Know Before You Go

Here are a few things you should know before you go to the Iowa State Fair this year.

SAVE TIME & MONEY

Buy admission in advance at iowastatefair.org, the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or select Hy-Vee and Fareway stores.

• Adults: $11 advance / $16 at the Fair
• Children ages 6-11: $7 advance / $10 at the Fair
• Children 5 and under: Free
• Advance tickets are valid any one day of the Fair.

Thrill Park savings: Purchase before August 13 to save!

• Advance Thrill Pass: $30 for 50 credits, valid every day of the Fair for rides and games.
• Advance One-Day Ride Wristband: $40, valid Monday-Wednesday for unlimited rides. Does not include games.
• These advance deals end when the Fair begins.
• During the Fair, Monday-Friday, rides and games in Thrill Town (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Thrill Ville (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) are $1 off.

Value Packs save $13 and are available at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office through August 12.

GRANDSTAND TICKETS

Grandstand tickets remain available for most shows at iowastatefair.org. Purchase directly from the Iowa State Fair and beware of third-party ticket sellers.

Select VIP Experience tickets are also available while supplies last.

GETTING TO THE FAIR

Uber, Lyft and taxis: Pick up and drop off at Gate 8 off Dean Avenue. For GPS, use 203 Rock Island, Des Moines, IA 50317.

Bus drop-off: Buses enter through Lot A off University Avenue and drop off at Gate 13, at the west end of Lot A.

On-site parking: Lots A, B and C are available off University Avenue for $10. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. ADA/Accessible Parking is available in paved and hard-packed areas.

Bicycle parking is free inside Gate 13.

NEW! FREE PARKING + BUS SERVICE

Southridge Mall: The new CIT Transportation service from Southridge Mall is free for all riders. Free parking will be marked in the mall parking lot. Buses run continuously from 8 a.m. to midnight. Fairgrounds service ends at 9 p.m. Sunday, August 23.

DART PARK & RIDE

Free parking and paid shuttle service are available from:

7th & Center Street Park & Ride - 830 6th Ave., Des Moines
Iowa State Capitol - E. 12th Street between E. Grand and E. Walnut
Buses run from 8 a.m. to midnight. Fair service ends at 9 p.m. Sunday, August 23.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Use the online daily program or official Iowa State Fair App to search by date or keyword and build your own Fair itinerary.

Plus, we're planning a full slate of special events, entertainment and competition to commemorate America's 250th birthday. Learn more at iowastatefair.org, plus get ready to light up your night! Don't miss the dazzling Drone Shows, presented by T-Mobile, JPMorganChase and Iowa Lottery, following the Grandstand shows each night, plus the Fireworks Spectacular presented by JPMorganChase.

BE COMFORTABLE

We've added more picnic tables and shade structures, including new shade east of the Barksdale's State Fair Cookie Building. New baby nursing/changing stations are located between the Grandstand and cookie building.

Plan for additional walking, wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. Water bottle filling stations are available throughout the Fairgrounds, or purchase water at Blue Ribbon Foundation water booths.

Fairgoer shuttles run between the First Church and Campgrounds, with a stop at Pioneer Hall.

New in 2026, the Iowa State Fair will offer complimentary Mobility Assistance Cart rides for Fairgoers who may need help navigating the Fairgrounds. Volunteer-operated six-seat golf carts will run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from five designated Information Booth locations. The Mobility Assistance Carts will travel fixed routes between Information Booths, and passengers may be dropped off at the closest point along the route to their destination. These carts are intended to assist Fairgoers with mobility-related needs and are not individual mobility carts or rentals. Mobility Assistance Cart pick-up and drop-off locations will be at Gate 11, Gate 10, the Cattle Barn area at Rock Island and Logan, Grand Avenue in front of the Bud Tent, and near Gate 4 by the Fire Station. Look for the clearly marked "Mobility Assistance Cart" signs at each location.

Scooter rentals are available at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15 or can be reserved in advance through HomeTown Mobility.

FAIR HOURS

August 13-22: 8 a.m.-midnight

August 23: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Last admission: Enter before 10 p.m. August 13-22 and before 7 p.m. August 23.

SAFETY FIRST

New walk through bag checks and metal detectors. Bags, purses and soft-sided coolers are permitted but subject to inspection. Additional checks are conducted when entering the Grandstand.

Allowed items include:

• Soft-sided coolers
• Outside food and drink
• Diaper bags and backpacks

Visit iowastatefair.org/safety for a complete list of prohibited items for the Fairgrounds, Grandstand and Elwell Family Park.
Weather can change quickly in Iowa. Weather alerts affecting the Fairgrounds will be announced grounds-wide. Weather that could affect events or concerts will be communicated directly to ticket holders and through social media.

In an emergency, First Aid stations are located near the Ag Building and at the Service Center on Grand Avenue.

Kid Find bracelets are available at Information Booths, the Iowa State Fair Public Safety Building, East Marketplace under the Grandstand and the Des Moines Media Group booth in front of the Grandstand.

FAIR TIPS

• Dress for August weather and wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring sunscreen and sealed bottles of water.
• Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted at Fair food stands and vendors.
• Bags, purses and soft-sided coolers are permitted but subject to inspection.
• Stay up to date at iowastatefair.org or through the official Iowa State Fair App.
• Text FAIR to 844.844.8508 for special offers, concert updates, daily activities, weather alerts and more.
• First time at the Fair? Pick up a First Time Fairgoer brochure and special button at any Information Booth.

Most importantly, have fun! With more than 3,000 events in 11 days, there's something for everyone. Map out your day, enjoy the free entertainment, try a new food, ride a few rides and make some memories at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.

The 2026 Iowa State Fair, Fair Spirit, runs from August 13-23.

The Iowa State Fair is proud to partner with presenting sponsor ChildServe, along with programming sponsors Drake University and IAble, to host Sensory-Friendly Morning on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Now in its fifth year, Sensory-Friendly Morning continues to grow, offering a welcoming and accessible Fair experience for individuals and families. Thoughtful adjustments are made across the Fairgrounds to reduce sensory overload, including lower sound levels, limited flashing lights, clearly marked directional signage, designated educational areas and trained volunteers throughout the morning.

Learn More

Grab a preview of what you can find at the Iowa State Fair, plus the schedule and other must see-attractions.

Iowa State Fair Preview

Six Iowa County Fair Nominees Honored with 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award

Award Presented by Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and Wyffels Hybrids Recognizes Outstanding Service to Local County Fairs in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, in partnership with Wyffels Hybrids and the Iowa State Fair, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award, recognizing individuals and families who make extraordinary contributions to the success and vitality of Iowa’s county fairs.

The Heart of the County Fair Award was created to honor those whose dedication, leadership, volunteerism, and passion help strengthen the traditions and community spirit that make county fairs such an important part of rural Iowa.

“This award recognizes the people who often work behind the scenes, investing countless hours to ensure their county fair remains a place where youth can learn, families can gather, and communities can celebrate agriculture,” said Russ Parker, Operations Manager and owner of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network. “These individuals and families truly represent the heart of Iowa’s county fair tradition.”

The 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award recipients include:

Northwest District

Candice Farrer, Plymouth County Fair

Northeast District

Dana Strendel, Big 4 County Fair

Southeast District

Richard Coussens, Mississippi Valley Fair

South Central District

The Justin Rozenboom Family, Monroe County Fair

Southwest District

Gerald Sychra, Adair County Fair

North Central District

Wade and Pam Kahler, Story County Fair

Recipients were selected from nominations submitted by their peers based on their demonstrated commitment to supporting and enhancing their local county fairs through volunteer service, leadership, mentorship, community involvement, and dedication to preserving Iowa’s rich fair tradition.

“County fairs thrive because of individuals and families who willingly give their time, talents, and energy to create meaningful experiences for exhibitors, fairgoers, and communities,” said Trista Thompson, Manager of Brand Marketing for Wyffels Hybrids. “We are honored to help recognize these outstanding Iowans and the impact they have on future generations.”

Award recipients will be recognized locally during their respective county fairs and will also be honored during County Fair Day at the Iowa State Fair on August 14. Each recipient will receive a commemorative plaque, a cash award, Iowa State Fair admission tickets, VIP parking, and food coupons as part of their recognition.

Additional information about each recipient and their contributions to their local county fair is available from the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network upon request.

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and Wyffels Hybrids congratulate all six recipients and thank them for their continued dedication to Iowa agriculture, youth development, and the success of their local communities.

About the Heart of the County Fair Award

The Heart of the County Fair Award is presented annually by the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network to recognize individuals and families whose service, leadership, and commitment help make Iowa county fairs successful and sustainable for future generations. The award celebrates the volunteers, advocates, mentors, and community leaders whose efforts often occur behind the scenes but whose impact is felt throughout Iowa’s fair system.

About the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network provides trusted agricultural news, market information, and farm programming to audiences across Iowa, connecting farmers and rural communities with timely and relevant information.

About Wyffels Hybrids

Wyffels Hybrids is a family-owned seed company committed to helping farmers maximize yield potential through high-performing corn genetics, agronomic expertise, and local service.

Media Contact

Russell Parker 
Operations Manager 
Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network 
russ@iowaagribusinessradionetwork.com 

The Iowa State Fair is featured in "State Fairs: Growing American Craft," an exhibition on display at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C. August 22, 2025-September 7, 2026. The exhibition is dedicated to artists' contributions to the great U.S. tradition of state fairs with more than 240 artworks on view, dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

Learn more

Renovations and Improvements

Interested in learning about Iowa State Fairgrounds projects and renovations? Learn more about the Renovations and Improvements that are taking place on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.