Two More Grandstand Shows Announced: Staind and BigXthaPlug

DES MOINES, IA (03/31/2026) (readMedia)-- Rap, hip-hop, alternative rock, and grunge have been added to the 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand lineup. Multi-platinum rock band Staind with special guest Hoobastank will bring their gritty alternative sound to the stage on Monday, August 17. Breakout Texas rapper BigXthaPlug will deliver his hard-hitting southern hip-hop anthems to the Grandstand on Saturday, August 22.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 3, at 10 a.m.

For tips and tricks on purchasing tickets, visit iowastatefair.org.

Staind with special guest Hoobastank

Monday, August 17, at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $54.40-89.40

BigXthaPlug

Saturday, August 22, at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $29.40-69.40

Convenience fees included

The 2026 Iowa State Fair Iowa Lottery Grandstand Concert Series – Krause Group Stage announcements include Staind with special guest Hoobastank and BigXthaPlug. One act remains to be announced for Friday, August 21.

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; Saturday, August 15, The Red Clay Strays; Sunday, August 16, Lainey Wilson with special guest Tigirlily Gold (sold out); Tuesday, August 18, TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue; Wednesday, August 19, AJR; 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.