Limited Number of Tickets On Sale Now
Immerse yourself in Iowa agriculture at the Iowa State Fair with smaller, exclusive, up-close and one-on-one experiences.
Barnyard Yoga
New in 2023, mini horse yoga will be added to the already adorable goat and bunny yoga list. This won't be the most physically intensive workout, but it is guaranteed to be an experience loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. All participants will receive an Iowa State Fair Barnyard Yoga mat along with a swag bag from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative including fruit from Capital City Fruit and much more! Tickets are required for each class and classes will fill up quickly. Sponsored by Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.
Mini Horse Yoga: Sunday, August 13 at 3 p.m., Livestock Pavilion
Goat Yoga: Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m., Goat Show Ring in the Swine Barn
Bunny Yoga: Sunday, August 20 at 9 a.m., Outside the Rabbit and Poultry Building
Cost for each class: $25 per person
Sunset Yoga in The Garden
Take an evening to relax and re-center yourself in one of the most beautiful spots on the Fairgrounds. The Garden debuted for the 2021 Iowa State Fair and features fruits and vegetables grown in Iowa. Whether you are a yoga expert or looking to try something new, this is the perfect class for you to unwind from a day at the Fair! All participants will receive an Iowa State Fair Sunset Yoga mat along with a swag bag from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative including fruit from Capital City Fruit and much more! Tickets are required for each class and classes will fill up quickly. Sponsored by Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.
Thursday, August 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
Cuddles and Snuggles Chore Time
A family adventure like no other! 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. This VIP experience is for families who have always wondered what it takes to care of all the mamas and babies in the Animal Learning Center during the Fair! Limited to families of 6 members or less.
Friday, August 11 from 8-9 a.m.
Saturday, August 12 from 8-9 a.m.
Monday, August 14 from 8-9 a.m.
Thursday, August 17 from 8-9 a.m.
Saturday, August 19 from 8-9 a.m.
Cost: $40 per family (6-person max)
Fair After Dark – A Night at the Museums
Rocking on the porch...walking through history...all with a drink in your hand, it's the Fair's Night at the Museums. Come tour the Iowa State Fair Museums, learn more information on the ins and outs of our great State Fair! Tickets are limited for this behind-the-scenes, VIP event and attendees must be 21 and over to attend. Prizes will be awarded and two drink tickets are included with each ticket purchase.
Friday, August 11 from 8:30-10:30 p.m., Museum Complex
Cost: $30 per person
Fair After Dark – Farm Challenge
Can you throw a bale of hay, gather eggs or tell the difference between a beef cow and dairy cow? The Farm Challenge will be a fun night filled with all things farming and agriculture in the state of Iowa. Be sure to have your chore boots and friends ready! Tickets are limited for this behind-the-scenes, VIP event and attendees must be 21 and over to attend. Prizes will be awarded and two drink tickets are included with each ticket purchase.
Friday, August 18 from 8:30-10:30 p.m., Outdoor Arena
Cost: $30 per person
The Kitchen
The Kitchen opened in time for the 2022 Fair and is like nothing else on the Fairgrounds. The renovated, state-of-the-art kitchen was designed around teaching, learning and sharing. Whether you are just curious about cooking and baking or you are the envy of your friends and family; you are invited to stop, sit for a minute and enjoy a variety of presentations from some interesting and amazing Iowans. Discover your inner chef in The Kitchen at the Iowa State Fair and leave inspired to make your next gathering, tailgate, party or family meal amazing. Five different sessions will be held per day including baking demos, easy dinner ideas, charcuterie, how-to pie making, side dishes and more. Appliances provided by Warners' Stellian.
The Kitchen demonstrations are free to the public, with the exception of the classes below.
The following classes require pre-registration:
Kids in The Kitchen – Cupcake Decorating
The Iowa State Culinary Science Club will present a cupcake decorating workshop to demonstrate cake decorating techniques using buttercream icing. Participants will learn a variety of techniques and will have an opportunity to use them while decorating two cupcakes.
Presented by the Iowa State University Culinary Science Club. (ages 6-12 years)
Saturday, August 19 from 1-2 p.m.
Cost: $10
Adult Charcuterie Workshop
Adults will be able to watch and engage in the making of a charcuterie board. They will learn the basics of a board along with recipes and assembly. Participants will each create their own charcuterie tray to enjoy and take home.
Presented by the Iowa State University Culinary Club. (over 18 years)
Saturday, August 19 from 5-6 p.m.
Saturday, August 19 from 7-8 p.m.
Cost: $25
A limited number of tickets are on sale at for these exclusive events at www.iowastatefair.org. Fair admission is not included.
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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair, located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Best Days Ever at the Iowa State Fair, August 10-20, 2023. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.