Weather and Parking Updates
Follow this page for up-to-date weather and parking info at the Fair, including cancellations, postponed events, location changes or lot closures.
Wednesday, August 5 10:15 a.m. | With 2.5 inches of rain since last night (and still raining), the Iowa State Fair is pausing all vendor and camper setup on Wednesday, August 5.
Concessionaires and outdoor vendors may only park or set up on hard surfaces today (Wednesday, August 5). Setting up on grassy areas is not allowed until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6.
The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are closing at noon today (Wednesday, August 5) for any new camper arrivals. The Campgrounds will reopen on Thursday, August 6 at 8:00 a.m.
Ground conditions are too soft at this time, and moving in now could damage grassy areas, cause deep ruts, and create unsafe conditions for vehicles, trailers, and campers.
Fair's On - Stay Cool at Fair Spirit
Sometimes in Iowa, it gets hot and with warmer weather predicted, please plan to make sure you have the best time at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear sunscreen and lightweight, loose fitting clothing
- Pace yourself
- Use a buddy system
Are you drinking enough water?
Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. Here is a map to all the drinking fountain locations. You can find them in the Horse Barn, Jacobson Exhibition Center, 4-H Building, Pella Plaza, Thrill Ville Midway, Cultural Center, Youth Inn, Grandstand, Stalling Barn, Elwell Family Food Center, Animal Learning Center, Service Center, Sheep Barn, Swine Barn, Varied Industries Building, Legacy Terrace. Outside food, drinks and a small cooler can be brought into the Fair. Please be aware that glass and metal containers are not allowed in the Grandstand or Elwell Family Park.
Can you find air conditioned buildings?
There are 10 buildings with air conditioning at the Iowa State Fair. They include the Cultural Center, Varied Industries Building, Youth Inn, Pavilion, Elwell Family Food Center, Service Center, Animal Learning Center, Maytag Family Theaters Kitchen, Jacobson Exhibition Center, 4-H Building.
Where can you rest your feet?
There are comfortable benches throughout the Fairgrounds along Grand Ave and along Rock Island. There are also many benches in the shade for the stages, in the gardens and at some food vendors. Additional benches are being added inside the Varied Industries Building. You can find a list of locations with sit down dining.
Where to go for more information?
If you need help or see someone who needs help, first aid stations can be found across from the Pork Tent and in the Service Center next to the Administration Building on Grand Ave.
Call 515-262 3931 for assistance if you are experiencing heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and/or fainting.