Grandstand Entertainment

Did You Know?

In 2023, a strong Grandstand lineup entertained 112,258 Fairgoers, including the largest contemporary Christian concert in Fair history (9,294 attendees watched FOR KING + COUNTRY on August 10). Other Grandstand highlights included crowds of more than 17,000 for Eric Church (August 13) and The Chicks (August 19); comedian Jeff Dunham enjoyed some Fair food and craft beer during his show; and the bass guitar player for Maren Morris won the yodeling contest at Pioneer Hall. More than 13,000 concertgoers danced and sang through a show flip with Ludacris and Sean Kingston, not to mention having sold a whopping 1,159 tickets on the day of the show. 

More Grandstand Facts and Figures

• In 2021, Chris Stapleton played to 17,320 Fairgoers in the Grandstand.
• In 2019, Slipknot played to a crowd of 17,032 Fairgoers in one show.
• In 1972, Sonny and Cher attracted 26,200 in two shows.
• In 1975, the Beach Boys drew 25,400 in one show.
• In 1970, Johnny Cash attracted 25,300 in two shows.
• In 1974, Chicago played to 24,700 in one show.
• In 1982, the Oak Ridge Boys drew 23,500 in two shows.
• Lou Christie tops the list with 13 Grandstand appearances (1981, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005). Christie performed on the Anne and Bill Riley stage in 2008 and the Walnut Stage in 2000. He also appeared at the Blue Ribbon Weekend in 1992. 
• Alabama has performed at the Fair twelve times (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1998, 2015, 2017).
• Garth Brooks was the last-minute replacement for Ricky Van Shelton. Garth Brooks returned to the Grandstand in 1991 and 1993 as one of country music’s top acts.
• These entertainers first appeared on a free stage before performing on the Iowa State Fair Grandstand:
• John Michael Montgomery (free stage in 1993, Grandstand in 1995 and 1997)
• Bryan White (free stage in 1995, Grandstand in 1997 and 1998)
• Trick Pony (free stage 2001, Grandstand in 2002 and 2003)
• Gary Allen (free stage 1999, Grandstand in 2004, 2007 and 2009)
• Cross Canadian Ragweed (free stage 2004, Grandstand 2005)
• Dierks Bentley (free stage 2004, Grandstand 2007 and 2016)
• Shooter Jennings (free stage 2006, Grandstand 2008)
• Chuck Wicks (free stage 2008, Grandstand 2009)
• Candy Coburn (free stage 2008, Grandstand 2009, 2010)
• The Band Perry (free stage 2011, Grandstand 2012)
• Tenth Avenue North (free stage 2011, Grandstand 2012)
• Lady Antebellum (free stage 2008, Grandstand 2014 and 2016)
• Color Me Badd (free stage 2016, Grandstand 2017)
• Dan and Shay (free stage 2015, Grandstand 2019 and 2021)
• Carly Pearce (free stage 2017, Grandstand 2019)
• Zach Williams (free stage 2017, Grandstand 2019)
  
• The Chicks (free stage 1998, Grandstand 2023)