IA
State Fair
Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is one of America's most beloved, famous for its butter cow sculpture, deep-fried everything on a stick, and unique competitions like pigeon rolling, rooster crowing, tractor pulling, and cow chip throwing. Visit Heritage Village for a step back in time.
Fair Dates
August 1-17, 2026
17 days of fun
72
days until opening
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa
Paid parking available
Check website for current ticket prices
What to Expect
Butter cow
Deep-fried cupcakes
Food-on-a-stick
Pigeon rolling
Cow chip throwing
Heritage Village
Famous Fair Foods
No state fair visit is complete without trying these local favorites:
Pork chop on a stick
Deep-fried butter
Bacon-wrapped everything
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Go
Arrive early (before 11am) on weekdays for shorter lines and cooler temperatures.
Save Money
Buy tickets online in advance and look for discount days or coupons.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, cash for vendors, and a portable phone charger.
Must-See
Check the schedule for livestock shows, competitions, and headline entertainment.
Official Resources
More State Fairs