Renovations and Improvements

Nothing Compares to the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds! The Iowa State Fair was first held at its current location in 1886, and buildings and landmarks have changed over time. As a result, projects and renovations are regularly taking place on the Fairgrounds.

Projects Planned for the 2026 Fair:

  • Grandstand roof replacement (Phase I)
  • New entrance to Lot C (University and East 38th Street)
  • A $2.5 million “refresh” of the Varied Industries Building, including a concession kitchen renovation; new window coverings on the second floor; new flooring in the conference rooms, south hallway, and southeast lobby; and a southwest restroom renovation
  • New fans in the Outdoor Arena
  • New street signs on the entire Fairgrounds and Campgrounds
  • Cookie Building HVAC improvements
  • Ag Building roof replacement (Final Phase)
  • Additional ADA seating in the Grandstand
  • 4-H Exhibit Building display fixture replacement (Phase II)
  • New shaded seating area east of the Cookie Building
  • New doors for Ag Building
  • New grounds-wide public address (PA) system for emergency announcements
  • Campgrounds Restroom #4 renovation (Phase II)
  • New show ring and portable pens in the Sheep Barn
  • Lot N (concessionaire supply truck) improvements
  • Horse Barn Renovation Phase II
  • Cattle Barn Renovation Phase I
  • Swine Barn Renovation Phase I

Livestock Barns Renovations

The livestock barns - sheep, horse, swine and cattle - are undergoing extensive renovations over the next few years. The structures will be renovated from top to bottom with updated roofing, flooring, lighting, restrooms and offices.

Each barn will have additional upgrades for specific needs. Current livestock barn progress:

  • Horse Barn – Phase I of the project was completed prior to the 2025 Fair. Phase II began immediately following the 2025 Fair and will be completed in time for the 2026 Fair. The two-year, $13.1 million renovation project includes the following:
    • Masonry, sheet metal and roofing restoration
    • Exterior and interior painting
    • Repair and replacement of exterior doors and windows
    • New concrete floor with radiant heat
    • New relocated offices on the west end
    • Remodeled existing restrooms and brand-new restrooms to meet current accessibility standards
    • Relocated covered outdoor wash rack and new interior wash rack area
    • New portable stalls
    • Enhanced ventilation
    • New electrical service and lighting
    • New fire suppression system
  • Sheep Barn – the two-year, $6.2 million renovation was completed in the fall of 2024 and included the following work:
    • Restoration of brick and terracotta masonry
    • Remodeled office spaces
    • Installation of new underground storm sewer on the north, west and east sides
    • New roofing on all lower-level areas including wood sheathing repair and replacement
    • Remodeled existing restrooms and brand-new restrooms to meet current accessibility standards
    • Repainting of the entire interior of the building
    • New sun-shading for the show arena
    • New show ring and portable pens
  • Cattle Barn – While the complete scope and details of the renovation are still being determined, Phase I of the project began immediately following the 2025 Fair and will be completed in time for the 2026 Fair. Phase I is the construction of a new electrical distribution building on the north side of the Cattle Barn that will include space for new electrical equipment, electrical storage and maintenance storage.


  • Swine Barn – While the complete scope and details of the renovation are still being determined, Phase I of the project began immediately following the 2025 Fair and will be completed in time for the 2026 Fair. Phase I involves the remodeling of the west office, remodeling of the west women’s restroom to meet current accessibility standards and the construction of new restrooms on the east end of the Barn (men’s, women’s and family).

    The Blue Ribbon Foundation received a $5 million donation from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation to begin the renovation project. Iowa Select Farms and Jeff & Deb Hansen have committed $2 million specifically for the Swine barn portion of the renovation. The Foundation will also receive $12 million from the state’s “Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.” All Iowans are welcome to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fundraising efforts needed to complete the project. Learn how you can "Back the Barns" with the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

    The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation was established to raise funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Learn how you can contribute to America's favorite fair and what renovations and improvements have been made since the foundation's inception in 1993.

    Questions about renovations and improvements at the Iowa State Fair? Email info@iowastatefair.org or the Blue Ribbon Foundation.