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ADMISSIONS

VIP EXPERIENCES

ELWELL FAMILY PARK

ATTRACTIONS

BARKSDALE'S COOKIES

GRANDSTAND

Admissions

Advance Adult Admission (Ages 12 and up): $11 ($16 at the gate)

Advance Child Admission (Ages 6-11): $7 ($10 at the gate)

Admission ticket is valid for one admission to the Iowa State Fair for any one day, August 13-23, 2026. Not valid with any other discount or offer. No refunds, no exchanges, no replacement tickets. Admission prices are subject to change.

Advance admission available until 11:59 p.m. on August 12, 2026.

Iowa State Fair Tickets sponsored by Maverik.

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VIP Experiences

Step beyond the food and rides to unlock a side of the Fair few people get to experience. These VIP experiences are your backstage pass to unforgettable, hands-on adventures filled with exclusive access, up-close moments and one-of-a-kind memories. From yoga alongside adorable animals to after-hour events, each adventure offers a fresh way to explore the magic hidden across the Fairgrounds. Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking for an adults-only night out, these limited-capacity experiences are designed to make your Fair visit over the top. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities - get your tickets today!

Barnyard Yoga

Barnyard Yoga is back at the 2026 Iowa State Fair with Dairy Cows, Goats, and Bunnies! This workout won’t be the most physically intensive, but it is guaranteed to be loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. Advance tickets are required for each class, and each participant will receive an Iowa State Fair Barnyard Yoga mat. Classes will fill up quickly, so register today!

Dairy Cow Yoga:
Tuesday, August 18 at 8 a.m., Boulevard of Dairy Breeds, North Annex of the John and Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn

Goat Yoga:
Wednesday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m., Goat Show Ring, south side of the Swine Barn

Bunny Yoga:
Sunday, August 23 at 9 a.m., Grassy Area South of Poultry/Rabbit Building
Cost for each class: $25 per person

Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time

It’s an adventure fit for the whole family! Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time is your chance to help with morning chores, grab some baby animal snuggles and check out the behind-the-scenes action in a smaller, quieter setting. This VIP experience is for families who have always wondered what it takes to care for all the mamas and babies in the Animal Learning Center during the Fair! Space is limited to families of 6 members or fewer.

Friday, August 14 from 8-9 a.m.

Monday, August 17 from 8-9 a.m.

Saturday, August 22 from 8-9 a.m.

Cost: $40 per family (max 6-person)

Fair After Dark - Hat Bar and Kahoot! at the Bubbly Bar

It’s a hoot with Fair Kahoot! Bring your friends for the best view on the Fairgrounds and some hands-on hat making and a special one-time only Iowa State Fair Kahoot!, all while enjoying the view and a special beverage at the Bubbly Bar on the hill next to Grandfather's Barn. Limited tickets are available for this VIP adventure, and attendees must be 21 or older. Throughout the night, you’ll have the chance to win prizes, and each purchase includes two free drink tickets and the cost of your custom trucker hat.

Thursday, August 20
from 8-10 p.m., Bubbly Bar and Bistro

Cost: $45 per person

Fair After Dark - Adults ONLY Night at the Animal Learning Center

ALC College is in session for a higher degree of farm animal fun! Spend an evening diving deeper into Iowa agriculture while enjoying the sights, sounds and hands-on experiences of the Animal Learning Center. Designed exclusively for adults 21 and older, this after-hours event puts a fun, elevated twist on the classic ALC experience with VIP access, unique activities and plenty of opportunities to connect with agriculture in a whole new way. Throughout the evening, prizes will be awarded, and each purchase includes two free drink tickets.

Saturday, August 22
from 8:30-10:30 p.m., Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center
Cost: $40 per person

Elwell Family Park

Iowa State Fair
PRCA Pro Rodeo

The 2026 Iowa State Fair is bringing the spirit and excitement of the Wild West to Elwell Family Park on August 13 and 14 at 1 p.m. with a cowboy-style kick-off celebration. Fairgoers can experience world class rodeo action at this elite, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned championship event.

Adults: $25 in advance ($30 at the gate)
Children (ages 2–11): $20 in advance ($25 at the gate)

Day 1, August 13

Day 2, August 14

Rodeo with logos (Iowa State Fair, Pro Rodeo and Three Hills Rodeo)

Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls

Sponsored by Titan Tire, Maker of Goodyear Farm Tires with media partner WHO-The Big Show

Wednesday, August 19

Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $25 ($30 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $20 ($25 during the Fair)

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Demolition Derby

Saturday, August 22

Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $15 ($20 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $10 ($15 during the Fair)

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Figure 8 Races

Sunday, August 23

Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $15 ($20 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $10 ($15 during the Fair)

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Attractions

Nothing compares to the thrills at the Iowa State Fair. From the Giant Slide to Thrill Parks to Ye Old Mill, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

One Day Ride Wristband

$40 for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town.

These are good for unlimited rides until 10 p.m. on the day of use, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Wristbands are not good on games, but additional credits can be added at any time.

Only available until August 12. Once the Fair starts, this wristband/deal will not be available for purchase.

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State Fair Value Pack

$20
*Valued at $33.00, which is a savings of $13.00!
*Last day to purchase online is July 31!
*Allow 2 weeks to ship/receive. Physical product will be mailed to you from E-tix.
*State Fair Value Packs do NOT include admission into the Fair.

The Value Pack Includes:

1 Ye Old Mill ticket
1 Snakes Alive OR Train Exhibit ticket
1 Rock Wall* OR Krazy Maze ticket
2 Giant Slide tickets
1 Sky Glider ticket
1 ticket for a cup of Barksdale's State Fair Cookies

*Rock Wall max weight 240 lbs.

Buy State Fair Value Packs