Lainey Wilson and Rod Stewart Announced for the 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand

DES MOINES, IA (12/10/2025) (readMedia)-- The countdown to the 2026 Iowa State Fair is officially on - and we're kicking things off with two unforgettable Grandstand concerts!

Country music powerhouse Lainey Wilson will make her Iowa State Fair debut on Sunday, August 16. After sweeping multiple major honors - including 2025 CMA Awards' top prize, Entertainer of the Year, as well as Album of the Year for "Whirlwind" and Female Vocalist of the Year - she's riding high and ready to bring the house down.

On Friday, August 14, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart will return to the Fair for the first time in more than 40 years, with classics like "Maggie May," "Forever Young" and "Rhythm of My Heart."

Two unforgettable artists at the 2026 Iowa State Fair; tickets on sale this Friday, December 12, at 10 a.m.

Rod Stewart

Friday, August 14, 2026

8 p.m.

Tickets: $69.50-134.50

Lainey Wilson with special guest Tigirlily Gold

Sunday, August 16, 2026

8 p.m.

Tickets: $69.50-134.50

*convenience fees are included

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. at www.iowastatefair.org

The 2026 Iowa State Fair Iowa Lottery Grandstand Concert Series – Krause Group Stage announcements will roll out as concerts are confirmed. Watch Iowa State Fair socials, www.iowastatefair.org or sign up for our e-newsletter for announcements.

BEWARE of THIRD-PARTY TICKET SALES: Only iowastatefair.org and etix.com sell official online tickets for the Iowa State Fair Grandstand. Although other online ticket brokers may imply they are an official seller, we can't guarantee tickets purchased from other sources are legitimate. We understand the frustration with third-party ticket sellers and have implemented the following procedures: Delayed delivery, bot stoppers, 3D secure authentication, customer/order ticket limits, and technology to look for and block fraudulent behavior. As third-party tactics change, we will continue to evolve our technology and practices to help make sure Iowa State Fair Grandstand tickets go directly to our loyal concertgoers and fans.

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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.