Commercial Space Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2025 Fair?
August 7-17, 2025
Where is the Fair located?
The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue in Des Moines. Driving directions can be found on the Maps and Directions page.
Where can I find a map of the Fairgrounds?
Click here to download a map of the Fairgrounds.
What time do the Fairgrounds open and close?
The Fair is open from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. Most Fair buildings are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. August 7-16: No on-site ticket sales and no entry/re-entry allowed after 10 p.m. No entry or re-entry after 7 p.m. on the last Sunday.
Are political candidates welcome to campaign at the Iowa State Fair?
Political candidates are welcome to attend the Iowa State Fair with paid gate admission.
Where is handicap accessible parking available during the Fair?
The largest area of parking reserved for visitors with disabilities is located in the North Lot. Admission to this lot is through Gate #2 at East 33rd Street and East University Avenue. Vehicle parking is on a space-available basis; some hard-packed surface parking is available. For more information visit the Disability Assistance page.
Are concealed weapons allowed on the Fairgrounds?
Guns are prohibited on the Iowa State Fairgrounds; with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry unless authorized by the Fair Board as per Iowa Code. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds and/or being charged under Iowa Code.
Is smoking allowed on the Fairgrounds?
In accordance with the Smokefree Air Act, portions of the Fairgrounds are smoke-free. While smoking is allowed in the walkway areas of the Fairgrounds, the law applies to sections designated by no-smoking signs. In those areas, smoking of any kind is prohibited (including use of e-cigarettes). Smoke-free areas of the Fairgrounds include:
Outdoor entertainment venues: stage areas, building porches and grounds attraction areas.
Restaurants and bars: both enclosed and open serving areas, eateries and concession stands.
Grandstand area or inside buildings: this remains the same as past years.
For more information or to report a complaint, visit the Smokefree Air Act Smokefree Air Act; call the Smokefree Air Act Helpline 1-888-944-2247; or mail a written complaint to the Iowa Department of Public Health, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075.
Where should lost children/lost people go?
Lost children or persons with special needs to the Public Safety Building at the west end of Grand Avenue. Paging is done from the Public Safety Building from 9 a.m. until midnight, and is only available for lost children or persons with special needs and medical emergencies. “Kid Find” wristbands will be available at all Information booths, the Public Safety Building, the Hall of Law and at the Des Moines Radio Group booth at the west end of the Grandstand. Wristbands are sponsored by Goodwill Industries in partnership with STAR 102.5, the Iowa State Fair Police and the Iowa State Patrol.
What happens during severe weather?
When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the Fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting Fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated every two minutes until the severe weather warning has expired. Fairgoers may get general Fair alerts at ‘FAIR’ to 844.844.8508.
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.
When do advance admission tickets go on sale? Where can I purchase them?
For more information, visit the Buy Tickets page.
When do Grandstand tickets go on sale? Where can I purchase them?
For more info and the full lineup, visit the Grandstand page.
Do Grandstand tickets include Fair admission?
Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair. Fair admission must be purchased separately. For more information, visit the Buy Tickets page.
Are pets allowed on the Fairgrounds?
The only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.
During non-Fair time, pets are welcome on the Fairgrounds. During pet-specific events, there may be a waiver to this policy allowing pets in the show building.
What can I bring through the gate – like outside food, coolers or water bottles?
Refer to the Safety page for a list of permitted items at the Iowa State Fair. NOTE: metal and glass containers are not allowed in the Iowa State Fair Grandstand or Elwell Family Park. If perishables or medication need to stay cool, small soft sided coolers are permissible.
Where are ATMs located?
Approximately 30 ATMs will be scattered throughout the grounds, including just outside the Robert G. Horner & Sheri Avis Horner Service Center and just inside the Grandstand entrance.
Where are lost items claimed?
Lost and found is located at the Public Safety Building, located at the west end of the Grand Concourse. Public Safety can be reached by phone at 515/401-1614.
Does the Fair have motorized scooters?
Yes, there are a limited number available. Reservations will be accepted for full-day rentals of wheelchairs and electric scooters. A certain number of units will be available for walk-up rentals as well. They are adjacent to Gate #11 at the west end of the Grand Concourse and east of Gate #15. For more information visit the Disability Assistance page.
Where can I rent strollers or wagons at the Fair?
Strollers and wagons are available on a first-come, first-served basis inside the Gate 11 and Gate 15 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Stroller rental is $20 per day; double stroller rental is $25 per day (driver's license or state ID is required for security). Strollers and wagons are provided by Hometown Mobility.
Where do I find a daily program of Fair events?
The Fair’s Daily Program will be inserted into The Des Moines Register on the Sunday before the Fair, and will be available on the Daily Program page in July. Programs are also distributed at all gates during the Fair.
Where are the DART State Fair Park and Ride locations and when are they running?
Route information can be found on the State Fair Parking / DART Park & Ride page.
Are there camping sites available during Fairtime?
Demand for a spot in our lush, 160-acre Campgrounds is always high! For more information visit the Fair Time Camping page.
Where can I find information about hotels near the Fairgrounds?
The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau provides up-to-date lodging information. You may contact them by calling 800/451-2625 or search their online accommodations listings at catchdesmoines.com.