Itasca County Fair 2025: Your 5-Day Guide To Grandstand Thrills, 4-H Showcases, And The Full Schedule
The 132nd Itasca County Fair is set to return to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, from Wednesday, August 13, through Sunday, August 17, 2025, promising five days of classic county fair excitement. This annual celebration is the ultimate destination for community fun, agricultural showcases, and heart-pounding grandstand action, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend summer event in the Northland. Based on the most current announcements for the 2025 season, the fair is packed with a diverse schedule, ensuring there is something new and exciting for every member of the family, from livestock judging to high-octane racing.
Planning your trip to the Itasca County Fairgrounds has never been easier, with official dates and key events already confirmed and available as of this current date in late December 2025. Whether you are coming for the 4-H County Showcase, the free stage live music, or the famous Demo Derby, this comprehensive guide will give you an exclusive look at everything you need to know about the 2025 fair, including logistics, ticket information, and a deep dive into the daily schedule.
The Complete 2025 Itasca County Fair Schedule and Logistics
The Itasca County Fair, a cornerstone of the Grand Rapids, MN, community, is a five-day event running from a Wednesday to a Sunday. The fairgrounds are located at 1336 Fairgrounds Rd, Grand Rapids, MN.
Key Fair Dates and Times
- Fair Dates: Wednesday, August 13 – Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Location: Itasca County Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids, MN
- Opening Ceremony: Flag Raising and Official Opening of the Fair on Wednesday, August 13, at 3:00 PM.
Ticket and Entry Information
While specific 2025 pricing for all events will be finalized closer to the event, fairgoers can take advantage of early bird savings. Discount Ticket Locations will offer special rates, but be aware that sales typically end at 5 PM on the Tuesday before the fair begins (August 12th). Daily admission prices are generally affordable, with specific days like Thursday often featuring a lower rate for ages 4 and up.
- Parking: Parking is available on-site for a fee, typically $10 per car.
- Carnival Rides: The Gopher State Midway will be operating daily. Look for the Unlimited Ride Wristband specials, such as the one scheduled for Friday evening (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM).
- Camping: Camping is available at the Itasca County Fairgrounds Campground for a fee, offering a convenient way to experience the entire five-day event.
High-Octane Grandstand Events: Races, Pulls, and the Demo Derby
The Grandstand is the epicenter of nightly action at the Itasca County Fair, featuring a lineup of motorsports and power events that draw massive crowds. The 2025 schedule is already shaping up to be a thrilling one, with two of the biggest nights confirmed.
Motorsports and Power Showcases
The Grand Rapids Speedway is the host for these adrenaline-pumping events, which typically require a separate ticket from the general fair admission. The grandstand lineup is a major draw for the fair, featuring a mix of racing and brute strength competitions.
- Wednesday, August 13: Dean Olafson Memorial Race
- Event: Pure Stock Special & Hornet Race
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Details: This is a dedicated night of stock car racing, honoring the memory of Dean Olafson and setting a high-speed tone for the week.
- Thursday, August 14: The Smash Hit Demo Derby
- Event: Demolition Derby
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Details: A fair favorite, the Demo Derby features drivers smashing their cars until only one is left running. This event is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple of the Itasca County Fair.
In addition to these confirmed events, the 2025 Grandstand schedule will also feature a dedicated Truck Pull and a Tractor Pull night, showcasing modified vehicles competing to pull heavy sleds the farthest. Be sure to check the final schedule for the specific dates and times of these popular power showcases.
4-H, Agricultural Exhibits, and Free Stage Entertainment
Beyond the roar of the engines, the Itasca County Fair remains true to its agricultural roots, providing a vital platform for youth development through 4-H and FFA, alongside a variety of free entertainment options.
The 4-H County Showcase and Kid's Day
The 4-H program is central to the fair, highlighting the learning and leading projects of the county's youth. The 2025 4-H County Showcase registration is set to run from July 1 to July 31, 2025, allowing young exhibitors to sign up for various competitions.
- Creative Activities & Fine Arts: Judging for these non-livestock exhibits takes place early on Wednesday, August 13th, with public viewing to follow.
- Livestock Check-Ins: Veterinary check-ins for 4-H Horse, 4-H Llama, and 4-H Alpaca projects will occur on Wednesday evening, preparing for the judging throughout the week.
- Kid's Day (Thursday, August 14): The fair dedicates Thursday to its youngest visitors, featuring special demos in the Children’s Barn and a focus on educational and fun activities.
- 4-H Project Hour: On Friday, a special 4-H Project Hour welcomes grades K-5 at 1:00 PM, offering a hands-on introduction to the program.
- Livestock Judging: Throughout the week, you can attend various Livestock Judging competitions, including the 4-H Llama & 4-H Alpaca Judging on Friday afternoon.
Live Music and Unique Entertainment
The free stage entertainment is a major highlight, offering a variety of musical acts and performances that are included with your fair admission. The 2025 lineup already features some fantastic local talent:
- LaPlant Road Music: Catch this act on Friday, August 15, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, providing the perfect soundtrack for a midday stroll through the fairgrounds.
- DittyWish: The DittyWish Band will perform on Saturday, August 16, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering a great evening of live music.
- Just For Kix Dancers: A special performance by the Just For Kix Dancers is scheduled for Friday at 3:00 PM, showcasing local dance talent.
Family Fun and Competitions
The fair is packed with traditional county fair activities that encourage friendly competition and family participation:
- Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull: A fun and competitive event for children, scheduled for Friday afternoon.
- Commercial Vendors: Browse hundreds of commercial vendors offering everything from home goods to unique crafts and local services.
- Meat Bingo: A popular fair tradition that combines the fun of bingo with a chance to win various cuts of meat.
The Itasca County Fair 2025 is shaping up to be the 132nd consecutive year of family-friendly fun, agricultural excellence, and community spirit in Grand Rapids. With its blend of high-energy motorsports, educational 4-H exhibits, and free live entertainment, the fair is the perfect way to cap off the summer. Be sure to mark your calendars for August 13-17, 2025, and prepare for a classic Minnesota county fair experience.
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