What the Jasper County Fair Is
The Jasper County Fair in Rensselaer is a week-long county fair built around 4-H projects and livestock, with a carnival, free stage entertainment and a different grandstand event every night. The 2026 fair was the 102nd, ran Saturday, July 25 through Saturday, August 1, and used the theme "America 250." The fair was established in 1925.
Nightly Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sat, July 25 | Mud drags, 7 p.m. |
| Sun, July 26 | Truck and tractor pull, 6 p.m. |
| Mon, July 27 | "Got Talent" competition, 7 p.m., Community Building |
| Tue, July 28 | ATV rodeo, 7 p.m. |
| Wed, July 29 | D&D Pro Rodeo, 7 p.m. |
| Thu, July 30 | Queen City Stunt Circus, 7 p.m. |
| Fri, July 31 | Monster trucks, 7 p.m. |
| Sat, Aug 1 | Demolition derby, 7 p.m., followed by fireworks |
Free concerts run nightly at 7 p.m. on the Free Stage. On Sunday, July 26 from 2 to 7 p.m., Twisty Kristy Balloons performs in the Big Tent. Rob Thompson the Magician performs in the Big Tent at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. on July 31 and August 1. Free events throughout the week include the Dino Adventures educational show and a foam dance party, and carnival attractions are part of the fair.
The 4-H Side: Who Can Show and How to Qualify
Jasper County 4-H members showing livestock follow a series of earlier deadlines, so the fair is the end of a months-long process.
- May 15: livestock enrollment deadline, with animals entered in 4-H Online.
- June 30: fair entry deadline.
- Beef and dairy finished steers are tagged and weighed in on March 7 at 8 a.m. at the Beef Barn on the fairgrounds.
- Goat, sheep and dairy steers are tagged on May 9 at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds.
- Every member exhibiting livestock must complete either the in-person Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care training ($3, signed up through 4HOnline) or the online YQCA training ($12). In-person sessions were March 9, April 28, May 11 and June 17 at 5 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Community Building.
- YQCA certificates must be emailed to the Extension Office before June 30.
- A member whose enrollment shows as pending owes the $15 4-H yearly enrollment fee.
Some projects require extra forms, including horse and pony, dog, cat and dairy lease forms. Record sheets are available from the Purdue Extension Jasper County 4-H page.
Where
Jasper County Fairgrounds, 3671 W. Clark St., Rensselaer, Indiana.
Questions
Is it only for 4-H families?
No. The nightly grandstand shows, free stage and carnival are open to all fairgoers; the 4-H deadlines above apply to members showing projects and animals.
Can I contact the judges beforehand?
No. Jasper County 4-H instructs members not to contact the judges before the fair, and judges are subject to change without notice.
Who do I call?
The Purdue Extension Jasper County office at (219) 866-5741.
Official Links
- AgriNews: Jasper County Fair continues tradition in Rensselaer: dates, address and nightly schedule
- Jasper County 4-H spring newsletter 2026: livestock deadlines, tagging and training
- Jasper County 4-H livestock information: judges and rules
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Gibson County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Pesticide applicator recertification program on Nov. 18, 2026 in the Exhibit Hall at the Gibson County Fairgrounds; registration opens at 11:00 a.m.
- Knox County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Two-hour pesticide applicator recertification session on Dec. 11, 2026 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Vincennes, part of the Southwest District series.
401 Felt King Drive, Vincennes, IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Knox County Official event details - Ripley County 4-H Shooting Sports Contest and Family Fun Day
Summer shooting sports contest and family fun day for Ripley County 4-H members at the Coon Hunters Lodge, scheduled for July 10, 2027.
IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Ripley County Official event details - Fort Wayne Farm Show
Northeast Indiana's winter farm equipment show fills the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for three days with free admission. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 13 to 15, 2026.
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Official event details - Indiana Beef Cattle Association Annual Convention
Indiana cattlemen gather at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville for the annual membership meeting, awards banquet and election of officers. Held each year; the most recent date was January 17, 2026.
Noblesville, IN | Organizer: Indiana Beef Cattle Association Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.