers.
Performers include Unmanned Audio, The Sweet Nuthins, The Kraft Brothers, Liv McNair, Jesse Calvert, Will Barnett & Company and others. Visitors can find a spot near the stage and enjoy live music as the sun goes down over the fairgrounds.
Aspiring performers will also have their chance to participate in the Bill Riley Talent Search, a longtime Iowa tradition showcasing young entertainers.
Start your engines
Stock car racing returns to the Mason City Motor Speedway during the fair. Racing fans can experience the speed, sound and excitement of dirt-track competition on the North Iowa Events Center grounds.
Eat, shop and explore
No trip to the fair is complete without fair foods. Visitors can walk through Treat Street to find food options, then browse the Vendor Mall and explore more throughout the grounds.
With entertainment, exhibits, agriculture, animals, music, motorsports, shopping, food and family activities over five days, there are reasons to return more than once.
Carnival rides, games and midway fun
The carnival is a central part of the fair. GoldStar Amusements is bringing the midway to this year’s North Iowa Fair. With more than 30 years of experience entertaining fairgoers across Iowa and Minnesota, GoldStar Amusements will bring rides for all ages, carnival games and concessions. Wristbands will be available for $25.
Whether visitors are looking for their favorite ride, testing their skills for a prize or taking in the lights and sounds of the midway after dark, the carnival is a highlight of the North Iowa Fair.
Plan your visit
The 2026 North Iowa Fair runs Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 2, at the North Iowa Events Center in Mason City.
Fair hours
- Wednesday, July 29: 3–9 p.m.
- Thursday, July 30: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Friday, July 31: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Saturday, August 1: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Sunday, August 2: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Whether visitors are coming for the animals, music, racing, entertainment, food or a mix of everything, the North Iowa Fair offers five days of summertime activities to add to a Mason City itinerary.
More information is available at northiowafair.fun and on North Iowa Fair & Events Center on Facebook.
