Day two of the Kansas State Fair promises something for everyone, blending the best of agriculture, arts, food, and entertainment into a full day of activity.
Morning: Agriculture and the Arts
The day begins bright and early at 7 a.m. with the Plein Air Art Competition along Lake Talbott East, where artists capture the fairgrounds in fresh morning light. At 8 a.m., agriculture takes center stage with the 4-H and FFA beef, goat, lamb, and swine market shows, plus working equitation demonstrations. Barn tours kick off at Moo-U, offering families a hands-on learning experience.
Visitors can also stop by the Oz Gallery for demonstrations from Kansas woodcarvers and view the professional art exhibits set up around Lake Talbott.
Midday: Science, Food, and Fun
By 10 a.m., families can catch Dr. Goddard’s Lab in the Education Center, cheer on Hedrick’s Pig Races, or head to the Expo Center for the majestic Draft Horse Show. Food competitions get underway with the King Arthur Donut Contest and the Youth Favorite Cookie Contest Judging.
At noon, the Hutchinson Zoo takes over the Education Center, while crowds gather for the Pies, Pies, and More Pies Contest in the Domestic Arts Building. Families can also enjoy Glenda & Mike’s Magic and Ventriloquism Show lakeside.
Afternoon: Contests and Entertainment
The afternoon brings crowd favorites like the Butter Sculpture Contest and the lively Celebrity Grape Stomp at the Gottschalk Park Gazebo. Music and movement fill the grounds with the Kansas Kountree Kloggers and live performances by Sweet Rhubarb.
For a dose of humor and amazement, hypnotist Ron Diamond performs in the Peoples Bank & Trust Arena, while Gottschalk Park hosts both the Cowboy Circus and It’s Showtime Circus.
Evening: Music, Magic, and Mainstage Acts
As the sun sets, competition heats up with the Draft Horse Pull in the Expo Center and the 4-H/FFA Grand Drive at the Prairie Pavilion. The evening also features Catholic Mass, the Pinewood Derby races, and the poetry showcase Eat Your Words.
Live music fills the air with Hyway 14, 80 Proof Alice, The Girls Next Door, and the Great Plains Jazz Orchestra, spread across various stages.
Finally, the night caps off in grand fashion at 7:30 p.m. with world-renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham taking the Nex-Tech Grandstand, bringing laughs to close out a jam-packed day at the Fair.