Celebrating 100 Years of the Iowa State Fair Fiddlers' Contest
The Iowa State Fair Parade, August 6, 2025, at 6:15 p.m., serves as the official kick-off to the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The parade will travel from the Capitol down Grand Avenue and march west to 15th Street. Over 130 entries are registered in this year's parade. Awards will be given in band, horse and general categories. Iowa PBS will broadcast live starting at 6:15 p.m.
The Iowa State Fair parade is celebrating a special Iowa State Fair anniversary in 2025: 100 years of the Fiddlers' Contest. Known for their toe-tapping talent, rich tradition and ability to bring generations together through music, Iowa's finest fiddlers have been a beloved part of the Fair's heritage since 1925. Make sure to catch the Fiddlers' contests in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall August 8-10. The Fiddlers' Championship will be held Sunday, August 10 at 3 p.m.
The 2025 Iowa State Fair runs from August 7-17, 2025. Visit iowastatefair.org for the full daily schedule, download the official Iowa State Fair App or text FAIR to 844.844.8508 for the latest information.