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What you need to know at the Iowa State Fair: Food, admission, parking and more for 2025

What you need to know at the Iowa State Fair: Food, admission, parking and more for 2025
CLOSER, BECAUSE THE THINKING ABOUT ALL THE GREAT FOOD TO EAT. SOME BIG CHANGES THOUGH, ARE COMING. YEAH, FOLKS WILL NOW BE ABLE TO CARRY IN THEIR OWN FOOD AND DRINKS TO THE FAIR. vlog BEAU BOWMAN EXPLAINS THE NEW RULES AND WHY THE FAIR MADE THE CHANGE. YEAH, STACEY, OFFICIALS SAY THEY WANTED TO DO THIS FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO LIKE COMING TO THE FAIR, BUT THEY DON’T WANT TO SPEND AN ARM AND A LEG ON FOOD AND DRINKS. WHEN IT COMES TO OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE, WE HAVE KIND OF TWEAKED OUR RULES A LITTLE BIT. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THE IOWA STATE FAIR. STARTING THIS YEAR, FOLKS WILL BE ABLE TO BRING IN WATER, POP, GATORADE, OR ANY TYPE OF DRINK THEY LIKE ASIDE FROM ALCOHOL. BOTTLES CAN BE SEALED OR UNSEALED. REALLY, WE JUST WANT TO BE AN AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR FAMILIES TO COME TO THE FAIR. CEO JEREMY PARSONS SAYS THEY MADE THE DECISION AS A WAY TO REACH THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE GOING TO THE FAIR, BUT NOT FOR THE FOOD. ANY TYPE OF SNACK PACKED INTO A SOFT SIDED COOLER WILL BE ALLOWED IN AS WELL. WE UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE NEED TO COME TO THE FAIR. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE FAIR REALLY IS FOR ALL IOWANS OF ALL LEVELS OF INCOME, FOR EXAMPLE. AND SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY CAN ENJOY THAT FAIR EXPERIENCE. FOR SOME, THAT FAIR. EXPERIENCE MIGHT BE IS ALL ABOUT THE FOOD. IN FACT, THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY PEOPLE COME TO THE FAIR IS FOR FOOD, BUT FOR OTHER FAMILIES, IT MAY BE SOMETHING ELSE. THERE ARE ONLY THREE BIG RULES NO GLASS CONTAINERS AND NO ALCOHOL. THEY WILL BE CHECKING AT THE GATE AND THOSE OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES WON’T BE ALLOWED IN THE GRANDSTAND. THERE ARE ALSO SOME CHANGES. THE FAIR MADE AN EFFORT TO DECONGEST LONGER LINES AT THE GATE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE FAIRGROUNDS. WE KNOW MANY FAIRGOERS PARK IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND DEAN AVENUE, AND ULTIMATELY THEY HAVE TO ENTER THE FAIR THROUGH GATE 11, WHICH IS ON GRAND AVENUE. TO ALLEVIATE THAT LOGJAM, THE IOWA STATE FAIR IS BUILDING NEW GATES ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE WHERE FOLKS CAN ENTER OFF OF EAST 30TH AND WALK IN NEAR THE ELWELL FAMILY PARK. THAT SHOULD REALLY CUT DOWN ON THE LINES FOR PEOPLE COMING INTO THE FAIR. YOU CAN FIND THE FULL LIST OF THINGS YOU CAN AND CANNOT BRING INTO THE STATE FAIR ON THEIR WEBSITE, UNDER THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SECTION. ST
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Updated: 10:49 PM CDT Aug 4, 2025
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What you need to know at the Iowa State Fair: Food, admission, parking and more for 2025
vlog logo
Updated: 10:49 PM CDT Aug 4, 2025
Editorial Standards ⓘ
You've got questions about the Iowa State Fair. We've got answers.What are the dates of this year's fair?This year's Iowa State Fair runs 11 days, from Thursday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 17.Where are the State Fairgrounds located? The fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines.What are the hours?Fairgrounds are open Aug. 7-16 from 8 a.m.-midnight and Aug. 17 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.Where will vlog be at the fair?You can see vlog 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair from the MidAmerican Energy Stage.You can also stream vlog 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the Very Local app. Click here to download Very Local to your phone.See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.What's the weather forecast during the fair?Check our daily forecast here.How much does it cost to get in?Adult admission costs $16 at the gate and $10 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. Click here for a full list of discounts and deals.What are the thrill park hours and locations?Thrill Ville, located between the Grandstand and Ye Old Mill: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Aug. 8-17) open until 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.Thrill Town, located northwest of the Jacobson Exhibition Center and east of Gate 10: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 18.Thrill Zone, located north of Gate 11: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.What is the bag policy for the fairgrounds?Bags and purses are allowed but may be searched.The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, and containers upon entry to the fairgrounds and upon request while on the fairgrounds, according to iowastatefair.org. All bags and backpacks are subject to search upon entry into the Grandstand. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry.Can I bring food and water into the fair?The Iowa State Fair is introducing new policies in 2025 to enhance accessibility and convenience for attendees. Visitors can now bring in sealed or unsealed drinks, including water, soda, or Gatorade, but alcohol remains prohibited. Snacks in soft-sided coolers are also allowed, ensuring affordability for families who may not be able to attend for the food.Rules include no glass containers, no alcohol, and outside food and drinks are not permitted at the Grandstand.Where can I park?Parking lots are available for motorcycle and vehicle parking in the A, B and C Lots for $10. Click here for a map. Fairgoers can take the Blue Line Parking Shuttle inside the A, B and C parking lots for FREE from designated stops to the admission gates.Motorcycles may park in any lot but the northeast corner of Lat A has an area designated and roped off for motorcycles. Bicycle parking is also available inside Gate 11 for free.Many neighboring property owners also allow parking on their lawns.Is there a shuttle?DART buses, which are all wheelchair accessible, will run from 8 a.m. to midnight every day of the fair to and from three locations: Center Street Park and Ride, 7th and Center Street; enter on 7th Street Southeast Polk High School, NE 80th Street and Highway 163 Iowa State Capitol, on East 12th Street, east side of the Capitol building near the State Capitol bellRound-trip fares are cash only. $3 adults (ages 11-64) $1 children ages 6-10, adults (65+) plus Medicare card holders and people with disabilities Children 5 and younger are freeCall DART at 515-283-8100 or email dart@ridedart.com for more information.What about rideshare services like taxis, Uber and Lyft?Taxis, Uber and Lyft will be available at Gate 8 for pick up and drop off.What are the new foods at this year's fair?There are 67 new foods and /article/i... at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Three of those new foods have been chosen for the People's Choice Best New Food Contest — Whatcha Smokin? BBQ's Three Little Pigs, Over The Top's Scotcheroo Shake and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen's Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll. Fairgoers will be able to try all three and vote for their favorite at the fair.Are fairgoers allowed to carry firearms?Guns are prohibited on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry, unless authorized by the Fair Board as per Iowa Code. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds and/or being charged under Iowa Code.Is there a butter cow?Of course! The butter cow is a tradition at the State Fair that dates back more than 100 years. Fairgoers can find sculptor Sarah Pratt's work, which this year also includes butter companions featuring iconic "Toy Story" characters. What happens during severe weather?When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting Fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated every two minutes until the severe weather warning has expired. Fairgoers may get general Fair alerts by texting "FAIR" to 844-844-8508.Is smoking allowed?Smoking is allowed in walkway areas of the fairgrounds. No-smoking signs are posted in the areas of the fairgrounds that are smoke-free; according to the fair, that includes: Outdoor entertainment venues: stage areas, building porches and grounds attraction areas. Restaurants and bars: both enclosed and open serving areas, eateries and concession stands. Grandstand area or inside buildings: this remains the same as past years.What's the Grandstand concert schedule? Thursday, Aug. 7: Forrest Frank with special guest Lecrae | TicketsFriday, Aug. 8: Parker McCollum with special guest the Josh Abbott Band | TicketsSaturday, Aug. 9: Megan Moroney with special guest Kameron Marlowe | TicketsSunday, Aug. 10: Pitbull | TicketsMonday, Aug. 11: Lynyrd Skynyrd | TicketsTuesday, Aug. 12: Rascal Flatts | TicketsWednesday, Aug. 13: Hairball | TicketsThursday, Aug. 14: Def Leppard | TicketsFriday, Aug. 15: Hank Williams Jr. | TicketsSaturday, Aug. 16: T-Pain | TicketsSunday, Aug. 17: Kidz Bop Live | TicketsAre tickets still available for Grandstand shows?Yes. But limited tickets are remaining for Forrest Frank and Megan Moroney's concerts. Standing room only tickets for those shows go on sale Aug. 7 at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office starting at 9 a.m. Click here to buy Grandstand tickets.Are there free concerts?Yes, lots. Click here for a complete list of free stage headliners and other free entertainment.Is there a lost and found?Yes, at the Iowa State Fair Police Department, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse. Iowa State Fair Police can be reached by phone at 515-262-3111, extension 327.What is the fair's scooter policy?Three- or four-wheeled, manual or electrically driven (at a walking pace) mobility devices are permitted to be used in all areas open to pedestrian use so long as these devices are 1) designed by the manufacturer for single rider use only; 2) occupied by only one rider while in operation; and 3) not pulling or towing any trailer-like object. Scooters are available for rental, during the fair, at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15.Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?During the fair, the only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, according to the fair's website. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.What are the dates for future fairs? 2026: Aug. 13-23 2027: Aug. 12-22 Information from iowastatefair.org was used in this article.
DES MOINES, Iowa —

You've got questions about the Iowa State Fair. We've got answers.

What are the dates of this year's fair?

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This year's Iowa State Fair runs 11 days, from Thursday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 17.

Where are the State Fairgrounds located?

The fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines.

What are the hours?

Fairgrounds are open Aug. 7-16 from 8 a.m.-midnight and Aug. 17 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.

Where will vlog be at the fair?

You can see vlog 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair from the MidAmerican Energy Stage.

You can also stream vlog 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the . .

See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.

What's the weather forecast during the fair?

Check our daily forecast here.

How much does it cost to get in?

Adult admission costs $16 at the gate and $10 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. Click for a full list of discounts and deals.

What are the thrill park hours and locations?

  • Thrill Ville, located between the Grandstand and Ye Old Mill: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Aug. 8-17) open until 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.
  • Thrill Town, located northwest of the Jacobson Exhibition Center and east of Gate 10: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 18.
  • Thrill Zone, located north of Gate 11: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 8-17, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Aug. 18.

What is the bag policy for the fairgrounds?

Bags and purses are allowed but may be searched.

The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, and containers upon entry to the fairgrounds and upon request while on the fairgrounds, according to . All bags and backpacks are subject to search upon entry into the Grandstand. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry.

Can I bring food and water into the fair?

The Iowa State Fair is introducing new policies in 2025 to enhance accessibility and convenience for attendees. Visitors can now bring in sealed or unsealed drinks, including water, soda, or Gatorade, but alcohol remains prohibited.

Snacks in soft-sided coolers are also allowed, ensuring affordability for families who may not be able to attend for the food.

Rules include no glass containers, no alcohol, and outside food and drinks are not permitted at the Grandstand.

Where can I park?

Parking lots are available for motorcycle and vehicle parking in the A, B and C Lots for $10. . Fairgoers can take the Blue Line Parking Shuttle inside the A, B and C parking lots for FREE from designated stops to the admission gates.

Motorcycles may park in any lot but the northeast corner of Lat A has an area designated and roped off for motorcycles.

Bicycle parking is also available inside Gate 11 for free.

Many neighboring property owners also allow parking on their lawns.

Is there a shuttle?

DART buses, which are all wheelchair accessible, will run from 8 a.m. to midnight every day of the fair to and from three locations:

  • Center Street Park and Ride, 7th and Center Street; enter on 7th Street
  • Southeast Polk High School, NE 80th Street and Highway 163
  • Iowa State Capitol, on East 12th Street, east side of the Capitol building near the State Capitol bell

Round-trip fares are cash only.

  • $3 adults (ages 11-64)
  • $1 children ages 6-10, adults (65+) plus Medicare card holders and people with disabilities
  • Children 5 and younger are free

Call DART at 515-283-8100 or email dart@ridedart.com for more information.

What about rideshare services like taxis, Uber and Lyft?

Taxis, Uber and Lyft will be available at Gate 8 for pick up and drop off.

What are the new foods at this year's fair?

There are 67 new foods and /article/i... at the 2025 Iowa State Fair.

Three of those new foods have been chosen for the People's Choice Best New Food Contest — Whatcha Smokin? BBQ's Three Little Pigs, Over The Top's Scotcheroo Shake and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen's Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll.

Fairgoers will be able to try all three and vote for their favorite at the fair.

Are fairgoers allowed to carry firearms?

Guns are prohibited on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry, unless authorized by the Fair Board as per Iowa Code. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds and/or being charged under Iowa Code.

Is there a butter cow?

Of course! The butter cow is a tradition at the State Fair that dates back more than 100 years. Fairgoers can find sculptor Sarah Pratt's work, which this year also includes butter companions featuring iconic "Toy Story" characters.

What happens during severe weather?

When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting Fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated every two minutes until the severe weather warning has expired. Fairgoers may get general Fair alerts by texting "FAIR" to 844-844-8508.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is allowed in walkway areas of the fairgrounds. No-smoking signs are posted in the areas of the fairgrounds that are smoke-free; according to the fair, that includes:

  • Outdoor entertainment venues: stage areas, building porches and grounds attraction areas.
  • Restaurants and bars: both enclosed and open serving areas, eateries and concession stands.
  • Grandstand area or inside buildings: this remains the same as past years.

What's the Grandstand concert schedule?

    Are tickets still available for Grandstand shows?

    Yes. But limited tickets are remaining for Forrest Frank and Megan Moroney's concerts. Standing room only tickets for those shows go on sale Aug. 7 at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office starting at 9 a.m. .

    Are there free concerts?

    Yes, lots. Click here for a complete list of free stage headliners and other free entertainment.

    Is there a lost and found?

    Yes, at the Iowa State Fair Police Department, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse. Iowa State Fair Police can be reached by phone at 515-262-3111, extension 327.

    What is the fair's scooter policy?

    Three- or four-wheeled, manual or electrically driven (at a walking pace) mobility devices are permitted to be used in all areas open to pedestrian use so long as these devices are 1) designed by the manufacturer for single rider use only; 2) occupied by only one rider while in operation; and 3) not pulling or towing any trailer-like object. Scooters are available for rental, during the fair, at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15.

    Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?

    During the fair, the only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, according to the fair's website. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.

    What are the dates for future fairs?

    • 2026: Aug. 13-23
    • 2027: Aug. 12-22

    Information from was used in this article.

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