Iowa State Fair Schedule Thursday: Bubble Gum Blowing, Pie Eating Contest and More

Grab your John Deere green and head to the Iowa State Fair today.

Today is earmarked as John Deere Day and Iowa Parks and Recreation Day.

Here's a quick rundown of today's events, both free and paid. For a full list of events visit the Iowa State Fair website.

Fun Events
9 a.m. Bubble Gum Blowing Contest at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage
10:30 a.m. Pie Eating Contest on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage
11 a.m. The Bandanas Band on the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage
11:30 a.m. Yodeling Contest on Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall
12:30 p.m. Lesson 7 Band from Waukee on the Budweiser Stage
1 p.m. Vocalist B. John Burns, Johnston on the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage
5 p.m. Fall Harvest: Preparing for the Hunting Season in the DNR Building

Free Stages
6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Country Gold on Susan Knapp Amphitheater
7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Hypnotist Ron Diamond on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage
7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Strawberry Fields on the Budweiser Stage
8 p.m. Glen Templeton on the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage

Grandstand Event
7 p.m. An Evening with Big Time Rush. Tickets $38

Where to Park

• North, Sims and Northeast Lot Parking: $10
• Motorcycle Parking: $10
• Bicycle Parking (inside Gate 10): $2
• Buses and Drivers: FREE

Paid parking will also be available in a new lot just east of East 36th Street on East University Avenue.

Park & Ride
Show your advance admission ticket at one of DART’s three State Fair Park & Rides and ride for $1 for adults and 50 cents for children ages 6 to 10, seniors and people with disabilities. Children ages 5 and younger ride for free.

Regular roundtrip prices are $2 for adults, and $1 for children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Locations for park & ride:

• Center Street Park & Ride (Seventh and Center streets, enter on Seventh Street)
• Southeast Polk School (Northeast 80th Street and Highway 163)
• State Capitol (East 12th and Grand Avenue)

Service to and from park & ride locations run from 8:30 a.m. to midnight during the fair. Service will be extended for late-ending Grandstand shows.