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.
Saturday, August 22 3:55 p.m. | Good news! Lots A, B and C are open again.
Saturday, August 22 12:20 p.m. | Gate 2C is closed.
Saturday, August 22 10:40 a.m. | Gate 2A is closed.
Saturday, August 22 10:25 a.m. | Gate 2B is closed.
Friday, August 21 3:25 p.m. | Gates 2A and 2B are open again.
Friday, August 21 12:45 p.m. | Please note the route change for parades: Beginning west of Elwell Family Park, traveling south on East 31st St to Walnut St (instead of Logan Ave), to Rock Island Ave, and to the Grand Concourse for ISU Marching Band at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, and the Budweiser Clydesdales through the end of the Fair. (Budweiser Clydesdales parade at 6 p.m. on Friday and at 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.)
Friday, August 21 10:50 a.m. | Gate 2A and 2B are closed.
Thursday, August 20 4:05 p.m. | Gates 2A and 2B are open again.
Thursday, August 20 10:45 a.m. | Gates 2A and 2B are closed.
Wednesday, Augsut 19 4:36 p.m. | Good news! Lots A, B and C are open again.
Wednesday, August 19 2:25 p.m. | Gate 2C is closed.
Wednesday, August 19 10:25 a.m. | Gate 2B is closed.
Wednesday, August 19 10:15 a.m. | Gate 2A is closed.
Tuesday, August 18 11:25 a.m. | Gate 2A is closed.
Monday, August 17 3:25 p.m. | Good news! Lots A, B and C are open again.
Monday, August 17 10:40 a.m. | Public parking off University is full. Ride DART or catch the free Southridge shuttle to the Fair today. Learn more about DART and Southridge options.
Monday, August 17 10:00 a.m. | Gate 2A is closed.
Monday, August 17 9:40 a.m. | Gate 2B is closed.
Sunday, August 16 7:35 p.m. | Electricity is restored in the affected areas.
Sunday, August 16 6:55 p.m. | Electricity out in Jacobson, Horse Barn, Cattle Barn and Youth Inn. Expect outage for 30 minutes.
Sunday, August 16 4:15 p.m. | Gates 2A and 2C are now open.
Sunday, August 16 11:15 a.m. | Public parking off University is full. Ride DART or catch the free Southridge shuttle to the Fair today. Learn more about DART and Southridge options.
Sunday, August 16 10:30 a.m. | Lot C is closed.
Sunday, August 16 10 a.m. | Campgrounds parking lot is open.
Sunday, August 16 9:10 a.m. | Lot B is closed.
Saturday, August 15 11:50 a.m. | The Center Street Parking Garage for the DART Park & Ride has plenty of available parking.
Saturday, August 15 10:50 a.m. | Public parking off University is full. Ride DART or catch the free Southridge shuttle to the Fair today. Learn more about DART and Southridge options.
Saturday, August 15 9:25 a.m. | Lot C is closed.
Saturday, August 15 7:50 a.m. | Lot B closed due to mud; only mirror hangers allowed.
Friday, August 14 8:30 p.m. | The Drone Show will not fly tonight due to unsuitable conditions in the Elwell Pit area. Fireworks are still planned for 10:15 p.m.
Friday, August 14 3:20 p.m. | The Budweiser Clydesdales will not be parading on Friday, August 14.
Friday, August 14 2:25 p.m. | The Short Course UTV & ATV Cup races have been canceled for Saturday, August 15.
Friday, August 14 11:35 a.m. | Public parking off University is full. Ride DART or catch the free Southridge shuttle to the Fair today. Learn more about DART and Southridge options.
Thursday, August 13 11:40 a.m. | All outdoor activities can resume.
Thursday, August 13 10:45 a.m. | The Bill Riley Talent Search is at 1 p.m.; check in is at 11 a.m.
Thursday, August 13 10:35 a.m. | Lot B is closed.
Thursday, August 13 10:30 a.m. | Due to lightning, all outdoor activities are suspended until further notice.
Thursday, August 13 8:50 a.m. | Overflow and non-registered camping is closed.
Thursday, August 13 7:50 a.m. | Due to heavy rains, we encourage you to wait before heading to the Iowa State Fair this morning. We’ll share updates on weather conditions and any schedule changes as information becomes available.
Please note the following location changes due to rain on Opening Day:
- Dean Avenue is temporary closed due to flash flooding
- Opening Historical Walk is rescheduled for 3 p.m. today, August 13
- Opening Ceremonies is moved to Penningroth Sale Ring at 9 a.m.
- The Twins, Triplets and More Contest is rescheduled to August 23 at 9 a.m. on the MidAmerican Energy Stage
- Dance Avenue is rescheduled for August 21 at 9 a.m. on MidAmerican Energy Stage.
Kids' Club is canceled for today, August 13; coupon books will be available at tomorrow's event.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay safe, and we’ll see you at the Fair!
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.