Since beginning in 1971, Solon’s annual Beef Days festival has raised about $900,000, all of which was returned to the community.
“We support the schools, the city, the parks and rec programs, the Legion here in town; so, that is why we do it, is to support the community,” Denise Bruck, president of the Beef Days festival, said.
For Beef Days 2026, the event will begin Friday, July 17, at 5 p.m. by food vendors and the carnival opening up for the weekend, which will close at 10 p.m. before opening back up Saturday morning. Food vendors, however, will remain open until 11 p.m., and the beer tent won’t close until midnight.
In many ways, this year’s Beef Days will be the same as in previous years. One example is the return of Sam’s Amusements to provide the carnival portion of the festival. “We get a lot of positive feedback from the attendees with the rides and the games and concessions that they bring along,” Bruck explained.
Additionally, signature Beef Days events like the Hay Bale Toss, the children’s tractor pulls and big wheel race will be returning.
For those that can’t be in attendance to watch the Hay Bale Toss in person on Friday, Iowa’s News Now live streams the event on their YouTube channel and on their website, cbs2iowa.com.
Despite keeping many things the same, there is one way in which it will be different: the 5K race and Fun Run routes will be changed.
This year, because of construction in the parking lot of Lakeview Elementary, both runs will end back at St. Mary’s Catholic Church instead. Both will be held at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
The annual Beef Day’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. following the races.
According to Bruck, the amount of candy thrown out during the parade is well known and quite notable.
Saturday’s events will then be kicked off by music, and the opening of food vendors and the beer tent at 11 a.m. The carnival, vendors, and beer tent will close at the same times as Friday night, which will include the festival.
“By noon [Sunday], Main Street’s back open, the carnival rides are gone, the tents are down, and you almost can’t tell Beef Days even happened,” Bruck said.
Most of the parking for the event will be north and south of Main Street in Solon. Accessible parking can be found north of Main Street, and there will be signage put out on Highway 1 to direct toward it.
Restrooms will be found behind the bandstand and throughout the carnival area, and First Aid will be located by the t-shirt booth.
Although soft-sided coolers are accepted, Bruck encouraged attendees to buy from the local vendor.
Additionally, alcohol is not allowed, as it is sold in the beer tent. Tents and canopies are also prohibited. “We have a great turnout every year, and we have a lot of fun doing it,” Bruck said.