EIGHT NEWS AT SIX. WE ARE A WEEK AWAY FROM THE 2024 IOWA STATE FAIR. WE’RE SO EXCITED. PEOPLE ARE WORKING HARD TO GET SET UP FOR THAT 11 DAY EVENT. ORGANIZERS SAY AROUND 1 MILLION PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND vlog AFFILIATE JACOBSON IS LIVE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS THIS EVENING WITH A LOOK AT THE WORK THAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE. OPHELIA. HEY, BEN AND STACEY, THE IOWA STATE FAIR IS SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST TASTE IT. I WISH I WAS EATING A CORN DOG RIGHT NOW, AND BUSINESSES LIKE CAMPBELL’S CONCESSIONS WHO HAVE BEEN HERE FOR DECADES, SAY THEY ARE READY TO GO. IT’S THE MOMENT EVERYBODY I FEEL LIKE I JUST TORE DOWN LAST YEAR OF THE LAST STATE FAIR. AND, YOU KNOW, WE’RE RIGHT BACK AT IT AGAIN, HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OPENING DAY FOR THE IOWA STATE FAIR IS JUST ONE WEEK AWAY. AND CAMPBELL’S CONCESSIONS IS READY TO SELL A COUPLE SEMI-LOADS IS OUR GUEST. A TON OF CORN DOGS. THEY OWN CONEY CORNER ACROSS THE STREET TOO, AND IT’S ALREADY GETTING A HEAD START ON SALES WHILE CREWS CONTINUE TO SET UP ON STANDS. WE’RE GOING THROUGH DOUBLE CHECK AND MAKING SURE ALL OF OUR PRODUCT IS COOLED AND THAT KIND OF STUFF, MAKING SURE ALL OF OUR EQUIPMENT’S WORKING. WE HOPE EVERYBODY CATCHES THAT FAIR FEVER. CEO JEREMY PARSONS SAYS THE FAIRGROUNDS HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY RECENT WIND AND RAIN. A FEW OF THE BRANCHES ARE DOWN AND THE GROUND IS WET IN SOME AREAS. CAMPGROUNDS IN OUR PARKING LOTS, THOSE ARE ALL GRASS SURFACES, SO OBVIOUSLY WE NEED THOSE TO DRY OUT A LITTLE BIT MORE BEFORE THE FAIR. BUT PARSONS SAYS THE WEATHER HASN’T SLOWED THEM DOWN. ONE BIT. HE SAYS THEY’RE ON TRACK. WE’LL BE READY ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 8TH FOR SURE TO WELCOME THOUSANDS OF VISITORS. JUST LIKE THEY’VE DONE FOR DECADES. THE IOWA STATE FAIR IS 170 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR. THE SKY GLIDER HAS BEEN AT THE FAIR FOR 50 OF THOSE YEARS. I STARTED BACK IN 1975 WHEN THE ORIGINAL RIDE WAS PUT IN, AND SO HAS TRACY SHED. HE’S EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THE RIDES GOLDEN JUBILEE CHAIR NUMBER 50 ON EACH RIDE IS A GOLD COLOR, ONE WEEK OUT, ALL INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE WORK ARE DONE. THEY’RE FOCUSING ON THE FINAL LITTLE DETAILS. NOW. JUST THE LOVE FOR THE FAIR THAT HAS KEPT US HERE. WE’VE KIND OF JUST KEPT IT GOING THROUGHOUT THE GENERATIONS, AND IT’S THAT SAME LOVE THAT’S KEPT THE CORN DOGS COOKING FOR 70 YEARS. AND THE FAIR WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT FROM AUGUST EIGHTH THROUGH THE 17TH. YOU CAN BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE OR RIGHT HERE IN PERSON AT THE FAIR, LIVE AT THE IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS. OPHELI
What you need to know at the Iowa State Fair: Food, admission, parking and more for 2024
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Updated: 10:14 AM CDT Aug 19, 2024
You've got questions about the Iowa State Fair. We've got answers.What are the dates of this year's fair?This year's Iowa State Fair runs 11 days, from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 18.Where are the State Fairgrounds located? The fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines.What are the hours?Fairgrounds are open Aug. 8-17 from 8 a.m.-midnight and Aug. 18 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.Where will vlog be at the fair?You can see vlog 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair from 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.What's the weather forecast during the fair?Check our daily forecast here.What are the thrill park hours and locations? Thrill Ville, located between the Grandstand and Ye Old Mill: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Aug. 8-17) open until 9 p.m. on Aug. 18. Thrill Town, located northwest of the Jacobson Exhibition Center and east of Gate 10: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 18. Thrill Zone, located north of Gate 11: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.How much does it cost to get in?Adult admission costs $16 at the gate and $10 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. Click here for a full list of discounts and deals.What is the bag policy for the fairgrounds?Bags and purses are allowed but may be searched.The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, and containers upon entry to the fairgrounds and upon request while on the fairgrounds, according to iowastatefair.org. All bags and backpacks are subject to search upon entry into the Grandstand. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry.Can I bring food and water into the fair?Outside food and sealed bottles of water are allowed on the fairgrounds, according to the fair, which continued: if perishables or medication need to stay cool, small soft-sided coolers are permissible.Metal and glass containers are not allowed in the Grandstand or Elwell Family Park. Reusable drink containers are acceptable at the fairgrounds as long as they are empty. There are water refill stations throughout the fair.Where can I park?Parking lots are available for motorcycle and vehicle parking in the A, B and C Lots for $10. Click here for a map. Fairgoers can take the Blue Line Parking Shuttle inside the A, B and C parking lots for FREE from designated stops to the admission gates.Motorcycles may park in any lot but the northeast corner of Lat A has an area designated and roped off for motorcycles. Bicycle parking is also available inside Gate 11 for free.Many neighboring property owners also allow parking on their lawns.Is there a shuttle?DART buses, which are all wheelchair accessible, will run from 8 a.m. to midnight every day of the fair to and from three locations: Center Street Park and Ride, 7th and Center Street; enter on 7th Street Southeast Polk High School, NE 80th Street and Highway 163 Iowa State Capitol, on East 12th Street, east side of the Capitol building near the State Capitol bellRound-trip fares are cash only. $2 adults (ages 11-64) $1 children ages 6-10, adults (65+), Medicare card holders and people with disabilities (half-fare) Children 5 and younger are freeCall DART at 515-283-8100 or email dart@ridedart.com for more information.What about rideshare services like taxis, Uber and Lyft?Taxis, Uber and Lyft will be available at Gate 8 for pick up and drop off.What are the new foods at this year's fair?There are 84 new foods and 47 new drinks at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. Three of those new foods have been chosen for the People's Choice Best New Food Contest — Winn & Sara’s Kitchen’s Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll, Whatcha Smokin? BBQ’s Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll and Destination Grille’s Lobster Corn Dog.Fairgoers will be able to try all three and vote for their favorite at the fair.What political candidates will be at the fair?The Des Moines Register Political Soapbox will bring an assortment of politicians to the State Fair this year, including eight congressional candidates and two presidential candidates so far.The Political Soapbox schedule:Friday, Aug. 9: 4:30 p.m.: Republican Zach Nunn, 3rd Congressional District Saturday. Aug. 10: Noon: Libertarian Nicholas Gluba, 1st Congressional District 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Christina Bohannan, 1st Congressional District 4:30 p.m.: Libertarian Chase Oliver, presidential candidateIndependent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was scheduled to appear at 2:15 p.m., but canceled, citing "increased security concerns," according to the Des Moines Register. Sunday, Aug. 11: 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Ryan Melton, 4th Congressional District 2:15 p.m.: Libertarian Marco Battaglia, 3rd Congressional District 3 p.m.: Libertarian Charles Aldrich, 4th Congressional DistrictMonday, Aug. 12 4:30 p.m.: Democrat Lanon Baccam, 3rd Congressional District Tuesday, Aug. 13 Democrat Sarah Corkery, 2nd Congressional DistrictVice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have not announced any plans to visit the fair.Are fairgoers allowed to carry firearms?Guns are prohibited on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry, unless authorized by the Fair Board as per Iowa Code. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds and/or being charged under Iowa Code.Is there a butter cow?Of course! The butter cow is a tradition at the State Fair that dates back more than 100 years. Fairgoers can find sculptor Sarah Pratt's work, which this year also includes butter sculptures of iconic late night hosts Johnny Carson and Jimmy Fallon, in the John Deere Agriculture Building.Iowa State Fair butter cow will be made with over 600 pounds of butterWhat happens during severe weather?When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting Fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated every two minutes until the severe weather warning has expired. Fairgoers may get general Fair alerts by texting ‘FAIR’ to 844-844-8508.Is smoking allowed?Smoking is allowed in walkway areas of the fairgrounds. No-smoking signs are posted in the areas of the fairgrounds that are smoke-free; according to the fair, that includes: Outdoor entertainment venues: stage areas, building porches and grounds attraction areas. Restaurants and bars: both enclosed and open serving areas, eateries and concession stands. Grandstand area or inside buildings: this remains the same as past years.What's the Grandstand concert schedule? Thursday, Aug. 8:Lauren Daigle with special guest Blessing Offor, 8 p.m. | TicketsFriday, Aug. 9: Foreigner: Historic Farewell Tour with special guest Melissa Etheridge, 8 p.m. | TicketsSaturday, Aug. 10: Jelly Roll with special guest Dax, 8 p.m. | Sold outSunday, Aug. 11: Greta van Fleet with special guest The Beaches, 8 p.m. | TicketsMonday, Aug. 12: Brett Young with special guest NEEDTOBREATHE, 8 p.m. | TicketsTuesday, Aug. 13: Thomas Rhett with special guest Priscilla Block, 8 p.m. | TicketsWednesday, Aug. 14: Motley Crue with special guest Pop Evil, 8 p.m. | TicketsThursday, Aug. 15: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, 8 p.m. | TicketsFriday, Aug. 16: The Avett Brothers with G. Love and Special Sauce, 8 p.m. | TicketsSaturday, Aug. 17: Ne-Yo with special guest Eric Bellinger, 8 p.m. | TicketsSunday, Aug. 18: Kidz Bop, 6 p.m. | TicketsAre tickets still available for Grandstand shows?Yes. With the exception of Jelly Roll's show, which is sold out, all other shows still have tickets available. Click here to buy Grandstand tickets.Are there free concerts?Yes, lots. Click here for a complete list of free stage headliners and other free entertainment.Is there a lost and found?Yes, at the Iowa State Fair Police Department, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse. Iowa State Fair Police can be reached by phone at 515-262-3111, extension 327.What is the fair's scooter policy?Three- or four-wheeled, manual or electrically driven (at a walking pace) mobility devices are permitted to be used in all areas open to pedestrian use so long as these devices are 1) designed by the manufacturer for single rider use only; 2) occupied by only one rider while in operation; and 3) not pulling or towing any trailer-like object. Scooters are available for rental, during the fair, at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15.Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?During the fair, the only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, according to the fair's website. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.What are the dates for future fairs? 2025: Aug. 7-17 2026: Aug. 13-23 2027: Aug. 12-22Information from iowastatefair.org was used in this article.
DES MOINES, Iowa — You've got questions about the Iowa State Fair. We've got answers.
What are the dates of this year's fair?
This year's Iowa State Fair runs 11 days, from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 18.
Where are the State Fairgrounds located?
The fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines.
What are the hours?
Fairgrounds are open Aug. 8-17 from 8 a.m.-midnight and Aug. 18 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.
Where will vlog be at the fair?
You can see vlog 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair from the MidAmerican Energy Stage.
You can also stream vlog 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the . .
See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.
What's the weather forecast during the fair?
Check our daily forecast here.
What are the thrill park hours and locations?
- Thrill Ville, located between the Grandstand and Ye Old Mill: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Aug. 8-17) open until 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.
- Thrill Town, located northwest of the Jacobson Exhibition Center and east of Gate 10: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 18.
- Thrill Zone, located north of Gate 11: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.
How much does it cost to get in?
Adult admission costs $16 at the gate and $10 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. Click for a full list of discounts and deals.
What is the bag policy for the fairgrounds?
Bags and purses are allowed but may be searched.
The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, and containers upon entry to the fairgrounds and upon request while on the fairgrounds, according to . All bags and backpacks are subject to search upon entry into the Grandstand. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry.
Can I bring food and water into the fair?
Outside food and sealed bottles of water are allowed on the fairgrounds, according to the fair, which continued: if perishables or medication need to stay cool, small soft-sided coolers are permissible.
Metal and glass containers are not allowed in the Grandstand or Elwell Family Park. Reusable drink containers are acceptable at the fairgrounds as long as they are empty. There are water refill stations throughout the fair.
Where can I park?
Parking lots are available for motorcycle and vehicle parking in the A, B and C Lots for $10. . Fairgoers can take the Blue Line Parking Shuttle inside the A, B and C parking lots for FREE from designated stops to the admission gates.
Motorcycles may park in any lot but the northeast corner of Lat A has an area designated and roped off for motorcycles.
Bicycle parking is also available inside Gate 11 for free.
Many neighboring property owners also allow parking on their lawns.
Is there a shuttle?
DART buses, which are all wheelchair accessible, will run from 8 a.m. to midnight every day of the fair to and from three locations:
- Center Street Park and Ride, 7th and Center Street; enter on 7th Street
- Southeast Polk High School, NE 80th Street and Highway 163
- Iowa State Capitol, on East 12th Street, east side of the Capitol building near the State Capitol bell
Round-trip fares are cash only.
- $2 adults (ages 11-64)
- $1 children ages 6-10, adults (65+), Medicare card holders and people with disabilities (half-fare)
- Children 5 and younger are free
Call DART at 515-283-8100 or email dart@ridedart.com for more information.
What about rideshare services like taxis, Uber and Lyft?
Taxis, Uber and Lyft will be available at Gate 8 for pick up and drop off.
What are the new foods at this year's fair?
There are 84 new foods and 47 new drinks at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.
Three of those new foods have been chosen for the People's Choice Best New Food Contest — Winn & Sara’s Kitchen’s Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll, Whatcha Smokin? BBQ’s Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll and Destination Grille’s Lobster Corn Dog.
Fairgoers will be able to try all three and vote for their favorite at the fair.
What political candidates will be at the fair?
The Des Moines Register Political Soapbox will bring an assortment of politicians to the State Fair this year, including eight congressional candidates and two presidential candidates so far.
The Political Soapbox schedule:
Friday, Aug. 9:
- 4:30 p.m.: Republican Zach Nunn, 3rd Congressional District
Saturday. Aug. 10:
- Noon: Libertarian Nicholas Gluba, 1st Congressional District
- 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Christina Bohannan, 1st Congressional District
- 4:30 p.m.: Libertarian Chase Oliver, presidential candidate
- Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was scheduled to appear at 2:15 p.m., but canceled, citing "increased security concerns," according to the Des Moines Register.
Sunday, Aug. 11:
- 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Ryan Melton, 4th Congressional District
- 2:15 p.m.: Libertarian Marco Battaglia, 3rd Congressional District
- 3 p.m.: Libertarian Charles Aldrich, 4th Congressional District
Monday, Aug. 12
- 4:30 p.m.: Democrat Lanon Baccam, 3rd Congressional District
Tuesday, Aug. 13
- Democrat Sarah Corkery, 2nd Congressional District
Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have not announced any plans to visit the fair.
Are fairgoers allowed to carry firearms?
Guns are prohibited on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry, unless authorized by the Fair Board as per Iowa Code. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds and/or being charged under Iowa Code.
Is there a butter cow?
Of course! The butter cow is a tradition at the State Fair that dates back more than 100 years. Fairgoers can find sculptor Sarah Pratt's work, which this year also includes butter sculptures of iconic late night hosts Johnny Carson and Jimmy Fallon, in the John Deere Agriculture Building.
Iowa State Fair butter cow will be made with over 600 pounds of butter
What happens during severe weather?
When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting Fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated every two minutes until the severe weather warning has expired. Fairgoers may get general Fair alerts by texting ‘FAIR’ to 844-844-8508.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed in walkway areas of the fairgrounds. No-smoking signs are posted in the areas of the fairgrounds that are smoke-free; according to the fair, that includes:
- Outdoor entertainment venues: stage areas, building porches and grounds attraction areas.
- Restaurants and bars: both enclosed and open serving areas, eateries and concession stands.
- Grandstand area or inside buildings: this remains the same as past years.
What's the Grandstand concert schedule?
- Thursday, Aug. 8:Lauren Daigle with special guest Blessing Offor, 8 p.m. |
- Friday, Aug. 9: Foreigner: Historic Farewell Tour with special guest Melissa Etheridge, 8 p.m. |
- Saturday, Aug. 10: Jelly Roll with special guest Dax, 8 p.m. |
- Sunday, Aug. 11: Greta van Fleet with special guest The Beaches, 8 p.m. |
- Monday, Aug. 12: Brett Young with special guest NEEDTOBREATHE, 8 p.m. |
- Tuesday, Aug. 13: Thomas Rhett with special guest Priscilla Block, 8 p.m. |
- Wednesday, Aug. 14: Motley Crue with special guest Pop Evil, 8 p.m. |
- Thursday, Aug. 15: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, 8 p.m. |
- Friday, Aug. 16: The Avett Brothers with G. Love and Special Sauce, 8 p.m. |
- Saturday, Aug. 17: Ne-Yo with special guest Eric Bellinger, 8 p.m. |
- Sunday, Aug. 18: Kidz Bop, 6 p.m. |
Are tickets still available for Grandstand shows?
Yes. With the exception of Jelly Roll's show, which is sold out, all other shows still have tickets available. .
Are there free concerts?
Yes, lots. for a complete list of free stage headliners and other free entertainment.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes, at the Iowa State Fair Police Department, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse. Iowa State Fair Police can be reached by phone at 515-262-3111, extension 327.
What is the fair's scooter policy?
Three- or four-wheeled, manual or electrically driven (at a walking pace) mobility devices are permitted to be used in all areas open to pedestrian use so long as these devices are 1) designed by the manufacturer for single rider use only; 2) occupied by only one rider while in operation; and 3) not pulling or towing any trailer-like object. Scooters are available for rental, during the fair, at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15.
Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?
During the fair, the only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, according to the fair's website. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.
What are the dates for future fairs?
- 2025: Aug. 7-17
- 2026: Aug. 13-23
- 2027: Aug. 12-22
Information from was used in this article.
