Aug 13 - 23, 2026 | Days | Hours | Min
Fair Spirit
August 13-23, 2026
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Advance Adult Admission (Ages 12 and up): $11 ($16 at the gate)
Advance Child Admission (Ages 6-11): $7 ($10 at the gate)
Admission ticket is valid for one admission to the Iowa State Fair for any one day, August 13-23, 2026. Not valid with any other discount or offer. No refunds, no exchanges, no replacement tickets. Admission prices are subject to change.
Advance admission available until 11:59 p.m. on August 12, 2026.
Iowa State Fair Tickets sponsored by Maverik.
Step beyond the food and rides to unlock a side of the Fair few people get to experience. These VIP experiences are your backstage pass to unforgettable, hands-on adventures filled with exclusive access, up-close moments and one-of-a-kind memories. From yoga alongside adorable animals to after-hour events, each adventure offers a fresh way to explore the magic hidden across the Fairgrounds. Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking for an adults-only night out, these limited-capacity experiences are designed to make your Fair visit over the top. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities - get your tickets today!
Enjoy a fun afternoon creating your own bath bombs and bubble bath. Select from a variety of essential oils and fragrances, color, dried flowers and botanicals. This hands-on experience is great for kids 5 and up. We will supply all of the necessary supplies and equipment. Kids will get to take home their creations that day!
All Iowa Classroom
Sunday, August 16, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person; limit of 30 participants; class is open to children ages 5 and up
Enjoy a fun afternoon creating your own lip gloss and body sprays. Select from a variety of flavors and fun containers, essential oils and fragrances and colors. This hands-on experience is great for adults and kids, ages 7 and up. We will supply all of the necessary supplies and equipment. Participants will get to take home their creations that day!
All Iowa Classroom
Sunday, August 16, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person; limit of 30 participants; class is open to adults and children, ages 7 and up
Indulge your senses and create your own signature scent at our custom perfume making workshop! We will guide you through the process of selecting and blending essential oils and fragrance oils to craft a unique and one-of-a-kind fragrance that perfectly captures your personality. Each person will make their own 50mL perfume. A wide variety of perfume bottles will be available to match your vibe and aesthetic!
All Iowa Classroom
Sunday, August 16, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person; limit of 30 participants; class is open to participants ages 14 and up
Rose Farm has four beautiful gardens where over 100 varieties of flowers are grown. Our fresh florals are harvested by hand, plus great care is taken to ensure each bloom is a perfect one. In the Art of Floral Design, guests will begin by learning about the seasonal flowers, herbs and greenery growing in the gardens at Rose Farm. Next, guests will select a variety of freshly harvested blooms and begin a styling + design lesson with Karri Rose. Guests will be encouraged to use creativity to create a stunning arrangement in a compostable 32-ounce vessel. Rose Farm loves building community, plus they are passionate about partnering with like-minded businesses. We are committed to leaving this world a better place, as well as giving back.
All-Iowa Classroom
August 22, Noon to 1 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person; limit of 50 participants; class is open to adults or children over 12 years
The holidays will be here before we know it! We all have enough things, why not make consumable gifts for our friends and family? Learn how to make homemade vanilla paste, flavored syrups, spice mixes and hot cocoa mix. Go home with samples of everything made in class.
The Kitchen
August 22, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person; limit of 30 participants; class is open to adults or children over 12 years
Barnyard Yoga is back at the 2026 Iowa State Fair with Dairy Cows, Goats, and Bunnies! This workout won’t be the most physically intensive, but it is guaranteed to be loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. Advance tickets are required for each class, and each participant will receive an Iowa State Fair Barnyard Yoga mat. Classes will fill up quickly, so register today!
It’s an adventure fit for the whole family! Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time is your chance to help with morning chores, grab some baby animal snuggles and check out the behind-the-scenes action in a smaller, quieter setting. This VIP experience is for families who have always wondered what it takes to care for all the mamas and babies in the Animal Learning Center during the Fair! Cost is $40 per family and can be used for up to 6 people.
It’s a hoot with Fair Kahoot! Bring your friends for the best view on the Fairgrounds and some hands-on hat making and a special one-time only Iowa State Fair Kahoot!, all while enjoying the view and a special beverage at the Bubbly Bar on the hill next to Grandfather's Barn. Limited tickets are available for this VIP adventure, and attendees must be 21 or older. Throughout the night, you’ll have the chance to win prizes, and each purchase includes two free drink tickets and the cost of your custom trucker hat.
Cost: $45 per person
ALC College is in session for a higher degree of farm animal fun! Spend an evening diving deeper into Iowa agriculture while enjoying the sights, sounds and hands-on experiences of the Animal Learning Center. Designed exclusively for adults 21 and older, this after-hours event puts a fun, elevated twist on the classic ALC experience with VIP access, unique activities and plenty of opportunities to connect with agriculture in a whole new way. Throughout the evening, prizes will be awarded, and each purchase includes two free drink tickets.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair is bringing the spirit and excitement of the Wild West to Elwell Family Park on August 13 and 14 at 1 p.m. with a cowboy-style kick-off celebration. Fairgoers can experience world class rodeo action at this elite, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned championship event.
Sponsored by Titan Tire, Maker of Goodyear Farm Tires with media partner WHO-The Big Show
Wednesday, August 19
Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)
Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $25 ($30 during the Fair)
Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $20 ($25 during the Fair)
Saturday, August 22
Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)
Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $15 ($20 during the Fair)
Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $10 ($15 during the Fair)
Sunday, August 23
Noon (Gates open at 11 a.m.)
Pre-Fair Adult Ticket (ages 12 and over): $15 ($20 during the Fair)
Pre-Fair Child Ticket (ages 2-11): $10 ($15 during the Fair)
Nothing compares to the thrills at the Iowa State Fair. From the Giant Slide to Thrill Parks to Ye Old Mill, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
$40 for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town.
These are good for unlimited rides until 10 p.m. on the day of use, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Wristbands are not good on games, but additional credits can be added at any time.
Only available until August 12. Once the Fair starts, this wristband/deal will not be available for purchase.
$20
*Valued at $33.00, which is a savings of $13.00!
*Last day to purchase online is July 31!
*Allow 2 weeks to ship/receive. Physical product will be mailed to you from E-tix.
*State Fair Value Packs do NOT include admission into the Fair.
The Value Pack Includes:
1 Ye Old Mill ticket
1 Snakes Alive OR Train Exhibit ticket
1 Rock Wall* OR Krazy Maze ticket
2 Giant Slide tickets
1 Sky Glider ticket
1 ticket for a cup of Barksdale's State Fair Cookies
*Rock Wall max weight 240 lbs.
$30 for 50 credits ($20 savings!)
Good every day of the Fair on all rides and games in Thrill Town and Thrill Ville
Additional credits can be added during the Fair in the Thrill Parks - $1 per credit (ex. $20 will get you 20 credits)
This is a voucher redeemable during the 2026 Fair at Thrill Parks Guest Relations booth during Park hours.
$4 each.
Good for one trip down the Giant Slide any day of the Iowa State Fair!
Skip the ticket booth line, order today!
$3 each.
The oldest ride at the Iowa State Fair, the Ye Old Mill is fun for everyone. Good for one ride any day of the Fair!
Skip the ticket booth line, order today!
With a cup or a bucket, you can get a taste of the famous Barksdale's State Fair Chocolate Chip cookies.
$5 for a cup
Purchase a cup of famous, ooey-gooey, one of a kind Barksdale's State Fair Cookies!
$20 for a bucket
Purchase a bucket of famous, ooey-gooey, one-of-a-kind Barksdale's State Fair Cookies!