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✈️How to get to Great Jones County Fair 2026
Planning your trip to Great Jones County Fair 2026? Here's how to get there by plane, train or car, and plan your route to the festival site.
- Nearest airport: Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ), about 43 km from the venue.
- Allow about 60 min by car from the airport to the site.
- By train, head for Dubuque or the nearest major station, then finish by bus, shuttle or taxi to the site.
- By car, plan for on-site parking and expect heavy traffic around the venue on festival days.
🛏️Where to stay near Monticello (Great Jones County Fair 2026)
Accommodation near the Great Jones County Fair 2026 site fills up fast. Compare hotels, apartments and rentals nearby and book early to stay as close to the stage as possible.
Also consider staying around Dubuque, the nearest large city, if the closest options to the site are sold out.
Estimated travel time to the site
| Distance | 🚗 Car / taxi | 🚴 Bike | 🚶 On foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~1 km | ~3 min | ~4 min | ~12 min |
| ~3 km | ~7 min | ~12 min | ~36 min |
| ~5 km | ~11 min | ~20 min | ~1 h |
| ~10 km | ~22 min | ~40 min | ~2 h |
Public transport: depends on the network around Dubuque.
Each accommodation's distance to the site is shown on the map above. Rough estimates; allow extra time during festival peak hours.
🌤️Great Jones County Fair 2026 weather
Weather in Monticello in July 2026?
Typical weather
Chance of rain: about 33% of days
| 2025 | Light drizzle | 29° / 22° | 2 rainy days |
| 2024 | Heavy rain | 26° / 17° | 2 rainy days |
| 2023 | Overcast | 28° / 16° | 1 rainy day |
Based on the last 3 years over the same period.
Hour by hour
Tap a day to see how temperature and rain changed across 24 hours.
🗺️Things to do near Great Jones County Fair 2026
Many shows happen in the evening, so use your days to explore the area around Great Jones County Fair 2026. Guided tours, museums, outdoor experiences and local activities can be booked in a few clicks before you go.
Nearby, Dubuque and its surroundings offer museums, walks and local gems to discover between sets.
Bookings via our travel partners. Prices stay the same for you; festt may earn a commission.
❓FAQ
What are the festival dates and hours?
The Great Jones County Fair 2026 runs for five days, from Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Monticello, Iowa, billed as "The Five Best Days of Summer." Gates open at 8:00 a.m. (blankets and tarps are allowed on the grass starting at 8:00 a.m.). The Evans United Shows carnival runs Tuesday, July 21 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., then Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Headline concerts take place in the evenings: Bailey Zimmerman on Thursday the 23rd at 8 p.m., Megan Moroney on Friday the 24th at 7:30 p.m., Riley Green on Saturday the 25th at 8 p.m., and Gary Allan (with Rice Rodeo) on Sunday the 26th at 5 p.m.
Where is the fair held and how do I get there?
The fair takes place at 800 N. Maple Street, Monticello, IA 52310. For parking, the site lists a dedicated GPS address: 3rd and Diamond Drive, Monticello, IA 52310.
How much do tickets cost?
Daily admission is $12 online ($15 at the gate). A five-day "Admission Package" of daily tickets is offered at $52. Children 10 and under always get in free. The carnival ride wristband is available in presale for $25 via Etix. Concert tickets are sold separately (e.g. Bailey Zimmerman from $58.40, Riley Green at $100, Gary Allan at $35, Megan Moroney from $100 to $300).
Is camping available?
No: the fair's camping is sold out for 2026. The site notes that because all 2025 reservations were rolled over into 2026, the sites are full again. It suggests checking back for future editions.
What is the daily programming?
Each evening features a main grandstand concert (Bailey Zimmerman on Thursday, Megan Moroney on Friday, Riley Green on Saturday, Gary Allan on Sunday). During the day, access is included with admission: free shows on the Free Stage (Ron Diamond, Electrifying Magic, Billy Kidd), Plaza attractions (Doc's Magic Show, Xtreme Strong Man Show, The Streamer Thrill Show), and strolling performers (Lynn the mime, SupraFUN Band). The track (On the Track) hosts a truck & tractor pull, harness racing, the ATV Big Air Tour, and Bulls & Broncs.
Are children admitted?
Yes, the fair is family-friendly: children 10 and under get in free. Many free shows are geared toward families (the Ice Cream Show, Doc's Magic Show, Free Stage acts), with nonstop entertainment from morning until night.
What can I bring (allowed or prohibited items)?
The fair enforces a Clear Bag Policy. On the Hillside grass, blankets and tarps are allowed starting at 8:00 a.m., with a maximum size of 8 by 8 feet; taping multiple tarps together is not allowed, and everyone must take all their trash and items with them when they leave.
What lodging options are nearby?
Plenty of lodging is within minutes of the grounds. In Monticello: the Boulder's Inn & Suites and Monticello Motel hotels; and the Jellystone Park, The Outback (half a mile north), Monticello Camping & RV, and Backyard Campground campgrounds. A bit farther out: AmericInn and Super 8 in Anamosa (10-11 miles), Riverview Ridge Campgrounds near Cascade (11 miles), Wapsipinicon State Park (14 miles), plus several properties in Dubuque, Manchester, and Marion.
