Enter Contests and Competitions

Part of the spirit of the Iowa State Fair comes from contests and competitions. From cow-chip throwing, to bags tournaments, to livestock competitions and entering your best pie, nothing compares to winning a ribbon at the Iowa State Fair. Learn how to enter these events at the Iowa State Fair.

Check this page for Fair events and competitions celebrating America's 250th birthday.

02/26/2026 | Iowan Artists Invited to Submit Artworks for America250 Exhibition at the 2026 Iowa State Fair

01/22/2026 | Win Red, White or Blue at the Iowa State Fair’s America 250 Celebration

Competitive Exhibits

Enter your best baked goods, sewing projects, antiques, ag and hort crops and more at the Fair. Learn entry deadlines, procedures and rules.

Enter Competitive Exhibits

Open Class Animals

With entries for beef or dairy cattle, dairy or Boer goats, dogs, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine, find out the entry deadlines, procedures and show schedules for livestock competitions.

Enter Open Class Animals

Horse & Pony

Thrills and excitement are abundant in the cowgirl queen and horse competitions at the Iowa State Fair. Find entry deadlines, procedures and show schedules for the Iowa State Fair.

Horse & Pony

FFA & 4-H

FFA and 4-H members and families, find the entry process for entering each organization's livestock or static competitions. Sale of Champions scholarship information is also available.

FFA

4-H

The Bill Riley Talent Search showcases the many talents of young Iowans. Find out how to participate.

See the Talent

From checkers to backgammon, to heritage contests and pedal tractor pulls, the Iowa State Fair has a contest for YOU! Learn how to enter the different contests.

Fair Time Contests

2026 Livestock Show Programs

Livestock Show Programs

2026 Competition Results

Competition Results