Event Calendar - Iowa State Fairgrounds

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Event Calendar

Iowa State Fairgrounds Event Calendar

Welcome to the picturesque Iowa State Fairgrounds, a versatile and iconic venue that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for YOUR next event. Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, these fairgrounds boast a rich tradition of hosting memorable events throughout the year. See below for our latest events.

Upcoming Events

Please check below for up-to-date information regarding events on the Fairgrounds. On behalf of our event promoters, participants, and attendees, check individual events below for more specifics on ticketing, open and closed times, and dates.

Don't see a special event? Want to rent space for your next gathering, meeting or special event? Contact Us

Search Fairground Events

There is a lot to see and do at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. After all, when it comes to variety, nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair.

Choose a Category All Categories Livestock Automotive Book Sale Concert Consignment Sale Flea Market Gun Show Metaphysical Fair Other Sports Event Swine Hobby Choose a Location All Location The Kitchen Elwell Family Park MidAmerican Energy Stage Hall of Law Anne and Bill Riley Stage Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center Alliant Energy Landing Midway John & Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn, North Annex North Parking Lot Various Fairgrounds Locations Oman Family Youth Inn Jake's Club – Jacobson Exhibition Center Horse Barn Campgrounds Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building Outdoor Arena Stalling Barn Sheep Barn Swine Barn Cattle Barn Outdoor Stages Grandstand Pioneer Livestock Pavilion Maytag Family Theaters John Deere Agriculture Building Walnut Center Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center Elwell Family Food Center Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center William C. Knapp Varied Industries Conference Center William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building Submit

Nov 21 - Jan 04, 2026 | Campgrounds

Jolly Holiday Lights

Dec 26, 2025 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Jan 03 - Jan 04, 2026 | William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building

January Flea Market

Jan 03 - Jan 04, 2026 | Elwell Family Food Center

Iowa Diecast Toy Show

Jan 03, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

Des Moines Performance Swap Meet

Jan 30, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Feb 05 - Feb 08, 2026 | William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building

Iowa's Original RV & Camping Show

Feb 07 - Feb 08, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

February Flea Market

Feb 27, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Feb 28 - Mar 01, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

The 47th Original Fishermen's Swap Meet & Boat Show

Mar 07 - Mar 08, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

March Flea Market

Mar 27, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Apr 11 - Apr 12, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

April Flea Market

Apr 24, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Apr 25, 2026 | Elwell Family Food Center

Des Moines Radio Amateurs Association Hamfest

May 02 - May 03, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

May Flea Market

May 29, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Jun 26, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Jul 31, 2026 | Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit

Central Iowa Railroad Club Open House

Sep 12 - Sep 13, 2026 | William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building

September Flea Market

Oct 03 - Oct 04, 2026 | William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building

October Flea Market

Nov 07 - Nov 08, 2026 | William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building

November Flea Market

Dec 05 - Dec 06, 2026 | Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building

December Flea Market

The Iowa State Fair is not responsible for the planning or programming of non-Fair events hosted on the Fairgrounds. All non-Fair events are solely the responsibility of the contracted event organizer and said organizer should be contacted for specific event information.

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