FAIRTIME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Year-round FAQ's

When is the 2008 Fair?
August 7-17, 2008

How do I sign up to compete in the 2008 Iowa State Fair?
Information on competitive events will be posted on the How to Enter/Premium Books page. For information on contests visit the Contests page. Details will be available on each page in the Spring.

How do I get a 2008 Premium Book?
Premium books will be posted on the How to Enter/Premium Books page in May.

Where is the Fair located?
The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue in Des Moines.  Driving directions can be found on the Maps and Directions page.

Where can I find a map of the Fairgrounds?
Click here to download a map of the Fairgrounds.

What time do the Fairgrounds open and close?
The Fair is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.  Most Fair buildings are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

When do advance admission tickets go on sale?  Where can I purchase them?
Advance admission tickets go on sale approximately July 7, 2008. These discounted tickets are available through August 6 at participating area businesses, the Iowa State Fair ticket Office or online.  For more information, visit the Admissions and Hours page.

When do Grandstand tickets go on sale? Where can I purchase them?
Grandstand tickets go on sale approximately mid-May and are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone numbers and ticketmaster.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office if tickets remain when the office opens
July 7.  For more information, visit the Grandstand page.

Do Grandstand tickets include Fair admission?
Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair. Fair admission must be purchased separately. For more information, visit the Admissions and Hours page.

Are pets allowed on Fair grounds?
No, pets are not allowed on the Fairgrounds during the Fair.  Pets are allowed on the Fairgrounds only during non-Fairtime.

Are coolers allowed on grounds?  Water bottles?
Coolers are not allowed through the gates. Exception is made for patrons with medical conditions that need to keep medications cooled. Bottles, cans or drink containers are not allowed onto the Fairgrounds.

Where are ATMs located?
An ATM is located just outside the Des Moines Register Service Center.  During the Fair, an additional ATM is located just inside the Grandstand entrance.  Five more ATMs are located adjacent to the northeast corner of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. 

Where are lost items claimed?
Lost and found is located at the Public Safety Building, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse.  Public Safety can be reached by phone at 515/262-3111 x312.

Does the Fair have motorized scooters?
A limited number of wheelchairs and electric scooters will be available for rent on a first come, first serve basis at two locations: adjacent to Gate #11 at the west end of the Grand Concourse and east of Gate #15. For more information visit the Disability Assistance page.

Where can I rent strollers or wagons at the Fair?
Strollers and wagons are available on a first come, first serve basis inside the Grand Avenue Gate #11 and Gate #15. Stoller rental is $8 per day, wagon rental is $15 per day (deposit of driver’s license is required for rentals).

Where do I find a daily program of Fair events?
The Fair’s Daily Program will be inserted into The Des Moines Register on
Sunday, August 3, 2008 and will also be available online beginning approximately July 18 on the Daily Program page. Programs are also distributed at all gates during the Fair.

Where are the Fair DART shuttles located and when are they running?
Route information can be found on the State Fair Shuttles page.

Where can I find results and when are they posted?
Results are generally posted within 2-3 days of the event on the Fair Results page. For complete 4-H results, please contact your local extension office. 

Are there camping sites available during Fairtime?
Demand for a spot in our lush, 160-acre Campgrounds is always high! For more information visit the Fairtime Camping page.
 
Where can I find information about hotels near the Fairgrounds?
The Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau provides up-to-date lodging information. You may contact them by calling 800/451-2625 or search their online accommodations listings.

Where is handicap accessible parking available during the Fair?
The largest area of parking reserved for visitors with disabilities is located in the North Lot. Admission to this lot is through Gate #2 at East 33rd Street and East University Avenue. Vehicle parking is on a space-available basis; some hard-packed surface parking is available. For more information visit the Disability Assistance page.