Des Moines, Iowa • January 23–24, 2027
Two all-breed shows. One fairgrounds. The Central Iowa Kennel Club’s January weekend fills the Varied Industries Building in Des Moines.
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What is this show?
The Central Iowa Kennel Club holds two all-breed AKC conformation shows — Saturday and Sunday, January 23–24, 2027 — in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.
The club, founded in 1947 and based in Newton, Iowa, hosts its annual shows on the third weekend in January (cikc.net). Both days offer the AKC National Owner-Handled Series and Junior Showmanship, plus 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy and FSS/Miscellaneous open shows alongside the all-breed judging. Superintendent is Foy Trent Dog Shows; AKC event numbers 2027041501 (Saturday) and 2027041503 (Sunday).
At a glance
- Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds, Varied Industries Building, E 30th & Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
- When: Saturday, January 23 – Sunday, January 24, 2027
- Entries close: Wednesday, January 6, 2027 (superintendent Foy Trent Dog Shows)
- Entry fee: $35.00 first entry (per AKC listing); full schedule in the 2027 premium
- Format: 2 all-breed shows + NOHS, Junior Showmanship, Beginner Puppy, FSS/Misc open shows
Why go?
A classic Midwest winter weekend. The Central Iowa Kennel Club has been hosting January shows for generations — two all-breed days at the state fairgrounds, drawing entries from across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois.
More than the two shows. NOHS both days, Beginner Puppy, and FSS/Miscellaneous open shows mean young dogs, owner-handlers, and rare breeds all get their ring time in one trip.
Fairgrounds easy. The Varied Industries Building is a big, practical indoor winter venue with room for grooming, vendors, and spectators — January showing without January weather at the rings.
Day by day
One all-breed show each day, January 23–24, with Beginner Puppy and FSS/Miscellaneous open shows alongside.
- Saturday, Jan. 23 — Central Iowa Kennel Club all-breed + Junior Showmanship + NOHS (event 2027041501); 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy; FSS/Miscellaneous Open Show.
- Sunday, Jan. 24 — Central Iowa Kennel Club all-breed + Junior Showmanship + NOHS (event 2027041503); FSS/Miscellaneous Open Show.
Who’s judging?
The 2027 premium list is not yet published. Best in Show, group, and breed judge assignments will be listed here when the premium is out; ring times arrive with the official judging program. See the ThePetAdvisor show page for this event for updates.
How to enter (entries close January 6)
Entries close Wednesday, January 6, 2027, through superintendent Foy Trent Dog Shows — online at foytrentdogshows.com or by mail to PO Box C, Sturgeon, MO 65284. The AKC event listing shows a $35.00 entry fee; the full fee schedule arrives with the 2027 premium.
Staying in Des Moines
The shows are held in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, E 30th & Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, on the east side of the city off I-235.
Hotels: pet-friendly options include the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area (410 East 30th St — right by the fairgrounds, $25 one-time pet fee), Red Roof Inn Des Moines, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown (333 SW 11th St — one dog $25/night, two dogs $30/night). Fly into Des Moines International (DSM). Always confirm the current pet policy when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Central Iowa Kennel Club show?
It is a two-show all-breed AKC weekend held January 23–24, 2027, in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines — hosted by the Central Iowa Kennel Club, Inc., founded in 1947 and based in Newton, Iowa.
When is the 2027 Central Iowa Kennel Club show?
Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2027 — one all-breed show each day, both with Junior Showmanship and the AKC National Owner-Handled Series.
Are entries still open for the 2027 Central Iowa Kennel Club shows?
Yes — entries close Wednesday, January 6, 2027, through superintendent Foy Trent Dog Shows (online at foytrentdogshows.com or by mail). The AKC listing shows a $35.00 entry fee.
What else runs during the weekend?
Both days include the AKC National Owner-Handled Series and Junior Showmanship; Saturday also offers 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy, and FSS/Miscellaneous open shows run both days.
Can I attend if I did not enter a dog?
Yes. Dog shows are open to the public and spectators are welcome at the rings in the Varied Industries Building.
Where do exhibitors stay for the Central Iowa shows?
Pet-friendly options include the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Des Moines Fairgrounds Area (right by the fairgrounds), Red Roof Inn Des Moines, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown. Fly into Des Moines International (DSM).
Planning your show season?
Create your free ThePetAdvisor account — track your dogs, plan your weekends, and never miss a closing date.
See the full show page: dates, clubs, fees, specialties, and the judging programs