10 Wacky Events You Need to See at the 2024 Dubuque County Fair

The 71st annual Dubuque County Fair kicks off today, Tuesday, July 22nd and runs through Sunday July 28th, 2024. It plans to offer killer entertainment like Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, Alexandra Kay, Tractor Pulls, and stock car races. Additionally, the fair offers a mix of quirky and unique events. Here are some of the wackier activities you can enjoy at this year's 71st Annual Dubuque County Fair.

Mutton Bustin': Young kids get the chance to ride sheep, providing an adorable and often hilarious spectacle. This one is still in my top 5 quirkiest fair events. It's always a blast to see and partake in, as I am a former mutton buster. Mutton Bustin' happens on Saturday, July 27th at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Parents and kids alike will love this entertainment!

Demolition Derby: This crowd-favorite event features cars, trucks, and vans crashing into each other until only one remains running. It's scheduled for Sunday, July 28th, at noon. This was and still is one of my favorite fair events to attend.

Chicken Chucking Contest: An amusing event where rubber chickens take flight. Compete at the fair on Friday or Saturday at 4pm to earn yourself a spot in the finals on Sunday at 4pm.

The Beer Olympics: this one requires your best team of 4 to compete is everyone's favorite party games including beer pong, flip cup, quarters, beer bowling, and beer bags. Will the bragging rights be yours, or will you "tap" out early? The event takes place Saturday, July 27th from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Festival Garden.

Sealion Splash: With 2 tanks on either side of a stage, this is a MUST SEE show on the exhibit grounds, free with your fair admission! An educational and comedy act, these Sea Lions are ready to show you just what they can do! Catch the show daily at 2 and 6 PM.

Meet a T-Rex: Meet and Greet with Rocky the T Rex: Weekdays include three, 30-minute meet and greets with Rocky or Bumpy! Weekends include four, 30-minute meet and greets with Rocky, Bumpy, and Razr! Kids will have a blast with their favorite dinosaur pals.

Balloon Stunt and Stilt Show: James delivers award winning comedy with unique magical effects, spontaneous comic routines, astonishing daredevil stunts, fast paced knee slapping music and interactive audience participation – like putting people into a life size balloon! He also delivers a fun stilt walking show! Watch for him around fair grounds.

Axe Throwing: Take your chance to toss an axe daily on the exhibit grounds.

The Famous Frog Jump: Every year for kids day the annual frog jump takes place, along with the annual pedal pull. How far will your froggy hop? Find out on Wednesday, July 24th at 4pm in the festival area.

These events, along with many other traditional fair activities like rides, livestock shows, and concerts, make the Dubuque County Fair a must-visit for those seeking a blend of the unusual and the entertaining. For a full schedule of events and more details, you can visit the official Dubuque County Fair website.