100 Days Until the 2026 Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (05/05/2026) (readMedia)-- The countdown is on! Only 100 days until the 2026 Iowa State Fair. That's 14.25 weeks, 2,400 hours, 144,000 minutes, and 8,640,000 seconds until the gates open for the 2026 Iowa State Fair, Fair Spirit, August 13-23, 2026.

Celebrating

In 2026, the Iowa State Fair will join the nation in celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a lineup of special exhibits, competitions and tributes woven throughout the Fairgrounds. Plus, the Iowa State Fair is popping up as the theme for celebrations around the world and we couldn't be prouder.

Full on Fun

The Fair's Grandstand, FREE entertainment and Elwell Family Park line-ups include chart-topping acts from rising country stars to crowd-favorite tributes, family-friendly shows, horsemanship and outdoor power. Stay tuned for daytime free entertainment schedules, special VIP experiences and demonstration classes to be announced.

Renovating

In 2026, renovation of the historic barns continues from the completed sheep barn to phase 2 of the Horse Barn. The renovations currently in progress include new paint, new stalls, new indoor wash racks and radiant-heated floors, to name a few. Stay tuned for construction updates for the swine and cattle barns as we continue our renovation projects.

Saving

Save $5 on each adult ticket when you buy advance admission online at iowastatefair.org. You can also save in advance on most paid Elwell Family Park events now. Tickets are available online, and advance admission will be available for purchase in person at Hy-Vee and Fareway stores after the 4th of July.

What's Next

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements like Ways to Save at the Fair in May, the Butter Cow Companion and Sensory-Friendly Morning in June, the Way We Live Award Winners, Best New Foods and the Fair schedule of events will be out in July, and the complete daily guide and what to know before you go will be out the first week in August.

Stay Connected

For the latest announcements, ticket information, contests and giveaways, visit iowastatefair.org, download the official Iowa State Fair App, check out our monthly podcast and follow the Fair on social media.

Tick tock-the clock is ticking. Start planning your visit, because in just 100 days, the sights, sounds, smells and traditions of the Iowa State Fair will return for 11 unforgettable days. Don't miss your chance to show your Fair Spirit, August 13-23.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair, located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Fair Spirit, to be held August 13–23, 2026, promises to stand as one of its most historic events yet. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.