In 2026, the Iowa State Fair is planning a full slate of special events, entertainment and competition to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Don’t worry, your Fair favorites will be back—alongside many special one-time experiences, patriotic tributes and can’t-miss moments. This year’s celebration is set to be bigger and bolder for a once-in-a-generation celebration.
- Legacy sculpture - Dan Perry, a UNI art professor and Iowa sculptor, has been commissioned to create a sculpture celebrating the Fair in the Ruan Plaza circle by the Giant Slide.
- “Spirit of ’76 – Iowa Celebrates America250!” exhibit - Located under the east end of the Grandstand in what is now called the East Marketplace, this learning experience will immerse Fairgoers in life in Iowa in 1776 and connect the people and places of the Revolutionary War.
- 250 Years of the American Flag display - Located between Pioneer Hall and Grandfather’s Barn, this display celebrates 250 years of American Independence by representing each year in American history with the official U.S. Flag design flown that year.
- Iowa Veterans Memorial Walkway on Expo Hill - Utilizing the existing sidewalk starting across from the First Church, the walkway will incorporate historical markers representing every war or conflict that Iowans have participated in (starting with a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) historical marker representing the Revolutionary War). Phase II of the project in 2027 will include brick pavers and a monument at the top of the walkway.
- Official America250 Tree - The official America250 tree will be planted on the Iowa State Fairgrounds on April 24 at 9 a.m., south of the Administration Building by the Anne and Bill Riley Stage. This special tree is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa 4-H and the Iowa FFA Foundation, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers and Frazier Nursery as a part of a statewide tree planting program with 4-H clubs and FFA chapters.
- Nightly drone shows - Following the Star-Spangled Fireworks after each Grandstand show, a special Spirit in the Sky drone show will light up the night with precisely choreographed displays of red, white and blue lights perfectly tuned and synchronized to music.
Other initiatives already announced include statewide student art and writing contests, a children’s coloring contest, the Freedom250 Truck mobile museum, numerous special competitions (check out the details at https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/iowa-state-fair-americas-250-2026), and special commemorative red, white and blue ribbons, rosettes and banners.
Watch for more celebration announcements about Red, White and Blue Day on Thursday, August 13, a commemorative Barksdale’s State Fair cookie bucket, special free entertainment, red/white/blue foods and additional patriotic parade awards.
All America250 events and details can be found at www.iowastatefair.org.