JUST ADDED: JOHN WAITE TO HEADLINE THE IOWA STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2026) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair is excited to welcome music legend John Waite, the acclaimed singer-songwriter behind the No. 1 hits "Missing You" and "When I See You Smile," to headline the Grandstand for a free concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 14. Waite steps in for fans at the Fair following Rod Stewart's previously announced cancellation. Bringing nearly five decades of hits spanning his celebrated solo career and his years as frontman of The Babys and Bad English, Waite has created some of rock's most enduring music.

John Waite has spent nearly five decades as one of rock's most distinctive singer-songwriters, earning worldwide success as a solo artist and as the frontman of The Babys and Bad English. His catalog includes some of rock's most enduring hits, including the worldwide No. 1 smash "Missing You," The Babys' classics "Isn't It Time," "Every Time I Think of You" and "Back on My Feet Again," and Bad English's chart-topping "When I See You Smile." Additional fan favorites including "Tears," "Every Step of the Way," "If Anybody Had a Heart," and "These Times Are Hard for Lovers" have cemented Waite's reputation as one of rock's most compelling vocalists and songwriters. Still performing extensively, he brings a catalog of timeless songs and decades of rock history to the stage, delivering the passion and authenticity that have defined his career for nearly 50 years.

Grandstand tickets are not required for the free John Waite concert on Friday, August 14, 2026. Doors open one hour before the show and all seats are general admission. The regularly scheduled drone show and star-spangled fireworks will start at 10:15 p.m.

Rod Stewart's previously scheduled concert has been canceled. Tickets will be refunded through the original point of purchase. For customers who purchased through Etix, refunds will be automatically issued to the original form of payment. Customers who purchased tickets with cash should contact the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office for assistance.

The Iowa State Fair runs Aug. 13–23, 2026, in Des Moines.

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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.