by The 2026 Iowa State Fair is set to take place in Des Moines, Iowa, from August 13-23, 2026. This eleven-day fair will bring together visitors for a wide range of entertainment, competitions, animal shows, amusement rides, food, family activities, and other traditional fair attractions at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Event Date
The Iowa State Fair will be held from:
- August 13, 2026 (Thursday)
- August 23, 2026 (Sunday)
Event Location
The fair will be hosted at the Fairgrounds, located at:
3000 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
Event Highlights
Visitors can experience a wide variety of attractions and activities throughout the fair, including:
- Live entertainment and grandstand acts
- Thrilling amusement rides
- Demolition derby
- Talent contests
- Kid-friendly activities
- Competitions and contests
- Animal shows and sales
- Open class exhibits
- Truck and tractor pulls
- Kiddie rides
- Parade
- Vendors and shopping
- Delicious fair food
The fair offers entertainment for visitors of all ages, with opportunities to watch competitions, explore exhibits, enjoy amusement rides, and experience classic fair attractions.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including kiddie rides, children’s activities, animal shows, and entertainment. Younger visitors can also experience the excitement of the fairgrounds while families explore exhibits, vendors, and food options.
Entertainment and Competitions
The 2026 Iowa State Fair will feature grandstand acts, musical and other entertainment, talent contests, competitions, demolition derby events, and truck and tractor pulls. Animal shows and sales will also be part of the fair’s lineup, along with open class exhibits showcasing a variety of entries.
Fair Food and Vendors
No state fair experience is complete without fair food and shopping. Visitors can explore vendors offering a variety of products while enjoying a selection of classic and specialty fair foods throughout the fairgrounds.
Important Information
Event schedules and details may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the latest event information with the organizers before traveling. Please note that event listing websites do not organize the fair or handle vendor registrations.
Final Thoughts
The Iowa State Fair 2026 offers eleven days of entertainment, amusement rides, competitions, animal shows, family activities, food, and traditional fair attractions in Des Moines. Whether you’re interested in live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, thrilling rides, or classic fair food, the event provides plenty of activities to explore throughout its run.
Are you planning to visit the Iowa State Fair 2026? Let us know which fair attraction you’re most excited to experience in the comments!
