Safety

The Fair's mission is to celebrate Iowa’s agricultural heritage by providing a quality environment and facilities to further education and to offer entertainment and competition for all ages. Offer opportunities for individual growth for all involved. We take safety very seriously at the Fair and strive to provide a family friendly, safe and healthy environment.

Through multiple channels, we work to monitor and communicate the latest issues in a timely manner. The Iowa State Fair is proud to partner with the Iowa State Patrol, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Des Moines Police Department to provide public safety. Please call 800/545-FAIR or email info@iowastatefair.org with questions.

Weapons

Weapons of any kind are not permitted on the Fairgrounds. Firearms are prohibited on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry unless authorized by the Fair Board, as per Iowa Code. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for being expelled from the Fairgrounds and/or being charged under Iowa Code.

Bag Searches

The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, containers etc. upon entry to the Fair and upon request while on the Fairgrounds. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry. There will be additional bag searches upon entering main gates and the Grandstand.

ATTENTION
PLEASE COMPLY WITH THE POSTED RULES AND SIGNS INCLUDING:

ALL BAGS ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION
WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED
SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN BARNS, OCCUPIED STRUCTURES AND MUSIC VENUES
NO EXPLOSIVE AND/OR FLAMMABLE OBJECTS
NO PETS ALLOWED, EXCEPT TRAINED SERVICE ANIMALS
NO DRONES
ALL LOCAL AND STATE LAWS AND ORDINANCES APPLY
ANY ADDITIONAL ITEM(S) DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE, HARMFUL OR UNSAFE ARE SUBJECT TO CONFISCATION
OUTSIDE FOOD AND SEALED BOTTLES OF WATER ARE ALLOWED
SMALL SOFT-SIDED COOLER FOR MEDICATION OR PERISHABLES ARE PERMISSIBLE

The Iowa State Fair has the right to refuse entry or remove individuals for non-compliance. The Iowa State Fair is not responsible for damage or loss to vehicles or personal property.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED ON IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS PROPERTY:

FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND WEAPONS OF ANY KIND
TASERS
MARIJUANA (INCLUDING MARIJUANA ENRICHED PRODUCTS) OR ANY ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE
FIREWORKS OR OTHER SIMILARLY EXPLOSIVE AND/OR FLAMMABLE OBJECTS
DRONES
SKATEBOARDS
BICYCLES
PETS, EXCEPT TRAINED SERVICE ANIMALS
ANY ADDITIONAL ITEM(S) DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE, HARMFUL OR UNSAFE

All local, state laws and ordinances apply. The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any individual for non-compliance

Severe Weather Policy

When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the Fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting Fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated every two minutes until the severe weather warning has expired. Fairgoers may get general Fair alerts at ‘FAIR’ to 844.844.8508.

According to Fair procedures, when lightning is detected within 8 miles of the Fairgrounds, Grandstand concerts, free stages and Thrill Parks must cease operations for the safety of the Fairgoer.

Grandstand Severe Weather

When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the Grandstand, an announcement will be communicated over the public address system as well as video boards advising to shelter in place, move to the interior of the Grandstand, or evacuate the Grandstand. If a severe weather event occurs, Grandstand ushers, security personnel and law enforcement will give instructions. This may delay the event start time.

According to Fair procedures, when lightning is detected within 8 miles of the Fairgrounds, Grandstand concerts, free stages and Thrill Parks must cease operations for the safety of the Fairgoer.

Lost Children

Lost children, adults or persons with special needs should be taken to the Hall of Law – Iowa State Patrol Booth, located underneath the east end of the Grandstand, until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., lost children, adults and persons with special needs should be taken to the Public Safety Building at the west end of Grand Avenue. Paging is done from the Public Safety Building from 9 a.m. until midnight, and is only available for lost children, adults or persons with special needs and medical emergencies. “Kid Find” wristbands will be available at all Information booths, the Public Safety Building, the Hall of Law and at the Des Moines Radio Group booth at the west end of the Grandstand. Wristbands are sponsored by Goodwill Industries in partnership with STAR 102.5, the Iowa State Fair Police and the Iowa State Patrol.

First Aid

The Hy-Vee Health and First Aid Center is located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building, and a satellite station is located at the Robert G. Horner & Sheri Avis Horner Service Center. Locations are staffed by Des Moines Fire and Rescue.

Grandstand Security

Prohibited items include: weapons of any kind; bottles, cans, coolers; video or tape recorders (still photos may be taken at the discretion of the performer).

Prohibited Items in Grandstand:

NO BACKPACKS OR LARGE BAGS ALLOWED
NO PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS, AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT
NO GO PROS
NO SELFIE STICKS
NO WEAPONS OF ANY TYPE INCLUDING FIREWORKS, FLARES, POLES, PIPES, PEPPER SPRAY
NO RADIO SCANNING/JAMMING EQUIPMENT
NO LARGE BANNERS
NO UMBRELLAS
NO CHAIRS, FOLDING CHAIRS, CAMP CHAIRS OR STOOLS
NO MARIJUANA OR ILLEGAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
NO GLASS OR METAL CONTAINERS
NO LASER POINTERS

Elwell Family Park

All bags and backpacks are subject to inspection.

Prohibited items in Elwell Family Park:

NO ITEMS(S) DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE, HARMFUL, OR UNSAFE.

THIS INCLUDES:

NO BACKPACKS OR LARGE BAGS ALLOWED
NO PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS, AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT
NO GO PROS
NO SELFIE STICKS
NO WEAPONS OF ANY TYPE INCLUDING FIREWORKS, FLARES, POLES, PIPES, PEPPER SPRAY
NO RADIO SCANNING/JAMMING EQUIPMENT
NO LARGE BANNERS
NO UMBRELLAS
NO CHAIRS, FOLDING CHAIRS, CAMP CHAIRS OR STOOLS
NO MARIJUANA OR ILLEGAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
NO GLASS OR METAL CONTAINERS
NO LASER POINTERS

Photography/Video

All working media are required to obtain media credentials in the marketing office to film and take photos for commercial, editorial, or news purposes. Permissions per individual outlets may be needed. By purchasing a ticket Fairgoers are agreeing to enter the Fair and agree to the possibility of photos or videos by individuals, companies or media. The Iowa ACLU states, you have the right to photograph or film anything that is in plain view when you are lawfully in a public space. This includes state and federal buildings, transportation facilities, and government officials carrying out official duties. The Iowa State Fair abides by open records rules.

Livestock Care

As an agricultural institution, we are proud to share our rich heritage through livestock education, entertainment and competition. The Iowa State Fair does not condone animal abuse of any kind. We have strict animal care policies in place, codes of ethics for 4-H and FFA members to abide by and an Animal Care Committee. We strive to make the Iowa State Fair a safe and enjoyable place for people and animals alike.

Although most kinds of E.coli (Escherichia coli) are harmless, some cases can make you sick. Play it safe around animals by:

Wash your hands often,
Keep food and drinks out of animal areas
Supervise children around animals.

Political Activities

During the Fair, the Fair does not provide space for meet and greets, campaign rallies, fundraisers or other political events. Political signs and picketing are allowed only in designated areas.

Thank you for your cooperation and see you at the Fair!