8+ Iowa State Fair Dates 2025: Essential Information

The Iowa State Fair is an annual event that takes place in Des Moines, Iowa. It is one of the largest and most popular state fairs in the United States, attracting over one million visitors each year. The fair features a wide variety of attractions, including agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and food vendors.

The 2025 Iowa State Fair will be held from August 7-17. The fairgrounds are located at 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317. Admission tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-11. Children under 5 are free.

The Iowa State Fair is a great place to experience all that Iowa has to offer. It is a fun and educational event for people of all ages. Whether you are interested in agriculture, livestock, carnival rides, or live music, you are sure to find something to enjoy at the Iowa State Fair.

1. Dates

Planning and Preparation: The dates of the Iowa State Fair are important for planning and preparation. Visitors need to book accommodations, purchase tickets, and plan their travel in advance. The dates also give vendors and exhibitors time to prepare their displays and activities.
Seasonal Considerations: The dates of the Iowa State Fair are also important for seasonal considerations. The fair is held in August, which is typically a warm and dry month in Iowa. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and events.
Economic Impact: The dates of the Iowa State Fair are important for the local economy. The fair generates over $100 million in revenue each year, and it supports thousands of jobs. The dates of the fair are carefully chosen to maximize the economic impact on the state of Iowa.
Tradition and History: The dates of the Iowa State Fair have been relatively consistent over the years. The fair has been held annually since 1854, and it has always been held in August. This tradition and history are important to many Iowans, and it helps to create a sense of community and continuity.

The dates of the Iowa State Fair are an important part of the planning and preparation for the event. They also have a significant impact on the local economy and the state of Iowa as a whole. The dates of the fair have been carefully chosen to maximize the benefits for all involved.

2. Location

The Iowa State Fair is held annually in Des Moines, Iowa. The city of Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and the most populous city in the state. It is located in central Iowa, on the Des Moines River. Des Moines is a major economic and cultural center for the state of Iowa.

Central location: Des Moines is centrally located within the state of Iowa, making it easily accessible for visitors from all parts of the state. This central location is one of the reasons why Des Moines was chosen as the permanent site of the Iowa State Fair in 1886.
Transportation hub: Des Moines is a major transportation hub, with two interstate highways and several railroads serving the city. This makes it easy for visitors to travel to and from the Iowa State Fair by car, train, or bus.
Accommodations and amenities: Des Moines has a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities to accommodate visitors to the Iowa State Fair. This makes it easy for visitors to find a place to stay and eat during their visit to the fair.
Cultural attractions: Des Moines is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Des Moines Art Center, the Iowa State Capitol, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This makes it easy for visitors to combine their visit to the Iowa State Fair with a visit to one of Des Moines’ many cultural attractions.

The location of the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa is an important factor in the success of the fair. The central location, transportation hub, accommodations and amenities, and cultural attractions all contribute to making the Iowa State Fair a popular and successful event.

3. Admission

The admission prices for the Iowa State Fair are an important factor to consider when planning your visit. The admission prices are as follows:

Adults: $12
Children ages 6-11: $6
Children under 5: Free

The admission prices for the Iowa State Fair are relatively affordable, especially when compared to other major state fairs. For example, the admission price for the Minnesota State Fair is $15 for adults and $12 for children ages 6-12. The admission price for the Wisconsin State Fair is $16 for adults and $12 for children ages 5-12.

The affordable admission prices for the Iowa State Fair make it a great value for families. A family of four can attend the fair for just $24, which is less than the cost of a single ticket to many other major attractions.

The admission prices for the Iowa State Fair are also important for the fair’s financial stability. The Iowa State Fair is a non-profit organization, and the admission prices help to cover the costs of operating the fair. The fair also relies on revenue from vendors and sponsors to help cover its costs.

The admission prices for the Iowa State Fair are an important part of the fair’s overall success. The affordable prices make the fair accessible to families of all income levels, and the revenue from admissions helps to cover the costs of operating the fair.

4. Attractions

The Iowa State Fair is known for its wide variety of attractions, including agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and food vendors. These attractions are a major part of what makes the Iowa State Fair a popular and successful event.

Agricultural exhibits are a major part of the Iowa State Fair. These exhibits showcase the latest agricultural technologies and products, and they provide an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to learn about new ways to improve their operations. Livestock shows are another popular attraction at the Iowa State Fair. These shows feature a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses. Visitors to the fair can watch these animals being judged, and they can also learn about the different breeds of animals.

Carnival rides are a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. The Iowa State Fair has a wide variety of carnival rides, from gentle rides for young children to thrilling rides for adults. Live music is also a popular attraction at the Iowa State Fair. The fair features a variety of musical acts, from local bands to national touring acts. Visitors to the fair can enjoy live music while they eat, shop, or visit the other attractions.

Food vendors are another important part of the Iowa State Fair. The fair features a wide variety of food vendors, from traditional fair food to more exotic fare. Visitors to the fair can enjoy everything from corn dogs and funnel cakes to sushi and gyros.

The attractions at the Iowa State Fair are a major part of what makes the fair a popular and successful event. These attractions provide something for everyone, and they help to create a fun and festive atmosphere.

5. History

The Iowa State Fair is a long-standing tradition in the state of Iowa, with a rich history dating back to 1854. The fair has been held annually since then, showcasing the state’s agriculture, industry, and culture. The 2025 Iowa State Fair will be the 171st edition of the event, continuing a tradition that has been a part of Iowa’s heritage for over a century and a half.

Legacy and Tradition: The Iowa State Fair has a long and storied history, having been held annually for over 170 years. It is a beloved tradition for many Iowans, and it holds a special place in the state’s culture and identity.
Agricultural Showcase: The Iowa State Fair has always been a showcase for Iowa’s agricultural industry. The fair features a wide variety of agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and educational programs. It is a valuable opportunity for farmers and ranchers to learn about new technologies and products, and for consumers to learn about the importance of agriculture.
Community Gathering: The Iowa State Fair is a major community gathering event for the state of Iowa. It is a place where people from all over the state can come together to celebrate Iowa’s culture and heritage. The fair offers something for everyone, from agricultural exhibits to carnival rides to live music.
Economic Impact: The Iowa State Fair has a significant economic impact on the state of Iowa. The fair generates over $100 million in revenue each year, and it supports thousands of jobs. The fair is a major driver of tourism in Iowa, and it helps to promote the state’s economy.

The Iowa State Fair is a unique and special event that has been a part of Iowa’s culture and heritage for over 170 years. The 2025 Iowa State Fair will be another great opportunity to celebrate all that Iowa has to offer.

6. Economic impact

The Iowa State Fair is a major economic driver for the state of Iowa. The fair generates over $100 million in revenue each year, and it supports thousands of jobs. The fair is a major tourist attraction, and it helps to promote the state’s economy.

The dates of the Iowa State Fair are important for the economic impact of the fair. The fair is held in August, which is a time when many people are traveling. The dates of the fair also coincide with the harvest season, which means that many farmers and ranchers are able to attend the fair. The dates of the fair are also important for the fair’s vendors and exhibitors. The dates give vendors and exhibitors time to prepare their displays and activities.

The economic impact of the Iowa State Fair is significant. The fair generates over $100 million in revenue each year, and it supports thousands of jobs. The fair is a major tourist attraction, and it helps to promote the state’s economy. The dates of the Iowa State Fair are important for the economic impact of the fair.

7. Cultural significance

The Iowa State Fair is a major cultural event for the state of Iowa, attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond. The fair showcases Iowa’s agriculture, industry, and culture, and it provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the state’s heritage.

Sense of community: The Iowa State Fair is a place where people from all walks of life can come together and celebrate Iowa’s culture and heritage. The fair offers something for everyone, from agricultural exhibits to carnival rides to live music. It is a place where people can connect with their community and make new friends.
Preservation of traditions: The Iowa State Fair is a place where Iowa’s traditions are celebrated and preserved. The fair features a variety of traditional Iowa foods, crafts, and music. It is a place where people can learn about Iowa’s history and culture, and where traditions can be passed down from generation to generation.
Promotion of Iowa: The Iowa State Fair is a major promotional event for the state of Iowa. The fair attracts visitors from all over the country, and it provides an opportunity to showcase Iowa’s products and services. The fair also helps to promote Iowa’s tourism industry.
Economic impact: The Iowa State Fair has a significant economic impact on the state of Iowa. The fair generates over $100 million in revenue each year, and it supports thousands of jobs. The fair is a major tourist attraction, and it helps to promote the state’s economy.

The cultural significance of the Iowa State Fair is immense. The fair is a place where people can come together to celebrate Iowa’s culture and heritage, preserve traditions, promote the state, and boost the economy. The dates of the Iowa State Fair are important for the cultural significance of the fair. The dates of the fair allow people to plan their visits and make the most of the experience.

8. Educational value

The Iowa State Fair is an educational event as well as an entertaining one. The fair offers a variety of educational opportunities for visitors, including exhibits on agriculture, science, and technology.

These exhibits provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in these fields, and they can also help to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. The educational value of the Iowa State Fair is one of the things that sets it apart from other state fairs.

The dates of the Iowa State Fair are important for the educational value of the fair. The fair is held in August, which is a time when many schools are out of session. This gives students and their families an opportunity to visit the fair and learn about agriculture, science, and technology.

The educational value of the Iowa State Fair is a major reason why it is such a popular event. The fair provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about important topics in a fun and engaging way.

FAQs about Iowa State Fair Dates 2025

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Iowa State Fair dates in 2025:

Question 1: When is the Iowa State Fair in 2025?

The Iowa State Fair will be held from August 7th to 17th, 2025.

Question 2: Where is the Iowa State Fair held?

The Iowa State Fair is held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

Question 3: How much does it cost to attend the Iowa State Fair?

Admission prices for the Iowa State Fair vary depending on age. Adults (12+) cost $12.00, children (6-11) cost $6.00, and children under 5 are free.

Question 4: What are the dates of the Iowa State Fair in 2026?

The Iowa State Fair dates for 2026 have not yet been announced.

Question 5: What are the most popular attractions at the Iowa State Fair?

Some of the popular attractions at the Iowa State Fair include:

The butter cow
The giant slide
The livestock shows
The concerts
The food

Question 6: How can I get tickets to the Iowa State Fair?

Tickets to the Iowa State Fair can be purchased online or at the gate.

We hope this information is helpful. Please visit the Iowa State Fair website for more information.

Transition to the next article section:

Tips for Attending the Iowa State Fair in 2025

The Iowa State Fair is a major annual event that attracts over one million visitors each year. If you’re planning to attend the fair in 2025, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Tip 1: Purchase your tickets in advance. This will save you time and money at the gate.

Tip 2: Arrive early. The fairgrounds are large, and it can take some time to get around. Give yourself plenty of time to park, enter the fair, and find your way to the attractions you want to see.

Tip 3: Bring comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive.

Tip 4: Stay hydrated. The Iowa State Fair is held in August, and it can be hot and humid. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Tip 5: Take breaks. There’s a lot to see and do at the Iowa State Fair, but don’t try to do it all in one day. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and refuel.

Tip 6: Bring sunscreen and a hat. The Iowa State Fair is mostly outdoors, so make sure to protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunscreen and a hat to keep yourself cool and protected.

Tip 7: Be prepared for crowds. The Iowa State Fair is a popular event, and it can be crowded. Be prepared for crowds and be patient when waiting in lines.

Tip 8: Have fun! The Iowa State Fair is a great place to have fun and experience all that Iowa has to offer. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and make some memories.

These are just a few tips to help you make the most of your experience at the Iowa State Fair in 2025. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a fun and memorable time.

We hope to see you at the Iowa State Fair in 2025!

Conclusion

The Iowa State Fair is a major annual event that attracts over one million visitors each year. The fair is a celebration of Iowa’s agriculture, industry, and culture. It is a place where people can come together to learn, have fun, and experience all that Iowa has to offer.

The 2025 Iowa State Fair will be held from August 7th to 17th. The fair will feature a wide variety of attractions, including agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and food vendors. There will also be a variety of educational opportunities available, including exhibits on agriculture, science, and technology.

We hope to see you at the Iowa State Fair in 2025!