Fair Hours
The Fair is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, August 13-22, and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 23.
Most buildings are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thrill Ville is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thrill Zone is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting, and Thrill Town for little ones is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. All rides and games close at 9 p.m. on the last night, Sunday, August 23.
State Fair ParadeThe Iowa State Fair Parade, August 12, 2026, at 6:15 p.m., serves as the official kick-off to the 2026 Iowa State Fair. The parade will travel from the Capitol down Grand Avenue and march west to 15th Street. Approximately 145 entries are registered in this year’s parade. Awards will be given in band, horse and general categories. Iowa PBS will broadcast live starting at 6:15 p.m.
The Iowa State Fair will be celebrating two long-time members of Grandstand security, Russ and Terry Slight.
Kid's Activities
In between corn dogs and giant slide rides, there are lots of ways kids can learn about agriculture at the Iowa State Fair.
CLICK HERE to see everything kids can do at the Fair from Little Hands on the Farm to ShenaniGuns! a comedy Wild West Show. It is enough to keep kids busy all 11 days.
Plan Your Day
Planning your day or days at the Fair is easy with our online daily program and official Iowa State Fair App. Search by date or keyword to create your very own personalized adventure.FAIR SCHEDULE
How to get here
With new parking improvements, updated traffic entries and convenient transportation options, Fairgoers have more ways to get to the fun at the Iowa State Fair. Whether you choose to park, ride DART or hop on the new FREE shuttle from Southridge Mall, there’s an option to fit your Fair visit.
Plan your route, choose your ride and get ready for 11 days of Fair Spirit!
NEW! FREE BUS SERVICE
Southridge Mall: The new CIT Transportation service from Southridge Mall is free for all riders. Free parking will be marked in the mall parking lot. Buses run continuously from 8 a.m. to midnight. Note: bus service ends at 9 p.m. Sunday, August 23.
BICYCLES
Bicycle parking is free inside Gate 13. Please enter off Maple Ave to Gate 13 for designated bicycle parking. The parking will be secured and safe inside the parking lot, just outside of the entry gate. Bikers are encouraged to bring their own locks.
RIDESHARE
Uber, Lyft and taxis: Pick up and drop off just past Gate 8 off Dean Avenue. Drivers are not allowed to drive in Gate 8- Look for the pull off area just east of the gate. For GPS, use 203 Rock Island, Des Moines, IA 50317.
DART PARK & RIDE
Free parking and paid shuttle services are available from:
• 7th & Center Street Park & Ride — 830 6th Ave., Des Moines
• Iowa State Capitol — E. 12th Street between E. Grand and E. Walnut
Buses run from 8 a.m. to midnight. Note: bus service ends at 9 p.m. Sunday, August 23.
FAIRGROUNDS PARKING
On-site parking: Lots A, B and C are accessible off University Avenue for $10. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. ADA/Accessible Parking is available in paved and hard-packed areas. Accessible parking spaces in Lots A, B and C on the Iowa State Fairgrounds are on a first come, first served basis. Enter Gate 2A (East 33rd and East University Ave) to access Lot A & Gate 3 (East 36th St and East University) to access Lots B & C.
From rock and roll to rising country stars, top-notch tributes, family fun, and Fair favorites, it's a countdown to Fair Spirit at the 2026 Iowa State Fair!
Check out the list of FREE entertainment.
Don't miss out - buy your tickets to the best shows at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, presented by Iowa Lottery on the Krause Group Stage.
Grandstand tickets are still available for most shows and can be purchased at www.iowastatefair.org. Beware of third-party ticket sellers and only purchase your Grandstand tickets from the Iowa State Fair.
Rod Stewart Concert Update
Due to medical issues, Rod Stewart’s Grandstand performance at the Iowa State Fair will not take place as scheduled. We are deeply sorry for the change. We are currently looking for a replacement act.
Tickets for the Rod Stewart concert will be refunded to the original point of purchase. If you purchased your tickets through the Iowa State Fair’s official ticket vendor, E-Tix, your refund will be automatically issued to your original method of payment. No action is required. If you purchased your tickets from a third party, you need to contact that vendor. If you purchased your tickets with cash at the Iowa State Fair Ticket office, please stop by the ticket office for a refund.
We wish Rod Stewart a speedy recovery and fully support his decision to prioritize his health. Our thoughts are with him and his team.
Thank you for your understanding.

Comments
Submit a CommentPlease refresh the page to leave Comment.
Still seeing this message? Press Ctrl + F5 to do a "Hard Refresh".