50 Days and 50 Ways to Save at the 2026 Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (06/24/2026) (readMedia)-- With just 50 days until the gates open, now is the time for families to start planning their 2026 Iowa State Fair adventure and take advantage of limited-time savings before they disappear.

Save Time and Money Today:

1. Save $5 on advance adult admission tickets.

2. Buy advance children's admission tickets for a $3 discount.

3. Purchase a $30 Advance Thrill Pass with 50 credits.

4. Buy a $40 One Day Ride Wristband in advance.

5. Purchase your State Fair Value Packs and save $13.

6. Share two Giant Slide rides included in the Value Packs.

7. Enjoy a cup of Barksdale's State Fair Cookies included in the Value Packs.

8. Skip the line – Buy your Giant Slide coupons online.

9. Buy your Barksdale's State Fair Cookie coupons early.

10. Get your advance tickets to the NEW Iowa State Fair PRCA Rodeo.

11. Save on advance tickets to the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby and Figure 8 Races.

The best way to save? Buy before August 12. The biggest discounts disappear once the 2026 Iowa State Fair begins on August 13.

Save Time and Money at the Fair:

12. Watch the Parade Downtown before the Fair starts.

13. Take advantage of Dollar Discount Days for rides and games in Thrill Town and Thrill Ville before 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

14. Attend hundreds of free daytime and nighttime performances.

15. Catch top notch Iowa talent in the Bill Riley Talent Show.

16. Get close to baby animals in the Animal Learning Center.

17. See the Butter Cow and companion iconic Pepsi Clock.

18. Watch fish and learn about the outdoors in the DNR Building.

19. Find deals shopping in the Walnut Building, or the new East, Central or West Marketplaces under the Grandstand.

20. Pick up your free egg on a stick in the John Deere Agriculture Building.

21. Tour the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building displays.

22. Use the App to map out the value options at the Fair.

23. Attend the nightly drone shows and fireworks spectacular.

24. Take a free class in the All-Iowa Classroom in Maytag Family Theaters.

25. See the giant pumpkins and vegetables outside of the Agriculture Building.

26. Watch free cooking demonstrations in The Kitchen.

27. Enjoy free horse shows in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center.

28. Find shade and water sprinklers in Pella Plaza.

29. Maximize your day with the official Iowa State Fair app.

30. Take advantage of special admission discount days.

31. Slow down in the Discovery Garden or on the hill by Grandfather's Barn.

32. Rest on a bench or find a seat by the Riley Stage, in Shivers Plaza, on The Lawn or by Barksdale's State Fair Cookies.

33. Take a stroll through history in the Ralph H. Deets Historical Museum Complex.

34. Enjoy old-time demonstrations in the Mountain Man Camp, First Church, Schoolhouse or Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall.

35. Watch free sheep, horse, goat, cattle, swine, rabbit and poultry competitions daily.

36. Find the America250 special exhibits and once-in-a-generation celebrations.

37. Enjoy all the shiny new stalls in the newly renovated Horse and Sheep Barns.

38. Check out the NEW free acts like AmirrorCAN Men and ShenaniGUNS! Comedy Wild West Show

39. Stroll through the Iowa State Fair Farmer's Market.

40. Watch the UTV/ATV Cup Races, Charros and an Electrical Lineman Rodeo for free in Elwell Family Park.

41. Bring 3 canned goods for the Food Bank on the last Sunday for $9 admission.

42. Use the NEW free bus service from SouthRidge Mall.

43. Get closer to agriculture at Little Hands on the Farm and the Avenue of Breeds.

44. Take a peek at the ugliest cake and the best pies in Elwell Family Food Center.

45. Participate in the 100th year of the Hog Calling Contest.

46. See the Fair's smallest competition, the Doll Houses in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center.

47. Honor our Veterans on the NEW Veterans Walkway on Expo Hill.

48. Register for Kids' Club for free daily activities and a food coupon book.

49. Catch the chainsaw carvers and the hot glass blowing demonstrations.

50. Celebrate what has made us uniquely Iowan since 1854.

And so much more! The full daily schedule will be out in mid-July. Stay tuned for the Top 11 things to do at the Fair and the 2026 New Food Announcements coming soon.

From food and rides to competitions, exhibits and entertainment celebrating America250, there will be something for everyone August 13-23. Buying now is the best way to save and experience so much more at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.

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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.