Media Credentials Request
Welcome! Fair Spirit is August 13-23, 2026. Below are a couple of details about requesting media credentials for the 2026 Iowa State Fair. We appreciate your event coverage and look forward to working with you!
A limited number of complimentary tickets and parking passes are available for working media. Everyone must have an admission ticket to enter the Fairgrounds, and all members of the working media must sign out an Iowa State Fair media badge to work on the grounds.
How do I request media credentials?
The media credentials request form opens on May 15 and closes on July 24, 2026. Please fill in each day and let us know how many passes and how many people will be working. You will receive a confirmation email that we have received your request and a follow-up when your request is approved. Not every request for credentials can be approved. If approved, media credentials, Fair information, admission, and parking passes will be shipped in early August. You must obtain your working media badge in the media center on the Fairgrounds when you arrive, tickets and parking do not serve as your media badge or media credentials. Please ensure your mailing address is correct for UPS or FedEx; lost tickets may not be replaced.
Photography/Video
All working media must obtain media credentials in the marketing office to film and take photos for commercial, editorial, or news purposes. Permissions per individual outlets may be needed. By purchasing a ticket, Fairgoers agree to enter the Fair and agree to the possibility of photos or videos by individuals, companies, or media. The Iowa ACLU states, you have the right to photograph or film anything that is in plain view when you are lawfully in a public space. This includes state and federal buildings, transportation facilities, and government officials carrying out official duties. The Iowa State Fair abides by open records rules.
Do you have space available to work?
Our working media office is open in the Administration Building, lower level, daily during the Fair (Aug. 13-23) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other hours and days are available with prior arrangements. A limited number of cubicles and tables are available. This area is where all upcoming press conferences or special announcements will be shared.
Getting around?
A Fairgrounds map can be found here. Each person, each day, will be required to show a wristband or a ticket to enter the grounds. Depending on the equipment you plan to bring onto the grounds, we may need to search it. Golf carts are not available for rent. You are welcome to rent wagons with HomeTown Mobility or bring your small moving equipment, wagons, if needed.
What are the Fair hours?
The Fair is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to midnight August 8-22, 2026, and closes early on Sunday, August 23 at 9 p.m. Most buildings are open from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. The working media center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Fair day. Here is a list of hours: https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/fair-hours
What does a Pre-Fair pass mean?
A pre-fair pass allows you on the grounds August 8-12 before the Fair officially opens. If you need access to the grounds between August 8 - August 12, 2026, please request pre-fair passes on the credentials request form. You will NOT need admission tickets until the Fair opens to the public on August 13, 2026.
A pre-fair pass is not valid August 13-23. If you will be on the grounds prior to 7:00 a.m. during the Fair, limited gates are available for entry. Arrangements will need to be made with the marketing department for early entry.
Political Candidates and Campaign Requests
The Iowa State Fair welcomes elected officials and political candidates as part of Iowa’s largest event. Space is not provided for meet-and-greets, campaign rallies, fundraisers or other political events during the Fair. Political interviews are allowed in designated areas such as the Des Moines Register Soapbox booth and respective party or candidate booths. Media credentials are not provided for the sole purposes of political coverage and interviews are not coordinated through the Iowa State Fair marketing department.
What is the Soapbox?
The Des Moines Register handles the Soapbox speech schedule. For more information, contact bsmith@dmreg.com.
Artist interviews or photography
Each artist and band management approves photography, articles, or interviews. If you are seeking permission, please include that information with your credentials request. A list of requests will be submitted to our talent agency for review by August 1st, and each band will share their decision before their concert at the Fair.
The Fair has an official photographer, Matthew Putney, and you can request photos before a concert through the marketing department if needed. His photos will be posted here for use by the media: https://www.iowastatefair.org/media/image-library
Are Drones Allowed?
All drone footage requires pre-approval, scheduling, and supervision by an Iowa State Fair marketing staff member. Unsupervised drones are not allowed during the Fair.
Online Content Creators and Social Media Influencers
We try our best to accommodate social media influencers and online content creators who can help share the Iowa State Fair experience with new audiences. Credential requests are reviewed based on audience reach, engagement and planned Fair coverage.
Sign up for our e-newsletter, text alerts (text FAIR to 844-844-8508) and follow us on social media for up-to-date information.