Wednesday, Aug 13, 2025 at 8:00am
Schedule:
Solar Day
Celebrate solar energy at the Fair Solar energy benefits both rural and urban Iowans with solar installed in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Stop by the Solar booth on the Grand Concourse to see solar panels in action and learn how Iowa farmers, businesses and homeowners are harnessing the power of the sun.
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
Special Savings
Monday-Thursday evenings: $12 adult (ages 12 and up), $8 child (ages 6-11
Older Iowans’ Day presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield: $12 admission for Fairgoers ages
60 and up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During the Fair, you’re in luck, save a buck. Monday-Thursday, Every ride and game in Thrill Town (10
a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Thrill Ville (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $1 off.
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.
Sensory-Friendly Morning
presented by ChildServe with programming sponsored by Drake University and IAble
Special programming modifications, designated educational areas, clear directional signage and trained
volunteers throughout the Fairgrounds
8 a.m. Calming Room - (Sensory-Friendly Morning), Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service
Center & Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center (Staffed 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
8 a.m. "I Picked" at The Garden
8 a.m. Little Hands on the Farm, Kids' Zone
8 a.m. Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center
8 a.m. Sensory Walk, Kids' Zone
9 a.m. Barn Education Areas
9 a.m. Create Your Own “Fair Square,” Maytag Family Theater
Entertainment
Iowa State Fair Grandstand presented by Iowa Lo?ery – Krause Group Stage
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. Hairball's Silver Anniversary Tour ($24-34)
10:30 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
10 a.m. Hat Parade (registration 9:30 a.m.)
11 a.m. Iowa State Patrol K9 Demonstration
11:45 a.m. Way We Live Award Presentation, Kutzli Family and Miller Family
Noon Iowan of the Day Presentation
12:30 p.m. Bill Riley Talent Search (to follow Iowan of the Day)
7 p.m. Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
Elwell Family Park
West outdoor arena with covered bleachers; action dirt events
Noon Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls (adult $30, child $25; gates open at 11 a.m.)
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: Kids' Club Gives Back - Older Iowans' Day
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 na?onal touring entertainment; KCCI TV8 live news
9 a.m. Variety Mobility Presenta?on
10 a.m. Super Sensory Adventure
11 a.m. Educa?on and Make and Take
1 p.m. Des Moines PS Tappers, Dance
4:30 p.m. KCCI TV8 News
8 p.m. Allie Colleen
The Lawn
West of Richard O. Jacobson Exhibi?on 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
Additional Dates:
