Media Credentials Request

Welcome Media Friends! We are busy getting things ready for FAIR FEVER this year at the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18, 2024. Below are a couple of details about requesting media credentials. We appreciate your coverage of our event and look forward to working with you!

A limited number of complimentary tickets and parking passes are available for working media. Everyone will be required to have an admission ticket to enter the Fairgrounds and all members of the working media will be required to sign out an Iowa State Fair media badge for working on the grounds.  

How do I request media credentials?
The media credentials request form opens on May 15 and closes on July 19, 2024. Please fill in each day and tell us how many passes and people will be working each day. You will receive a confirmation email if your request for credentials is approved. Media credentials information, admission, and parking passes will be shipped in late July. You will receive parking and admission passes in the mail, but you must obtain your working media badge in the media center on the Fairgrounds when you arrive.

Make sure your mailing address is correct for UPS or FedEx reasons, lost tickets may not be replaced.

Do you have space available to work?
Our working media office is open in the Administration Building on the lower level every day during the Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other hours and days are available with prior arrangements. A limited number of cubicles and a limited number of tables are available. This area is where all upcoming press conferences or special announcements will be shared.

Getting around?
A Fairgrounds map can be found here. Each person, each day will be required to show a wristband or a ticket to enter the grounds. You may be subject to search depending on the equipment you plan to care onto the grounds. Golf carts are not available for rent, but you are welcome to rent wagons with HomeTown Mobility or bring your own small moving equipment if needed.

What are the Fair hours?
The Fair is open to the public 8:00 a.m. to midnight August 8-17, 2024 and closes early on Sunday, August 18 at 9 p.m. Most buildings are open 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. The working media center is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Fair day. Here is a list of hours: https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/fair-hours

What does a Pre-Fair pass mean?
The Iowa State Fairgrounds will be closed for set up starting on Saturday, August 3, 2024. If you need access to the grounds between August 3-7, 2024, please request pre-fair passes on the credentials request form. Pre-fair passes are only valid until August 7 and allow you to park on the grounds and drive on the grounds. You will NOT need admission tickets until the Fair opens to the public on August 8, 2024. A pre-fair pass does not let you enter the Fairgrounds before opening during the Fair.

If you will be on the grounds prior to 7:00 a.m. during the Fair, limited gates are available for entry. Arrangements will need to be made with the marketing department for early entry.

Sign up for our e-newsletter, text alerts (text FAIR to 844-844-8508) and follow us on social media for up-to-date information.

What is the Soapbox schedule?
The Des Moines Register handles the Soapbox schedule and it will be published in late July. For more information, contact bsmith@dmreg.com

Grandstand coverage or photography?
Each artist and band management approve photography and articles or interviews. If you are seeking permission, please include that information with your request for credentials. A list of requests will be submitted to our talent agency for review by August 1st and permission is granted by each band prior to their concert at the Fair.

The Fair has an official photographer, Matthew Putney, and you can request photos prior to a concert if needed through the marketing department. His photos will be posted here for use by the media: https://www.iowastatefair.org/media/image-library

Are Drones Allowed?
All drone footage requires pre-approval, scheduling, and supervision by an Iowa State Fair marketing staff member. Unsupervised drones are not allowed.

Questions? Email marketing@iowastatefair.org.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

REQUEST

List names and titles of persons and dates they are attending

Pre-Fair pass only good August 3-7; one Pre-Fair pass is good for one vehicle (not needed per person)
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s) .
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s) .
Pre-Fair pass only good August 3-7; one Pre-Fair pass is good for one vehicle (not needed per person)
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s) .
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s) .
Pre-Fair pass only good August 3-7; one Pre-Fair pass is good for one vehicle (not needed per person)
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s) .
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s) .
Pre-Fair pass only good August 3-7; one Pre-Fair pass is good for one vehicle (not needed per person)
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s).
For multiple days, press the CTRL key and click the appropriate day(s).

If you have more than four individuals who will need credentials, please note the following in Additional Information:

  • Names and titles of the additional individuals
  • Dates they are attending
  • Whether they will need parking

Media credentials are subject to approval and only granted to members of the working press.