Aug 13 - 23, 2026
Fair Spirit
August 13-23, 2026
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VIP Experiences
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!
Kids Bath Bomb & Bubble Bath Making with By Wysteria
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
Body Spray & Lip Gloss Making with By Wysteria
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
Perfume Making with By Wysteria
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
The Art of Floral Design with Rose Farm
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
Consumable Christmas
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
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!
Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time
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! Space is limited to families of 6 members or fewer.
Cost: $40 per family (max 6-person)
Fair After Dark - Hat Bar and Kahoot! at the Bubbly Bar
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
Fair After Dark - Adults ONLY Night at the Animal Learning Center
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.