Grandstand Events
Grandstand & Motorsports
World-class rodeo live and broadcasted globally, heart-pounding tractor pulling, and the $10,000 Bump & Run — the grandstand is where legends are made.
$10,000 Bump & Run
The biggest prize purse in Northern Michigan motorsports. Drivers from across the region battle it out on the track in this high-contact, high-stakes race where anything can happen. The last car running takes home $10,000.
$10,000
Prize Purse
Bump & Run
Format
Main Grandstand
Venue
Fri Aug 13 – Sun Aug 22, 2027
Dates
$10,000
Prize Purse
Broadcast Worldwide
Professional Rodeo
World-Class Rodeo — Live and Broadcasted Worldwide
The North Eastern Michigan State Fair hosts a full professional rodeo sanctioned and broadcasted to audiences around the world. Featuring the top cowboys and cowgirls competing in bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, saddle bronc, and more.
Bull Riding
The most dangerous 8 seconds in sports — top-ranked bull riders take on the rankest bulls in the circuit.
Barrel Racing
Speed and precision as horse and rider navigate a cloverleaf pattern against the clock.
Team Roping
Two-person teams work in perfect sync to rope and stop a steer in record time.
Saddle Bronc
The classic cowboy event — riders must stay aboard a bucking bronco for 8 full seconds.
Tie-Down Roping
A test of horsemanship and ground speed as cowboys rope and tie a calf in seconds.
Steer Wrestling
Bulldogging at its finest — cowboys leap from horseback to wrestle a steer to the ground.
Motorsports
Full Motorsports Lineup
Beyond the Bump & Run, the grandstand hosts a full schedule of motorsports events throughout the 10-day fair — from tractor pulling to demo derbies.
Tractor Pulling
The sport of power — modified tractors and trucks pull a weighted sled down a 300-foot track. Classes for all sizes.
Demolition Derby
The last car running wins. Metal bends, engines roar, and the crowd goes wild in this fan-favorite event.
Bump & Run Racing
Contact racing at its finest. The $10,000 prize purse draws the best drivers in the region.
Youth 8 Racing
Young drivers navigate a figure-eight track where the crossing point creates non-stop near-misses and excitement.
Tractor Pulling
The Sport of Power
Don't Miss a Single Night
Friday, August 13 – Sunday, August 22, 2027 — Northern Michigan's new summer tradition.