Friday, Aug 8, 2025 at 8:00am
Schedule:
Power Up Iowa Day
Stars, Stripes, and American Power Step into our all-American, interactive exhibit and discover how homegrown wind, solar, and energy storage are fueling communities across Iowa and the entire nation. See how American-made energy is creating good-paying jobs, boosting local businesses, strengthening rural economies, and driving a more secure energy future. Strap on a VR headset and scale a wind turbine, get to know the veterans powering the movement, and explore exciting careers in clean energy. Our hands-on displays and friendly, knowledgeable team are ready to guide you every step of the way. Come see how Iowa is charging ahead and leading America’s clean energy revolution
Gate Admission
Adult (ages 12 and up): $16
Child (ages 6-11): $10
Under 5: Free
A?er 10 p.m., there are no on-site ticket sales or entry/re-entry at the gates
Thrill Park Wristband
Good during Fair time only on any ride or game in Thrill Town and Thrill Ville. Tickets and credits can be purchased and reloaded onto the Thrill Park Wristband at any Thrill Parks kiosk in Thrill Town or Thrill Ville.
$1 for 1 credit
Thrill Park Wristbands are not valid in Thrill Zone.
Upon initial purchase of a Thrill Park Wristband , a one-time $1 fee is charged.
Entertainment:
Iowa State Fair Grandstand presented by Iowa Lo?ery – Krause Group Stage
Drone Show presented by Travel Iowa
Fireworks Spectacular presented by Coca-Cola
The Fair’s largest stage with 11 nights of top performers; buy Grandstand tickets at iowastatefair.org.
Prices include facility fees charged on all tickets. Pricing varies based on Etix service fees charged for online and phone orders.
8 p.m. Parker McCollum with special guest Josh Abbo? Band ($54-94)
10:30 p.m. Iowa State Fair Drone Show, to follow Grandstand show
10:45 p.m. Fireworks Spectacular to follow Grandstand show
Anne and Bill Riley Stage
sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor iHeart
Local and national touring entertainment; Talent Search
9:30 a.m. Kasey Leigh Dance Studio, Ankeny
11 a.m. Iowa State Patrol K9 Demonstration
Noon Iowan of the Day Presentation
12:30 p.m. Bill Riley Talent Search (to follow Iowan of the Day)
7 p.m. The Holy Rocka Rollaz
9 p.m. The Holy Rocka Rollaz
Expo Hill
Free entertainment, MidAmerican Energy Wind Turbine and Education Center
10 a.m. Louie the Lightning Bug and/or Sniffy the Sniffasaurus Sighting, MidAmerican Energy Wind
Turbine and Education Center
10 a.m. Chainsaw Carvers Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik
Noon Chainsaw Carvers Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik
3:30 p.m. Chainsaw Carvers Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik
5:30 p.m. Chainsaw Carvers Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik
Hy-Vee Fun Forest
Variety Star Playground, stage with kid programming, Blue Ribbon Kids' Club
Fun Forest Stage
sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union
10 a.m. Blue Ribbon Kids' Club: Choose Iowa Day, Meet a Dairy Farmer
11:30 a.m. Brad Weston
12:30 p.m. The Chipper Experience - Where Comedy and Magic Collide
1:30 p.m. Brad Weston
2:30 p.m. The Chipper Experience - Where Comedy and Magic Collide
3:30 p.m. Brad Weston
4:30 p.m. The Chipper Experience - Where Comedy and Magic Collide
MidAmerican Energy Stage
with Iowa Realty and media sponsor KCCI TV8
Local and national touring entertainment; KCCI TV8 live news
9 a.m. DMI Dance Force, Des Moines
11 a.m. Jeff Stagg, Vocal, West Des Moines
1 p.m. Party of Four, Urbandale
4:30 p.m. KCCI TV8 News
7 p.m. The Nadas
9 p.m. The Nadas
The Lawn
West of Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center; outdoor entertainment; concessions
11 a.m. The Flying Royals
12:30 p.m. The Flying Royals
2 p.m. The Flying Royals
4:30 p.m. The Flying Royals
6 p.m. The Flying Royals
7:30 p.m. The Flying Royals
Strolling Acts
Around the Fairgrounds
11 a.m. Bandaloni
11:30 a.m. The Ice Cream Show with Greg Frisbee
Noon Hillbilly Bob
1 p.m. Bandaloni
2 p.m. The Ice Cream Show with Greg Frisbee
3 p.m. Bandaloni
4:30 p.m. The Ice Cream Show with Greg Frisbee
Susan Knapp Amphitheater
sponsored by Prairie Meadows with media sponsor WHO TV13
Local and national touring entertainment; WHO TV13 Hello Iowa show
9 a.m. Dance FX, Des Moines
11 a.m. Hello Iowa - WHO TV13
1 p.m. Iowa Grocery Bagging Contest
4 p.m. Iowa State Fair Queen Introductions
8 p.m. Creed Fisher
Bar And Restaurant Entertainment
Blue Ribbon Bar and Eatery
Located southeast of the Grandstand
9 a.m. Max and Amy Show Podcast
2 p.m. Mike Moody and The Outlaws
3 p.m. DJ Yacovana
6 p.m. The KC All Stars
Bubbly Bar and Bistro
Located west of Grandfather’s Barn
12:30 p.m. Pickleback
6:30 p.m. Decoy
Bud Tent
Located east of Ye Old Mill
4 p.m. Jordan Beem
6 p.m. Garre? Speer
9 p.m. DJ Diverse
Iowa Cra? Beer Tent
Located west of Jacobson Exhibi?on Center
7 p.m. Richard Arndt
Jalapeno Pete’s
Located southwest of Thrill Ville
1 p.m. Royce Johns Duo
4 p.m. The Birdhunters
8 p.m. Tony Bohnenkamp and Pianopalooza
JR’s SouthPork Ranch
Located west of the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion, on Rock Island Avenue
Noon Alexis Curran
2 p.m. Jake Schrodt
5 p.m. The Sheet
8 p.m. Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys
Additional Dates:
