The Red Clay Strays and AJR Concerts Announced on the Iowa State Fair Grandstand

DES MOINES, IA (02/18/2026) (readMedia)-- Get ready for two more unforgettable nights on the Iowa State Fair Grandstand in 2026!

First, on Saturday, August 15, experience the one-of-a-kind country, southern rock, blues and gospel-soul sound of The Red Clay Strays.

Then, we're turning up the energy with the band behind the smash hit, "Bang!" - pop powerhouse AJR on Wednesday, August 19.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. For ticket purchasing tips and tricks, visit iowastatefair.org.

The Red Clay Strays

Saturday, August 15, 2026

8 p.m.

Tickets: $54.40 – $109.40

*Convenience fees included

AJR

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

8 p.m.

Tickets: $54.40 – $94.40

*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: Thursday, August 13, HARDY with special guest McCoy Moore; Friday, August 14, Rod Stewart with special guest Richard Marx; Sunday, August 16, Lainey Wilson with special guest Tigirlily Gold (limited seats available); Thursday, August 20, Riley Green with special guest Mackenzie Carpenter; and Sunday, August 23, Josiah Queen with special guest Ben Fuller. 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.