Behind-the-Scenes Iowa State Fair Experiences On Sale Now

DES MOINES, IA (05/19/2026) (readMedia)-- Summer is calling, and now's the time to plan your one-of-a-kind, VIP, behind-the-scenes Fair Spirit experience. Discover exclusive Iowa State Fair adventures you can't find anywhere else! Go beyond the everyday Fair visit with unforgettable opportunities to cuddle baby animals during chore time, relax alongside animals during yoga or explore the Fairgrounds after dark with special behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the spirit of the Fair to life.

Spots are limited-grab your tickets now before they're gone!

FAIR SPIRIT & FAMILY FUN

Barnyard Yoga

Barnyard Yoga is back at the 2026 Iowa State Fair with Dairy Cows, Goats, and Bunnies! This workout won't be the most physically intensive, but it is guaranteed to be loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. Advance tickets are required for each class, and each participant will receive an Iowa State Fair Barnyard Yoga mat. Classes will fill up quickly, so register today!

Dairy Cow Yoga: Tuesday, August 18 at 8 a.m., Boulevard of Dairy Breeds, North Annex of the John and Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn

Goat Yoga: Wednesday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m., Goat Show Ring, south side of the Swine Barn

Bunny Yoga: Sunday, August 23 at 9 a.m., Grassy Area South of Poultry/Rabbit Building

Cost for each class: $25 per person

Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time

It's an adventure fit for the whole family! Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time is your chance to help with morning chores, grab some baby animal snuggles and check out the behind-the-scenes action in a smaller, quieter setting. This VIP experience is for families who have always wondered what it takes to care for all the mamas and babies in the Animal Learning Center during the Fair! Space is limited to families of 6 members or fewer.

Friday, August 14 from 8-9 a.m.

Monday, August 17 from 8-9 a.m.

Saturday, August 22 from 8-9 a.m.

Cost: $40 per family (max 6-person)

FAIR SPIRIT AFTER DARK

Fair After Dark – Hat Bar and Kahoot! at the Bubbly Bar

It's a hoot with Fair Kahoot! Bring your friends for the best view on the Fairgrounds and some hands-on hat making and a special one-time only Iowa State Fair Kahoot!, all while enjoying the view and a special beverage at the Bubbly Bar on the hill next to Grandfather's Barn. Limited tickets are available for this VIP adventure, and attendees must be 21 or older. Throughout the night, you'll have the chance to win prizes, and each purchase includes two free drink tickets and the cost of your custom trucker hat.

Thursday, August 20 from 8-10 p.m., Bubbly Bar and Bistro

Cost: $45 per person

Fair After Dark – Adults ONLY Night at the Animal Learning Center

ALC College is in session for a higher degree of farm animal fun! Spend an evening diving deeper into Iowa agriculture while enjoying the sights, sounds and hands-on experiences of the Animal Learning Center. Designed exclusively for adults 21 and older, this after-hours event puts a fun, elevated twist on the classic ALC experience with VIP access, unique activities and plenty of opportunities to connect with agriculture in a whole new way. Throughout the evening, prizes will be awarded, and each purchase includes two free drink tickets.

Saturday, August 22 from 8:30-10:30 p.m., Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center

Cost: $40 per person

A limited number of tickets are on sale for these exclusive events at www.iowastatefair.org. Fair admission is not included.

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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.