Prices in nearly every corner of life are up this summer, and that could be creeping into the money you had saved up for summer vacations.
Well, for the more than one million people planning to visit the Iowa State Fair this August, the fair is rolling out deals on tickets, rides and more. Here’s what to know.
When is the Iowa State Fair in 2026?
The 2026 Iowa State Fair will run Aug. 13-23. The 2026 theme is “Fair Spirit,” celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
How to buy discounted Iowa State Fair tickets
Buying your Iowa State Fair ticket before the fair starts is one of the biggest ways to save. Adult tickets (ages 12+) are $5 off when you purchase before the fair opens on Aug. 13, with prices jumping from $11 in advance to $16 at the gate.
Tickets for kids ages 6–11 are discounted by $3, with advance tickets at $7 and tickets at the gate at $10.
How to save on rides and games at the Iowa State Fair
Fairgoers can save $20 with an Advance Thrill Pass, which costs $30 and includes 50 ride credits for rides and games in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town any day of the fair. The pass is sold only before the fair and must be purchased by Aug. 12. Once the gates open, those same 50 credits cost $50 at regular fair pricing
There are one-day ride wristbands for $40 that offer unlimited Thrill Ville and Thrill Town rides for one person, and they’re only valid on Monday through Wednesday until 10 p.m
During Dollar Discount Days, Monday through Friday of the fair, every ride and game in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town is $1 cheaper until 4 p.m.
Experience the best of the Iowa State Fair with a $20 Value Pack
The State Fair Value Pack is an offer valued at $33 and costs only $20. It includes the following:
Value packs are available online through July 31 and in person at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office through Aug. 12.
Fairgoers can also save by buying advance tickets to events, including the PRCA Pro Rodeo, Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby and Figure 8 Race. You can order tickets at iowastatefair.org.
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: These early deals will help you save on Iowa State Fair tickets, rides
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
