Opening and Closing Nights Announced for the 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand

DES MOINES, IA (01/14/2026) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair is setting the stage for a strong start and finish to the 2026 Grandstand lineup, with standout performances for both opening and closing nights. Opening night, Thursday, August 13, kicks things off in a big way with country hitmaker HARDY with special guest McCoy Moore.

New this year, Christian music fans can look forward to a family-friendly finale with the intentional move of the Christian Grandstand performance to closing night, August 23, featuring breakout Christian artist Josiah Queen with special guest Ben Fuller.

Tickets for both shows go on sale this Friday, January 16, at 10 a.m. For ticket purchasing tips and tricks, visit iowastatefair.org.

HARDY with special guest McCoy Moore

Thursday, August 13, 2026

8 p.m.

Tickets: $54.40 – $109.40

Josiah Queen with special guest Ben Fuller

Sunday, August 23, 2026

6 p.m.

Tickets: $19.40- $59.40

*Convenience fees included

The 2026 Iowa State Fair Iowa Lottery Grandstand Concert Series – Krause Group Stage announcements will roll out as concerts are confirmed. The following shows are already on sale: Friday, August 14, Rod Stewart with special guest Richard Marx, and August 16, Lainey Wilson with special guest Tigirlily Gold (limited seats available). Watch Iowa State Fair socials, www.iowastatefair.org or sign up for our e-newsletter for upcoming 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.