During the Fair, The Kitchen, located in Maytag Family Theaters, is a popular demonstration kitchen for anything from cuts of meat to barbecue, cake decorating, charcuterie and cooking with honey. From November through April, stay tuned for interactive, educational and fun cooking classes for all skill levels. Learn from local experts, using local products. Look for special events throughout the year until the 2026 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. 

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The Iowa State Fair is featured in "State Fairs: Growing American Craft," an exhibition on display at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C. August 22, 2025-September 7, 2026. The exhibition is dedicated to artists' contributions to the great U.S. tradition of state fairs with more than 240 artworks on view, dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

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Renovations and Improvements

Interested in learning about Iowa State Fairgrounds projects and renovations? Learn more about the Renovations and Improvements that are taking place on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.