Iowa State Fair Schedule for Thursday: Toby Keith, Top Taco Showdown and More

Don't miss day eight of the 2013 Iowa State Fair!

Each day of the fair, which runs Aug. 8-18, is packed with fun events for the entire family, and this day is no exception.

So to make your life easy, we'll be highlighting some of the best fair events each day. Take our word for it or check out the full calendar, but the point is – don't miss out.

Thursday Grandstand Schedule

Toby Keith with special guest star Kip Moore

Since the 1994 release of his debut album, Toby Keith has produced 15 more studio records and charted more than 40 singles, including 19 number-one hits and 16 top-ten hits like “I Love this Bar,” “Beer for My Horses,” and “As Good as I Once Was.” Known for his country anthems and tough demeanor, the singer/songwriter has performed his way to the top of the country music industry.  

When: 8 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Thursday Calendar of Events

Fairview Stage

10 a.m. Vocalist and Songwriter B. John Burns, Johnston

8 p.m. Aranda

Anne and Bill Riley Stage

9 a.m. Bubble Gum Blowing Contest

10 a.m. Pie Eating Contest

4 p.m. Vocalist Jessica Saunders, Iowa City

7 & 9 p.m. Hypnotist Ron Diamond

Budweiser Stage

11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Vocalist Sara Routh, Hollywood, CA

8 p.m. FireHouse

Susan Knapp Ampitheatre

1:30 p.m. Mason’s Basement Rock, Urbandale

8 p.m. Jason Boland & The Stragglers

Fun Forest Stage

11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.  Mama Lou: American Strong Woman

11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. The ReCycle Show

Noon, 2 & 4 p.m. VSA Iowa Presents

Elwell Family Food Center

11 a.m. Kids’ Cookie Decorating

Judging Room 1

3:30 p.m. Crowding the Pan’s Next Top Taco Showdown

Judging Room 2

12:30 p.m. Purnell Old Folks’ Sausage Cook-off

Judging Room 3

1:30 p.m. Land O Lakes Butter Cookie

Judging Room 4

12:30 p.m. Pies: Fresh, Local, Organic!

Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall

11:30 a.m. Yodeling Contest

2 p.m. Adult Whistling Contest, 17 & over

5:30 p.m. Harmonica Player Phil Hague with Friends, Johnston

John Deere Ag Building

1 p.m. Sweet Corn Shucking, volunteers needed

Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center

10 a.m. Cheeseburger Chomp, Iowa State Fair and Iowa’s Farmers


Should you eat before you go? Why WOULD you? Check out a list of all specialty foods at the fair this year.

The midway is open 10 a.m. to Midnight each day of the Fair. For ticket and Play Pack information, check here.

Have a secret hidden talent? Check out this list of Iowa State Fair contests. Maybe you could be a winner if you go to the fair today.