If you’re looking for corn dogs, butter sculptures, livestock competitions and more, you’re in luck. The 2025 Iowa State Fair is nearly here.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds will be packed with 11 days of fun in August.
But, before you go, here are some things to know.
When does the Iowa State Fair start?
The Iowa State Fair begins on Thursday, Aug. 7, and will run until Sunday, Aug. 17.
The fairgrounds are open from 8 a.m. through midnight each day the fair is up and running. However, you’ll want to get there before 10 p.m. and most buildings at the fairgrounds close at 8 p.m.
How much is a ticket to the Iowa State Fair? Are there discounts?
You can buy tickets before and during the fair on the Iowa State Fair website.
Ticket prices at the gate and online during the fair will be:
Before the official start date of the fair, tickets are discounted online:
Can I buy Iowa State Fair tickets in person?
The Iowa State Fair ticket office, located on the front porch of the Administration Building, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 2, it will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Aug. 3. The ticket windows at Gate 15 will also be open that weekend.
Where can I park for the Iowa State Fair?
Parking for motorcycles and vehicles is available in Lots A, B, and C for $10. Fairgoers can take the Blue Line Parking Shuttle for FREE from designated stops within Lots A, B, and C to the admission gates.
Don’t want to park? There is a designated area for taxis and rideshares at Gate 8. Give your driver the address 203 Rock Island, Des Moines, Iowa 50317 to locate the drop-off and pick-up location.
All parking options can be found on the Iowa State Fair website.
Some businesses and neighbors in the area also offer parking in lots and yards.
Where are the DART Park & Ride locations for the Iowa State Fair?
You can also take a DART bus to the fairgrounds. DART will offer three locations for 2025:
Roundtrip tickets are $2 if you order with the MyDART app or $3 at the ticket booth. Children ages 6-10 or persons with disabilities are $1.
Unlike past years, DART is not offering a discount if you show an advance admission ticket to the State Fair.
What can I bring to the Iowa State Fair?
You can bring sealed food and water bottles to the fairgrounds. Bags, purses and soft-sided coolers are allowed but will be inspected at the gates and at the Grandstand.
You won’t want to forget to bring sunscreen and weather-appropriate attire for typical August weather in Iowa. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes for a day chock-full of walking.
What are some of the top new Iowa State Fair foods?
While there are hundreds of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between, 67 new foods and 36 new drinks are joining the menus this year.
And, three will be competing to be named best new fair food:
If none of the new foods seem to your taste, plenty of classic corn dogs, cheese curds and more iconic fair foods will be available.
You can find more frequently asked questions about the Iowa State Fair and their answers on the Iowa State Fair website.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Your guide to the Iowa State Fair: Where to park, how to get tickets and more
Reporting by Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez and Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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