Iowa State Fair | Home

Aug 13 - 23, 2026 | Days | Hours | Min

Fair Spirit

August 13-23, 2026

• Visit The Fair
  • Visit Overview
  • Buy Tickets
  • Deals and Discounts
  • Kid Friendly Activities
  • Fairgrounds Map
  • Vendors
  • Directions
  • Product & Food Finder
  • Disability Assistance
  • Camping & Lodging
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Groups & Tours
  • Fairgrounds Renovations
  • Iowa Horseman's Hall of Fame
  • What's New
• Entertainment
  • Entertainment Overview
  • Grandstand
  • Free Entertainment
  • Elwell Family Park
  • VIP Experiences
  • Attractions and Rides
  • Fair Schedule
• Food
  • Food Overview
  • What's New
  • Barksdale's State Fair Cookies
  • Healthy Choices
  • Food on a Stick
  • Value Priced Items
• Participate
  • Participate Overview
  • Bill Riley Talent Search
  • Vendors
  • Enter Contests and Competitions
  • Parade
  • The Way We Live Award
  • Volunteer
  • Sponsorship
  • The Kitchen Classes
  • What's New
• About
  • About Overview
  • Employment
  • Fair Board
  • State Fair Merchandise
  • Fair Updates
  • Contact Us

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The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is Iowa’s great celebration, a salute to the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement.

2026 Theme

Learn about Fair Spirit at the 2026 Iowa State Fair. From August 13 to 23, 2026, get ready to show your “Fair Spirit” with a theme fit for a once-in-a-generation celebration.

Fair Spirit

Grandstand

Check out the concert lineup for the 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

Grandstand

Renovations

Learn about renovations and improvements taking place on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

More Info

Buy Tickets

Advance Admission and Other Fair Products On Sale Now!

Buy Tickets

Employment

Check out the Employment opportunities at the Iowa State Fair.

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Economic Impact

Iowa State Fair's Economic and Community Impact

A 2025 study conducted by Johnson Consulting found that the economic impact from the Iowa State Fair and Fairgrounds' year-round activities for the state of Iowa totaled $629.2 million in 2024.

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America250

Iowa & America250

As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, we’re gearing up for a once-in-a-generation celebration that will bring our red, white and blue to life next year.

Learn More

Merchandise

Fair Merchandise

Get your favorite souvenirs from the Blue Ribbon Foundation Online Store.

Buy Merchandise Today

Iowa State Fairgrounds

Year Round Events

For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more.

Fairgrounds Event Calendar