Grandstand Entertainment

Tickets for all concerts and events go on sale on the Iowa State Fair website through official vendor Etix. Fair admission is not included.

The Iowa State Fair Grandstand Concert Series is presented by

KRAUSE GROUP STAGE

Buy Tickets
To order by phone call 1-800-514-3849

Grandstand Facts and Figures

Check out the list of Grandstand Acts from 1956 to 2026

Lainey Wilson drew a sold-out crowd of 17,360 on August 16, 2026, setting a new Iowa State Fair Grandstand attendance record and surpassing the previous record of 17,320 set by Chris Stapleton in 2021.
Overall 2026 Grandstand attendance record set at 132,014 even with a cancellation by Rod Stewart and special guest Richard Marx.
In 2023, there were two sold-out concerts: Eric Church and The Chicks
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 13 times (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1998, 2015, 2017, 2026).
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)
Megan Moroney (free stage 2023, Grandstand 2025)

Grandstand On-Sale Ticketing Tips and Tricks

Purchasing Grandstand tickets for the Iowa State Fair is the same in some ways, but may be different in other ways from buying tickets at other entertainment venues.

Because of our limited seating and sometimes high demand for certain shows, we have processes in place to keep it fair (pun intended), efficient, and as secure as possible.

Learn more

Grandstand Ticket Information

Grandstand Seating

Children under the age of 2 do not need a Grandstand ticket. Please see concert maps for reserved and seated or standing pit area. Convenience charges apply to all tickets.

Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission.

CONCERT-GOERS! HERE'S AN IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Tickets purchased online or by phone will be delivered electronically, with a delayed release. When you place your order, you'll receive a confirmation email as usual, but your tickets won’t be available to view or access until 3 days before the concert.

Why the change? It’s all part of our ongoing effort to limit fraudulent transactions and prevent tickets from ending up on secondary markets. This way, you can be sure you're getting the best seat and price for your concert experience. Please ensure that the email and cell phone number you provide at the time of purchase is accurate. Thank you in advance for your understanding!

BEWARE of THIRD-PARTY TICKET SALES

Only iowastatefair.org and etix.com sell official online tickets for the Iowa State Fair Grandstand. Although other online ticket brokers may imply they are an official seller, we can’t guarantee tickets purchased from other sources are legitimate.

We understand the frustration with third-party ticket sellers and have put in place the following procedures:

Delayed delivery
Bot stoppers
3D secure authentication
Customer/Order ticket limits
Technology to look for and block fraudulent behavior

As third-party tactics change, we will continue to evolve our technology and practices to help make sure Iowa State Fair Grandstand tickets go directly to our loyal concert-goers and fans.

Looking for your ticket order?

Head to Etix.com and enter your information to resend your tickets.

For questions, email ticketoffice@iowastatefair.org.

Grandstand Weather

When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the Grandstand, an announcement will be communicated over the public address system as well as video boards advising to shelter in place, move to the interior of the Grandstand, or evacuate the Grandstand. If a severe weather event occurs, Grandstand ushers, security personnel and law enforcement will give instructions. This may delay the event start time.

According to Fair procedures, when lightning is detected within 8 miles of the Fairgrounds, Grandstand concerts, free stages and Thrill Parks must cease operations for the safety of the Fairgoer.

Safety

Safety at the Grandstand is a top priority. All guests pass through security screening, and trained staff are on hand to assist with emergencies. Clear signage, well-lit exits, and coordination with law enforcement help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for every concert and event.

The following items are NOT permitted in the Grandstand or Elwell Family Park:

BACKPACKS OR LARGE BAGS
PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS, AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT
GO PROS
SELFIE STICKS
RADIO SCANNING/JAMMING EQUIPMENT
LARGE BANNERS
UMBRELLAS
CHAIRS, FOLDING CHAIRS, CAMP CHAIRS OR STOOLS
GLASS OR METAL CONTAINERS
LASER POINTERS
ITEMS(S) DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE, HARMFUL, OR UNSAFE.

Bags and other security measures will be taken at the discretion of the artist and band management if requested.