Your safety is our top priority.

The Iowa State Fair is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for all guests, exhibitors, vendors, performers, staff, volunteers, and partners.

With over a million visitors at the Fair, we work closely with state and local officials, first responders and health professionals to ensure a safe, clean and welcoming environment for everyone. From 24/7 on-site security and emergency medical services to food safety inspections and sanitation protocols, we take every precaution so you can focus on making memories. Whether you're here for the rides, the food, the animals or the fun, know that we're working behind the scenes to keep the Fair safe and enjoyable for all.

Through multiple channels, we work to monitor and communicate the latest issues in a timely manner. The Iowa State Fair is proud to partner with the Iowa State Patrol, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Des Moines Police Department to provide public safety. Please call 800/545-FAIR or email info@iowastatefair.org with questions.

This Code of Conduct establishes expectations for behavior and outlines prohibited activities while on Iowa State Fairgrounds, including the Grandstand and Elwell Family Park, during the annual Iowa State Fair.

Code of Conduct

All Fairgoers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that respects the safety, rights, and enjoyment of others. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Loitering, blocking walkways, entrances, exits, access points, or emergency routes
• Walking or congregating in large groups in a manner that impedes pedestrian flow
• Running on the Fairgrounds, except in the case of an emergency
• Fighting, physical altercations, throwing objects, or engaging in violent behavior
• Disorderly, disruptive, threatening, or offensive behavior
• Use of foul, abusive, or obscene language or gestures
• Actions that interfere with Fair operations, staff, performers, exhibitors, or law enforcement

Guests who violate these standards may be immediately removed from the Fairgrounds without refund and may be subject to arrest or citation if their conduct constitutes a violation of law.

Attire and Personal Items

All Fairgoers must wear attire that includes a shirt or top that covers the chest, back, and torso; bottom garments; and footwear, unless medically necessary or otherwise required by religious practice.

Clothing or personal items that are reasonably determined by Fair management to be obscene, profane, lewd, materially and substantially disruptive, threatening to the safety of others, promoting illegal activity, or gang-related are prohibited.

Weapons

Weapons of any kind are prohibited on the Fairgrounds. Firearms are prohibited with or without a permit unless expressly authorized by the Fair Board in accordance with Iowa law. Violations will result in immediate removal and possible arrest. Iowa Administrative Code 371—2.5(173)

Bag Searches

The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, purses, coolers, and containers upon entry or while on the Fairgrounds. Refusal will result in denied entry or removal. Additional bag screening will be conducted upon entering the Grandstand.

The following items are NOT permitted at the Iowa State Fair:

• FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND WEAPONS OF ANY KIND
• MARIJUANA OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
• FIREWORKS, EXPLOSIVES OR FLAMMABLE OBJECTS
• OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
• DRONES
• SKATEBOARDS AND BICYCLES (INSIDE THE GATES DURING THE FAIR)
• PETS (SERVICE ANIMALS EXCEPTED)
• SMOKING OR VAPING IN THE BARNS, BUILDINGS, MUSIC OR EATING VENUES
• ANY ADDITIONAL ITEM DEEMED UNSAFE OR INAPPROPRIATE

The following items are ALLOWED at the Iowa State Fair:

• SMALL COOLERS
• OUTSIDE FOOD AND NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK
• DIAPER BAGS AND BACKPACKS

The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to refuse entry or remove individuals for violations. Ejection may occur without refund and law enforcement may be contacted.

All local, state, and federal laws apply. The Iowa State Fair is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property.

Grandstand and Elwell Family Park Items

Safety at the Grandstand is a top priority. All guests pass through security screening, and trained staff are on hand to assist with emergencies. Clear signage, well-lit exits, and coordination with law enforcement help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for every concert and event.

The following items are NOT permitted in the Grandstand or Elwell Family Park:

• BACKPACKS OR LARGE BAGS
• PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS OR RECORDING EQUIPMENT
• GO PROS, SELFIE STICKS
• RADIO SCANNING OR JAMMING EQUIPMENT
• LARGE BANNERS, UMBRELLAS
• CHAIRS OR STOOLS
• GLASS OR METAL CONTAINERS
• LASER POINTERS
• ANY UNSAFE OR INAPPROPRIATE ITEM

Bags and other security measures will be taken at the discretion of the artist and band management if requested.

Weather Exception: In instances of extreme heat as determined by Fair management, metal water bottles may be permitted in Elwell Family Park.

Severe Weather Policy

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. 

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.

Grandstand Severe Weather

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.

Lost Children

Lost children, adults or persons with special needs should be taken 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, adults, or people 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.

First Aid

The Hy-Vee Health and First Aid Center is located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building, and a satellite station is located at the Robert G. Horner & Sheri Avis Horner Service Center. Locations are staffed by Des Moines Fire and Rescue.

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.

Livestock Safety

As an agricultural institution, we are proud to share our rich heritage through livestock education, entertainment, and competition. The Iowa State Fair does not condone animal abuse of any kind. We have strict animal care policies, ethics codes for 4-H and FFA members to abide by, and an Animal Care Committee. We strive to make the Iowa State Fair a safe and enjoyable place for people and animals alike.

Although most kinds of E. coli (Escherichia coli) are harmless, some cases can make you sick. Play it safe around animals by:

1. Wash your hands often,
2. Keep food and drinks out of animal areas
3. Supervise children around animals.

Service Animal Policy

The Iowa State Fair follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. ADA regulations state that the specific work or task an animal has been trained to perform must be directly related to a person’s disability. According to the ADA, dogs and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. Emotional support or comfort animals are not permitted. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.  

Political Activities

Political candidates must purchase admission and parking for the Fair. Space is not provided for meet-and-greets, campaign rallies, fundraisers or other political events during the Fair. Political signs and picketing are allowed only in designated areas, including the Des Moines Register Soapbox booth and respective party or candidate booths. Space can be rented through a contractual agreement during non-Fair times. All contracts shall follow normal Fair policy and procedures governing non-Fair events. Individual rules for buildings and events can be found at www.iowastatefairgrounds.org.

Protests and Demonstrations

During the dates of the Iowa State Fair, including the dates immediately leading up to the Fair and after the Fair’s conclusion, no person or group of persons shall march, picket, protest or demonstrate on the Fairgrounds in any manner that interferes with the convenience or safety of any Fairgoer, exhibitor, vendor, or employee.

• Individuals interfering with the convenience or safety of others shall be directed to locations outside Fairgrounds entry gates.
• Protest activity outside the gates is permitted during Fair-time so long as it does not block or impede ingress or egress, obstruct sidewalks or roadways, or interfere with Fair operations.
• Failure to comply with lawful direction may result in removal from Fairgrounds property.

Prohibited Signs and Display Materials

The following restrictions apply at all times:

• Signs mounted on poles, sticks, rods, handles, or similar rigid supports are prohibited.
• Signs must be handheld and constructed of lightweight materials.
• Signs that are obscene, graphically explicit, or patently offensive are prohibited.
• Signs may not obstruct sightlines, crowd movement, or be affixed to Fair property.

Distribution of Materials or Mascots

The distribution of materials outside of assigned booth spaces is prohibited. This applies to vendors, sponsors, volunteers and regular Fairgoers. The purpose of this rule is to prevent individuals from distributing materials without proper authorization and to ensure that all vendors have an equal opportunity to promote their products or exhibits. This rule is based on the Supreme Court case Heffron vs. International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which states that the distribution of materials is to be done from a fixed location.

Help Us Help YOU stay safe. If you see something, say something.

Public Safety
515-262-3931