Iowa State Fair Elwell Family Park Events in 2026

DES MOINES, IA (04/16/2026) (readMedia)-- Get ready for action-packed outdoor entertainment in Elwell Family Park at the Iowa State Fair. The west outdoor events area opens with two new days of Wild West action with the Iowa State Fair PRCA Pro Rodeo, followed by Fair favorites Tractor Pulls, ATV/UTV races and a smash-'em-up demolition derby. The skill and precision of electrical linemen return this year along with traditional Latino horsemanship performances and the heart-pounding excitement of figure 8 racing.

If you haven't experienced Elwell Family Park yet, make plans to gather your friends and family and enjoy a free event, or purchase tickets in advance to save!

Iowa State Fair PRCA Pro Rodeo

Thursday, August 13 & Friday, August 14

1 p.m. (Gates open at Noon)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $25 ($30 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $20 ($25 during the Fair)

Short Course UTV & ATV Cup (FREE)

Saturday, August 15

10 a.m. (Gates open at 9 a.m.)

General admission is FREE with Iowa State Fair gate admission.

Participant Registration:

To register, visit iowastatefair.org. The event will follow all current IATVHSS ATV, IATVHSS/SXS rules.

Charros Performances (FREE)

Sunday, August 16

Noon and 3 p.m. (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

General admission is FREE with Iowa State Fair gate admission.

Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls

Sponsored by Titan Tire, Maker of Goodyear Farm Tires with media partner WHO-The Big Show

Wednesday, August 19

Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $25 ($30 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $20 ($25 during the Fair)

Iowa's Electrical Utilities Lineman Rodeo

Friday, August 21

8 a.m. (Gates open at 7 a.m.)

General admission is FREE with Iowa State Fair gate admission.

Demolition Derby

Saturday, August 22

Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $15 ($20 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $10 ($15 during the Fair)

Figure 8 Races

Sunday, August 23

Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $15 ($20 during the Fair)

Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $10 ($15 during the Fair)

Elwell Family Park opened in 2021 thanks to a generous donation by Denny and Candy Elwell. The outdoor arena includes bleachers and covered seating, as well as on-site restrooms and concessions.

For more information on Elwell Family Park events or to purchase your advance Iowa State Fair admission tickets for a discount, visit iowastatefair.org.

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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.