The Iowa State Fair 2025 has returned to Des Moines and, as always, is capturing the excitement and passion of over a million visitors. Hosting “Fair Sweet Fair” from August 7 to 17, the Iowa State Fair is drawing families, concertgoers, and food lovers with enhancements to fairgrounds, a blockbuster music lineup, and signature contests that define the heart of Iowa’s summer tradition.
This year’s upgrades are wowing fairgoers right from the entry gate. A $20 million improvements slate is transforming the fairgrounds. The new Variety Star Playground delivers a $500,000 boost, making playtime accessible for children of all abilities with cheerful, farm-themed equipment and easy navigation. The freshly finished Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza, located near the former Church Row, now features permanent restrooms, ample shaded seating, and space for relaxation, a welcome break for anyone trying out dozens of food vendors.
The iconic Horse Barn is also getting a major facelift, with first-phase renovations already completed—new windows, exterior paint, improved restrooms, and upgraded masonry welcoming animals and spectators. Phase two will follow with a new roof and radiant heating, helping with year-round use.
Expect bumper crowds: Following last year’s record-shattering attendance of 1,182,682, organizers are bracing for even bigger turnouts. Multiple days have already hit single-day attendance highs in the past, as families make their way for food (from classic corndogs to wild new deep-fried creations), livestock shows, dazzling rides, and interactive exhibits celebrating Iowa’s agricultural roots.
The entertainment lineup is another major draw. This year’s Iowa Lottery Grandstand Series boasts:
- Forrest Frank with Lecrae (Aug 7)
- Parker McCollum with Josh Abbott Band (Aug 8)
- Megan Moroney with Kameron Marlowe (Aug 9)
- Pitbull (Aug 10)
- Lynyrd Skynyrd (Aug 11)
- Rascal Flatts (Aug 12)
- Hairball Silver Anniversary Tour (Aug 13)
- Def Leppard (Aug 14)
- Hank Williams Jr. (Aug 15)
- T-Pain (Aug 16)
- Kidz Bop Live 2025 (Aug 17)
Tickets run from $45 up to $125, depending on the show. Concert promoters remind all fans to buy tickets directly from the Fair website or Etix.com to avoid scams.
General admission for adults starts at $16, with children (6-11) at $10, ensuring affordable entry for families who want to make the most of every day.
New for 2025, “Choose Iowa” events are spotlighting the state’s best farm-fresh food and homegrown products. Fairgoers can experience interactive cooking contests, live farm demos, special tastings, and more, celebrating Iowa’s farming legacy and culinary scene.
The 11-day fair schedule is packed from morning to late at night. Aside from concerts, don’t miss daily free entertainment—trivia nights, dance parties, emerging Iowa artists, and family events—plus award-winning livestock competitions, thrilling rides, midway games, and endless food challenges.
Here are quick highlights at a glance:
With perfect summer weather, new amenities, and more food and music than ever before, the 2025 Iowa State Fair is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration of everything Iowans love.
Share your favorite fair moments in the comments below, or tell us what you’re most looking forward to this year!