County Fair Guide

Black Hawk National Cattle Congress

Waterloo, Iowa

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2026 Dates

September 24–27, 2026

Duration

4 days

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Size

medium

About Black Hawk National Cattle Congress

The Black Hawk National Cattle Congress in Waterloo is a four-day late-September celebration and one of Iowa's most prestigious livestock expositions, drawing nearly 83,000 visitors to the Cedar Valley. The area's broader history includes notable events and landmarks dating to 1910.

What to Expect

Expect world-class livestock shows, national cattle competitions, 4-H and FFA events, grandstand entertainment, carnival rides, and the prestige of one of the Midwest's premier agricultural expositions.

Visitor Tips

The National Cattle Congress has been held in Waterloo since 1910 and is one of the most important cattle shows in the United States — serious livestock enthusiasts won't want to miss it.

Places to Stay Nearby

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