Fair Manager Heather Stewart said she is especially eager for visitors to experience the fair’s free entertainment as well as its packed nightly grandstand schedule and the improvements volunteers have made across the grounds.

“There are so many exciting things happening this year,” said Stewart. “I’m especially excited for people to experience our Kids’ Zone, the grandstand entertainment and our free entertainment including a shark exhibit, the Pompeyo dog show, Lew’s Comedy Circus and the Agri bots.”

Grandstand action every night

The grandstand anchors the fair’s evening entertainment. The week opens Wednesday with the Figure 8 Races. Gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is $10.

-Messenger file photo
Dennis Fedkenheuer, of Fort Dodge, helps his grandson Sawyer Clum, then 3, of Fort Dodge, throw darts for a prize during the 2025 Webster County Fair in Fort Dodge.

Thursday brings a pair of free events: the Iowa Rough Stock Rodeo youth competition at 7 p.m. in the outdoor arena, followed by Punching Pandas on the free stage at 8 p.m. Admission to both is free.

Friday doubles up with ATV races and Tough Truck races beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, with gates opening at 5 p.m.

The grandstand week closes July 18, with the Webster County Truck Pull at 5 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. and admission is $10.

“From the Figure 8 races and ATV and Tough Truck races to the Iowa Rough Stock Rodeo and truck pulls, there’s something exciting every night that brings the community together,” said Stewart.

A free zone built for kids

-Messenger file photo
Wyatt Miller, then 11, of Harcourt ,helps his father weigh their goat Roy Roger during the 2025 Webster County Fair in Fort Dodge.

Families can spend the day in the Kids Zone, which Stewart described as packed with free activities including balloon art, face painting, mini golf and bounce houses.

“It’s a great place for kids to make memories while parents can enjoy the fair,” said Stewart.

Behind-the-scenes upgrades

Stewart said fairgoers will also notice the results of a year of work around the grounds. Volunteers have logged countless hours on projects large and small, from improvements to the horse barn to new furnaces in the auditorium, an upgrade Stewart called much needed, even if it goes unseen during fair week.

“The fairgrounds are constantly evolving, and we’re excited for everyone to see the progress that’s been made this year while knowing there’s even more to come,” said Stewart.

-Messenger file photo
Levi Poutre, then 10, of Manson, front, and Mylo Poutre, then 12, attend the 2025 Webster County Fair.

Something for the grown-ups, too

Beyond the grandstand, adults can take in live music on the free stage, sample fair food, browse local vendors and walk the livestock barns to see the animals and projects that 4-H and FFA exhibitors have worked on all year.

“Whether you’re looking for high-energy entertainment, a relaxing evening with live music, or simply a chance to spend time with family and friends, the Webster County Fair is the perfect place to make lasting summer memories,” Stewart said.

Stewart credited the fair’s board members, volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors for the work that goes into the event each year.

“I’m incredibly excited for this year’s Webster County Fair to begin,” Stewart said. “Seeing all of that hard work come together and watching families make memories is what it’s all about. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the fairgrounds and celebrate another great year together.”