by Each August, the Iowa State Fair transforms the capital’s fairgrounds into a bustling showcase of food, rides, entertainment, agriculture, and community delight. In 2025, the fair runs from August 7 to August 17 under the theme “Fair Sweet Fair”, promising 11 unforgettable days of tradition, innovation, and heartwarming fun. Whether you’re spending a day or many, this fair has something sweet for everyone.
Venue
The fair is set at the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
- Located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, just a 10-minute drive from downtown.
- Sprawls over approximately 450 acres, including 160 acres of campsites rich with century-old trees and woodland ambiance.
Dates & Timings
The fair opens on Thursday, August 7 and concludes on Sunday, August 17, spanning 11 days of vibrant festivities.
- Grounds are open from 8 a.m. to midnight August 7–16, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 17.
- Buildings welcome visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thrill parks run:
- Thrill Ville: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. (Aug 7–16), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Aug 17)
- Thrill Town: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Aug 7–16), 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Aug 17)
- Thrill Zone: 10 a.m.–11 p.m. (Aug 7–16), 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Aug 17)
Tickets
Admission tickets grant one-day entry to the fair during its duration.
- Adults (12 and up): $16
- Children (ages 6–11): $10
- Children 5 and under: Free
- Additional ride-specific tickets:
- Giant Slide: $4 per ride
- Ye Old Mill: $3 per ride
Food
From classic fair favorites to bold new creations, the culinary offerings are a highlight.
- Over 200 food stands, including “food on a stick” like deep-fried Snickers, Oreos, cheesecake, and more.
- 2025 People’s Choice Best New Food: Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll — a clear crowd favorite.
- A place to savor home-baked creations—from pies to cinnamon rolls—inside the Elwell Family Food Center, via cooking contests and showcases.
Rides & Attractions
A mix of classic and modern attractions ensures fun for all ages:
- Thrill Parks and Elwell Family Park, offering rides and play areas
- Iconic favorites like the Giant Slide and Ye Old Mill ensure nostalgia and excitement.
Entertainment
From music to livestock to quirky contests, there’s never a dull moment:
- Grandstand Concerts—star-studded performances requiring separate tickets. Example: Forrest Frank with special guest Lecrae on opening night.
- Free stage performances across venues like Susan Knapp Amphitheater, Anne & Bill Riley Stage, and MidAmerican Energy Stage.
- Agricultural competitions and livestock shows featuring 4-H, FFA, and open-class entries across species.
- Contests unique to the fair—Husband Calling, Mom Calling, joke telling, pie eating, cow chip throwing—add quirky, memorable flair.
- Butter sculpture tradition continues with a Toy Story–themed companion sculpture in 2025.
- Parade takes place on the evening before the fair opens, featuring hundreds of floats and performers.
- Political Soapbox offers presidential hopefuls candid public addresses, a nod to Iowa’s role in political traditions.
Additional Features
Beyond rides and food, the fair enhances visitor experience through meaningful upgrades and amenities:
- Major improvements under way include:
- A renovated Fun Forest playground with accessible, farm-themed play.
- Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza, complete with restrooms, shaded seating, and picnic areas.
- First phase of the Horse Barn renovation for improved visitor comfort.
- Ten air-conditioned buildings provide relief from the heat and house exhibits, displays, and performances.
Conclusion
The Iowa State Fair 2025: Fair Sweet Fair is shaping up to be a spectacular blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable moments across August 7–17 in Des Moines. With an expansive venue, diverse food, thrilling rides, rich entertainment, and thoughtful improvements, this fair embraces both nostalgia and modern comfort. Whether you’re there for the butter cow, the rides, or the concert vibes, the fair promises to create plenty of sweet memories.
