The 2026 Iowa State Fair is here, and those going on the first day, Thursday, Aug. 13, may want to bring an umbrella or a raincoat, as it is shaping up to be a wet one.
Before you head to any of the fair’s 11 days, the Register has you covered with everything from livestock competitions, concerts, food and more.
Here’s what to know about Thursday’s weather and daily events.
What’s the forecast for the first day of the 2026 Iowa State Fair?
Rain and thunderstorms are likely throughout the day in Des Moines, with a total rainfall of 0.25 to 0.5 inches possible before 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Office in Des Moines.
Iowa’s capital city and much of the state are under a Level 2 of 4 risk for excessive rainfall Thursday, according to the NWS.
The high will be 81 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms in Des Moines are expected to continue into the early hours of Friday, Aug. 14, with temperatures falling to around 67 degrees.
5 must-see events for the first day at the 2026 Iowa State Fair
There are dozens of events each day of the Iowa State Fair, but we’ve picked a few to recommend for Thursday, Aug. 13:
Who’s playing the Grandstand Thursday at the Iowa State Fair?
On opening night, country artist HARDY will perform with special guest McCoy Moore. Tickets are available now at iowastatefair.org and start at $54.40.
Tickets may also be purchased from the State Fair ticket office, located on the front porch of the Administration Building. It’s open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair 2026 Day 1 Guide: Weather, events and Grandstand acts
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
