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The Iowa State Fair is back for another 11 days of fun.This year's fair, with a theme of "Fair Fever," runs from Thursday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 18. The fairgrounds, located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, are open each day of the fair from 8 a.m.-midnight, and buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m.You can see ����vlog 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair at the MidAmerican Energy Stage. You can also stream ����vlog 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the Very Local app. Click here to download Very Local to your phone.See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.����vlog has compiled this daily guide to help you make the most of your trip — or trips — to the fairgrounds.Day 1: Thursday, Aug. 8Grandstand: Lauren Daigle with special guest Blessing Offor, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: The Steel Woods at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; The Little Mermen on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; The Family Stone on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Partly cloudy conditions with a slight chance of rain. High of 81 with winds around 10 mph. Gusts up to 15 mph are possible. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 101,262 on the first Thursday in 2008Iowan of the Day: Marilyn Sokol of Belle PlaineLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: This year the fair introduced 84 new foods and 47 new drinks. A panel of judges tried 11 of the new foods and picked the top three to be finalists for the People's Choice Best New Food. Try one of the finalists for yourself and cast your vote for this year's best new food. Winn & Sara's Kitchen's Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll: A fusion between American and Asian-inspired cuisine. This creation features a blend of seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, tangy pickles and a melty cheese filling, all wrapped in a crispy eggroll drizzled in a house-made burger sauce. Whatcha Smokin? BBQ's Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll: A smoked pork tenderloin stuffed with jasmine rice, jalapeno creamed corn, smoked poblano queso and taco sauce, topped with poblano ranch, more taco sauce, green onion and smoked sesame seeds.Destination Grille's Lobster Corn Dog: A North American lobster tail pulled through scratch-made butter, seasoned with cayenne, salt and pepper, put on a wooden skewer and lightly deep-fried, and topped with a lemon aioli drizzle, paprika and Parmigiano Reggiano.Don't miss: Day 1 is all about the animals at the fair — and the bigger, or butter, the better. The Big Ram Contest will be at noon at the Sheep Barn, the Big Boar Contest is at 1 p.m. at the Swine Barn, and the Super Bull Contest is at 7 p.m. at Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. Thursday is also your first chance to get a look at the iconic butter cow and its companions. Johnny Carson, who was born in Corning, and Des Moines native Steve Higgins will be in the Agriculture Building's cooler next to the wildly popular butter cow and another special guest — "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon. State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt and her team has also made a butter version of the sky glider to celebrate its 50th year.Day 2: Friday, Aug. 9Grandstand: Foreigner with special guest Melissa Etheridge, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Restless Road at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; The Little Mermen on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; The Nadas on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.Weather: Partly cloudy with a high of 78. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 115,703 on the first Friday in 2001Iowan of the Day: Pat Burch of NorwalkLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: You don't have to look very far on the list of new foods to satisfy that sweet tooth. If it's dessert you want, try one of these:The Snack Box's Lemonade Donut Drops: A bite-sized lemonade-flavored donut, deep-fried and shaken in a sugar coating.Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association's Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco: A cinnamon sugar tortilla filled with a scoop of hand-dipped vanilla ice cream, topped with a homemade apple pie filling, drizzled in caramel and topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch sugar.Dough Crazy's Dough-chos: Waffle cone chips topped with chocolate chip cookie dough, ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, brownie and cheesecake bites.Don't miss: For those looking for some more unique entertainment head over to Bubbly Bar and Bistro at 12:30 p.m. to watch Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos. Stay to listen to musician Royce Johns at 3:45 p.m. and band the Drama Kings at 7 p.m.And don't forget the first Friday night of the fair is East Side Night. It's tradition for Des Moines eastsiders — and honorary eastsiders — to meet up at the Bud Tent and other areas for an unofficial Lee Township and East High School reunion.Day 3: Saturday, Aug. 10Grandstand: Jelly Roll with special guest Dax, 8 p.m.; sold outFree stage headliners: The War and Treaty at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; The Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m.; Good to be King on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Mostly sunny with a high of 80. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 127,277 on the first Saturday in 1991Iowan of the Day: Roxanne Cogil of Jamaica Drink something: Try one of the fair's 47 new beverages. They have an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.Bubbly Bar and Bistro's Abracadabra Butterfly Lemonade (alcohol-free): This unique drink changes color as you drink it. It starts as a vibrant blue and transforms into a magenta. This lemonade is infused with an essence of cucumber and Butterfly Pea Flower tea. Po-Boys' Berry American (alcohol-free): Ice-cold Sprite mixed with blue raspberry syrup, cherry syrup and topped with a popsicle.Bubbly Bar and Bistro's Magical Mimosa (alcoholic): Prosecco wine and orange juice with edible gold glitter. The Bird Nest's Apple Pie Nestarita (alcoholic): Cedar Ridge Apple Pie wine, Toddy's terlingua wine-based tequila, lime, orange juice and cinnamon syrup with five braised apples.Don't miss: Want to watch a food competition or sample a homemade creation? The Elwell Family Food Center will have competitive food judging and displays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Notable events include Best Homemade Hot Sauce judging at 9:30 a.m., Iowa Church Cookbook Favorites judging at noon, the Great Cinnamon Roll Challenge of 2024 at 1:30 p.m., and Key Lime Dessert Creations at 3 p.m.The Iowa State Fair queen contest draws contestants from every county in the state — and a crowd of thousands. Candidates are judged on a variety of things, including personality, attitude, leadership, citizenship contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm, and poise. Kalayna Durr of Henry County won last year's crown. The Iowa State Fair queen coronation is at 7 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.Day 4: Sunday, Aug. 11Grandstand: Greta Van Fleet with special guest The Beaches, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Kelsey Hart at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Salsa del Sol Productions on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Austin Snell on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Partly cloudy with a high of 82. Wind gusts up to 15 mph are possible. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 114,937 on the first Sunday in 2023Iowan of the Day: Nelson Klavitter of DubuqueEat something: The fair offers everything, including greasy, sweet, savory, unique items that you must wash down with an ice-cold beverage.Jada's Concessions' Funnel Cake Burger: A grilled burger patty topped with queso cheese and bacon in between two fried funnel cake buns topped with powdered sugar. JR SouthPork Ranch's Party Balls: Deep fried potato chips infused with zesty bell peppers, parsley and onion, and drizzled in AE Party Dip.Wonder Bars' Life's a Peach Dirty Soda (alcohol-free): Dr. Pepper mixed with peach and vanilla syrup, a splash of cream and topped with whipped cream and peach candy.Bubbly Bar and Bistro's Cotton Candy Bubble Trouble (alcoholic): Sparkling wine poured over freshly spun cotton candy.Don't miss: Head on down to the Farm Bureau Hall for a Fiddlers' and Banjo Contest that begins at 10 a.m. The Fiddlers Championship is at 3 p.m. and there's a Fiddlers' Dance at 7 p.m.Day 5: Monday, Aug. 12Grandstand: Brett Young with special guest Needtobreathe, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: 49 Winchester at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Country Gold with Leroy van Dyke and the Malpass Brothers on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Transit Authority on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and a high of 81. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 105,522 on Monday in 2017Iowan of the Day: John Klein of TreynorLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: Go with the classics and put everything on a stick for a tasty and mobile option. You've got to get a corndog (regular-sized or foot-long), but don't forget to try something different, too:Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dog on a stickBacon Pecan Pie on a stickDeep Fried Strawberry Shortcake on a stick Twinkie-jalapeno filled with pulled pork, corn and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, smoked with sweet BBQ and drizzled in ranch... on a stickDon't miss: Check out unique art creations and opportunities throughout the fair. At Ruan Plaza there's straw sculptures starting at 9 a.m. and at the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center there's everything from face painting, tattoos, weaving, jewelry making, origami, 3D printing and more. Check out chainsaw carvers Gary Keenan, TJ Jenkins and Clint Henik at Expo Hill starting at 10 a.m.It's Veterans Day at the fair, which means active and former members of the U.S. military receive discounted $12 admission at the gate. Activities include a veterans parade along the Grand Concourse at 11 a.m., a military tribute concert at 1 p.m. on the MidAmerican Energy stage, and a performance by the Iowa Military Veterans Band at 3 p.m. at the Knapp Amphitheater.Day 6: Tuesday, Aug. 13Grandstand: Thomas Rhett with special guest Priscilla Block, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Hairball at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Ron Diamond on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Fuel on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m. Weather: Showers in the morning with some clearing in the afternoon and a high of 78. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 102,953 on Tuesday in 2019Iowan of the Day: Crystal James of OttumwaLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: Try a twist on a classic food with one of these unique, tasty options.The Bird's Nest's Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB & J: An Uncrustable peanut butter and jelly sandwich deep-fried in waffle batter, dusted in powdered sugar and drizzled in honey.Biscuit Bar's Piggy in a Donut: This breakfast corndog is sausage on a stick, dipped in batter, fried, rolled in sugar and enjoyed with a maple syrup dipping sauce.Don't miss: How many of the strolling entertainers can you spot today as you walk the fairgrounds? Look for one-man band Bandaloni, The Illuminator and The Ice Cream Show. And while you're at it, check out some other free entertainment, including:Chainsaw artists Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik on Expo Hill.Brian Sobaski's Straw Sculptures at Ruan Plaza and near the Giant Slide.iFlip on the Jacobson Exhibition Center's west lawn. Flying Fools Dive Show on the Jacobson Exhibition Center's west lawn.Hot Glass Academy at Heritage Village, next to First Church. And facial hair will take center stage at Pioneer Hall for the Beard Growing Contest. At 10:30 a.m. you can watch as contestants compete in categories such as longest, best groomed, most unique, most historic in nature and best beard with costume.Day 7: Wednesday, Aug. 14Grandstand: Motley Crue with special guest Pop Evil, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Hairball at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Ron Diamond on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Tayler Holder on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon and a high of 82. Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 109,323 on Wednesday in 2019Iowan of the Day: Tate Giesemann of BellevueLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: It wouldn't be summer without something fruity. Good thing the fair has an assortment of fruity foods and beverages, with a fair twist of course.Bubbly Bar and Bistro's Tipsy Peach: Ripe peaches sliced atop a crispy sugar pearl waffle, topped with creamy lemon mascarpone and a pinch of thyme. Grater Taters' Ragin' Raspberry Ravioli: Fried ricotta cheese ravioli topped with chipotle raspberry sauce.Steer N Stein's Paradise N' Chill (alcohol-free): Three stacked layers of watermelon, pineapple and electrolyte-enhanced blue Powerade cubes melted under a cascade of house-made lemonade and Sprite and served in a LED light-up cup.Bubbly Bar and Bistro's Flirty Fruity Bubbles (alcoholic): A wine-based vodka cocktail mixed with an assortment of fruit flavors and rimmed with crushed Fruity Pebbles.Don't miss: Wednesday morning will be a special sensory-friendly time at the fair. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. special programming, designated educational areas, calming rooms, activities and trained volunteers will be available throughout the fairgrounds. For a complete list of programs and activities, click here. Day 8: Thursday, Aug. 15Grandstand: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Shaylen at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Ron Diamond on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; The Pork Tornadoes on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 107,449 on the second Thursday of 2015Iowan of the Day: Rodd Holtkamp of PrimgharLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: You may need a break from all the grease and sugar. The state fair offers an assortment of tasty, healthy options too. You can find things like a Caprese salad on a stick, fruit kabobs, corn-on-the-cob, grilled turkey and chicken sandwiches, fresh salad wraps and more all around the fair.Don't miss: Check out more animals with a horse show at 9 a.m. running throughout the day at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and a sheep show at 9 a.m. running throughout the day at the Sheep Barn. The Avenue of Breeds will have 70 unique Iowa livestock breeds on display from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Day 9: Friday, Aug. 16Grandstand: The Avett Brothers with G. Love and Special Sauce, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Blake Guyre at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Ron Diamond on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Not Quite Brothers on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 112,891 on the second Friday in 2019Iowan of the Day: Elain Graham Estes of Des MoinesLive ����vlog newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy StageEat something: Iowa may be landlocked, but the state fair offers a variety of seafood options including grilled shrimp on a stick, walleye on a stick, walleye fish tacos, lobster corn dogs, jumbo crab rangoons, firecracker shrimp, calamari and lobster rolls.Don't miss: The Department of Natural Resources Building has an assortment of programs, presentations and even aquariums. At 1 p.m. there's fly fishing with the Hawkeye Fly Fishers and DNR trivia is at 5 p.m.Day 10: Saturday, Aug. 17Grandstand: Ne-Yo with special guest Eric Bellinger, 8 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Ella Langley at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Ron Diamond on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Jason Brown on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 128,298 on the second Saturday in 2022Iowan of the Day: Kendall Pals of AlgonaEat something: Fair food can be expensive. Good thing there are plenty of value-priced items around the fairgrounds at a nice affordable cost. Check out the following selection of cheap, yet tasty options:The Snack Box's Homemade Cake Donuts: $3 Stockmann's Inn's 1/3 Pound Hamburger: $7Cattle Barn Cafe's Biscuits and Gravy: $6Coney Corner's All Beef Jumbo Corn Dog: $7JR's SouthPork Ranch's Bacon Pickle Mac N' Cheese: $7Georgie's Cinnamon Salted Pretzel Bites: $6Fyfe's Deep Fried Oreo and Chocolate Twinkies: $6 For a complete list of value-priced items, click here.Don't miss: The fair has an assortment of kid-friendly attractions and events. Most notably, Little Hands on the Farm, located in the Kids Zone near the Animal Learning Center. It's a fun, interactive way for children ages 2 to 10 to learn about the importance of agriculture and how it affects their daily life. Day 11: Sunday, Aug. 18Grandstand: Kidz Bop, 6 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Matt Stell at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 7 p.m.; Cochren and Co. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m.; RVSHVD on the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 7 p.m.Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Daily attendance record: 119,754 on the second Sunday in 2012Eat something: It wouldn't be the Iowa State Fair without Barksdale's State Fair Cookies. The Barksdale family recipe has been a staple of the fair since 1993. They made over 2.4 million cookies at the 2023 state fair.Don't miss: Amusement rides provide thrill-filled fun at the fair, so make sure to take a float in the Ye Old Mill, ride the Sky Glider and fly down the Giant Slide. If you're looking for bigger thrills, there are options for all ages at one of the "thrill" areas.Thrill park hours:Thrill Ville: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday); open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nightsThrill Town: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.Thrill Zone: 10 a.m.-midnight