Day 5 guide to the Iowa State Fair: What to do at the fairgrounds Monday, Aug. 17
The 2026 Iowa State Fair marks the 172nd year of the state’s biggest event. It’s a summer tradition that draws more than 1 million people to the east Des Moines fairgrounds.
This year’s fair runs 11 days from Thursday, Aug. 13 to Sunday, Aug. 23.
» See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.
Here’s what you need to know about Day 5 of the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
Day 5: Monday, Aug. 17
Grandstand: Staind with special guest Hoobastank, 8 p.m.; tickets
- A drone show and fireworks follow each night’s Grandstand concert.
Free stage headliners: Hairball at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 8 p.m.; Tribute to the Troops at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 and 9 p.m.; PetRock at the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 8 p.m.
Weather: Partly cloudy with a high of 80 degrees. Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Daily attendance record: 105,522 on Monday 2017
Iowan of the Day: Joyce & Keith McClain of Carson
Live KCCI newscast: 4:30-5 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Stage
Eat something: The state fair is nostalgic for many. Try some of the fair classics that stood the test of time, like corndogs, fried Oreos, funnel cake and, of course, sweet corn.
Use the Iowa State Fair’s food (and drink) finder to search for your favorites.
Don’t miss: It’s Veterans Day at the fair, which means active and former members of the U.S. military receive a discounted $12 admission at the gate and their companion from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include a veterans parade along the Grand Concourse at 11 a.m., and a Military Tribute Concert at 4 p.m. on the Riley Stage.
Where will KCCI be at the fair?
You can see KCCI 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair at the MidAmerican Energy Stage.
You can also stream KCCI 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the Very Local app. Click here to download Very Local to your phone.
KCCI skycam: Views from the Iowa State Fairgrounds
This image is updated every 60 seconds on this page.
Admission, hours and more for the fair
Location: The fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines.
Admission: Adult admission costs $16 at the gate and $10 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free.
Hours: Fairgrounds are open Aug. 13-22 from 8 a.m.-midnight, Aug. 23 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.
Thrill park hours include:
- Thrill Ville: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 13-22; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 23
- Thrill Town: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 13-22; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 23
- Thrill Zone: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 13-22; 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Aug. 23
Iowa State Fair attendance records
The 2024 Iowa State Fair was the biggest in the fair’s history, with 1,182,682 people going through the gates. That’s 12,307 more than the previous record of 1,170,375 in 2019. Last year’s fair, which drew 1,160,121, is third all-time.
Top 10 biggest fairs
- 2024: 1,182,682
- 2019: 1,170,375
- 2025: 1,160,121
- 2023: 1,133,958
- 2018: 1,130,260
- 2017: 1,130,071
- 2022: 1,118,763
- 2015: 1,117,398
- 2008: 1,109,150
- 2012: 1,097,142
Highest daily attendance all-time
- First Thursday: 101,262 in 2008
- First Friday: 115,703 in 2001
- First Saturday: 128,732 in 2024 (all-time single-day record)
- First Sunday: 115,048 in 2024
- Monday: 105,522 in 2017
- Tuesday: 105,384 in 2024
- Wednesday: 109,323 in 2019
- Second Thursday: 107,449 in 2015
- Second Friday: 112,891 in 2019
- Second Saturday: 128,298 in 2022
- Second Sunday: 119,754 in 2012
