Need fresh ideas of things to do at the Iowa State Fair? We have 61

Susan Stapleton and Paris Barraza, Des Moines Register
·9 min read

The Iowa State Fair kicks off on Thursday with 11 days of farm animals, baking competitions, giant pumpkins and corn stalks, butter sculptures and Sky Glider rides. Every year, families embark on old traditions and take familiar routes through the Fairgrounds to visit favorites while newcomers discover the mini horse yoga, Discovery Garden, and lavender honey lemonade that make the State Fair special. We combed through this year's fair guide to look for what could become new traditions and asked our Des Moines Register colleagues to share some of their favorite things to do. Take a look at these 61 suggestions.

Get a different view of the fair by taking a ride on the Sky Glider, especially to Pioneer Hall.

Eat a peppermint bar from Bauder’s, found on Rock Island Avenue south of the Ag Building.

See the Super Bull in the Cattle Barn.

Get a pork chop on a stick at the Iowa Pork Producers Tent.

A new mural covers a structure near the Richard O. Jacobsen Exhibition Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
A new mural covers a structure near the Richard O. Jacobsen Exhibition Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

See the four Iowa State Fair murals by James Navarro at the northeast corner of East Walnut and East 31st streets.

Stroll through the Discovery Garden south of the Ag Building to find inspiration for your garden. Kids can crawl through the children’s garden tunnel.

Get a hard-boiled egg on a stick in the Ag Building. It’s free.

Take the DART park and ride to the fair instead of parking on site. It’s only $2.

Scope out the hot tubs and massage chairs in the Varied Industries Building.

Last year, Tatum Roberts, Dane Roberts, Trey Roberts, all of West Des Moines, and Elyse Bartel ride the Giant Slide during the Iowa State Fair.
Last year, Tatum Roberts, Dane Roberts, Trey Roberts, all of West Des Moines, and Elyse Bartel ride the Giant Slide during the Iowa State Fair.

Grab a burlap sack and ride down the Giant Slide. —Philip Joens, Register retail and real estate reporter

Let the kids ages 2 to 10 gather items at the Little Hands on the Farm to turn in for a treat.

Eat a three-course farm to fork brunch on Aug. 20 courtesy of three Iowa chefs.

The 2022 butter cow sits in its cooler in the John Deere Agriculture Building on the Iowa State Fair grounds.
The 2022 butter cow sits in its cooler in the John Deere Agriculture Building on the Iowa State Fair grounds.

See the butter cow and her companion pieces, likenesses of athletes Jack Trice, Kurt Warner and Caitlin Clark in the Ag Building.

Contestants show off their legs in the Mr. Legs contest during the Iowa State Fair in 2021.
Contestants show off their legs in the Mr. Legs contest during the Iowa State Fair in 2021.

Compete in the Mr. Legs competition on Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. on the MidAmerican Energy Stage.

See who wins the Iowa State Fair Queen Pageant during the coronation on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Listen to a fusion of Andean and South American folk music when Son Peruchos, based in Des Moines, performs on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. Group members perform using traditional instruments such as the zampona, quena and charango.

Ride the bumper cars in Thrill Ville.

Compete in the twins, triplets and more competition on Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Collin Tewes serves an overstuffed bucket of cookies for a hungry fairgoer at Barksdale Cookies in 2021.
Collin Tewes serves an overstuffed bucket of cookies for a hungry fairgoer at Barksdale Cookies in 2021.

Buy a cup or a bucket of Barksdale’s chocolate chip cookies. In 2021, Barksdale’s baked more than 2.4 million cookies, and each bucket contains about 60 cookies.

Watch high school marching bands, floats, cool cars, and special causes as they stroll through downtown Des Moines on Aug. 9 at the Iowa State Fair parade at 6:15 p.m. An estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units take part in the festivities.

Stand at the top of the hill on Grand Avenue on the eastern side of the Fairgrounds and look down at the crowd.

Try your hand at a turkey calling contest. Bring four of your best call on Aug. 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Pioneer Hall. First prize is a ribbon and $5.

In 2022, Roxie Rayla of Urbandale enjoys the Iowa State Fair’s biggest party, East Side Night, at the Bud Tent on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
In 2022, Roxie Rayla of Urbandale enjoys the Iowa State Fair’s biggest party, East Side Night, at the Bud Tent on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Go to East Side Night on Aug. 11. —Randy Petersen, Iowa State columnist at the Register

Try your hand at bagging groceries. On Aug. 11 at 1 p.m., contestants vie for the crown by bagging 35 food items into three reusable grocery bags at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. Contestants are scored and ranked primarily on weight distribution among bags, speed and proper item arrangement.

Rock out with popular Iowa State Fair band Hairball. The Minnesota classic rock cover band has wowed audiences over the years with their high-energy performance, penchant for pyrotechnics and their ability to transform into rock ‘n’ roll legends like Alice Cooper to KISS and AC/DC. Hairball will perform two free concerts on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15 at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater.

Visit the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon on the top floor of the Cultural Center and see the many beautiful moments captured in the images on display. Bonus points, it’s air conditioned. —Kelsey Kremer, Register photographer

Support Iowa act The Nadas, the alt-rock, folk and Americana band who’ve been performing since the 1990s, amassing a loyal following. The Nadas will perform a free concert on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Stage.

Logan Bauer, formerly of Audubon, waters Albert, the 2022 Iowa State Fair Super Bull at the Iowa State Fair.
Logan Bauer, formerly of Audubon, waters Albert, the 2022 Iowa State Fair Super Bull at the Iowa State Fair.

See two longstanding Iowa musicians share the stage with other Iowa acts with Bob Dorr’s Iowa Music Revue at the MidAmerican Energy State on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dorr, an Iowa Blues Hall of Famer known for his work in the Blue Band along with Jeff Petersen, will be joined by the Cedar County Cobras, Cindy Grill and more for a free show.

See the baby animals at the Animal Learning Center. You can see piglets, goat kids, calves, chicks and even baby ostriches hatch. —Bill Steiden, Register business and investigations editor

Catch California rockers Great White of “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and “The Angel Song” fame take the MidAmerican Stage Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. with a free concert.

A view of downtown Des Moines from Grandfather's Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in 2021.
A view of downtown Des Moines from Grandfather's Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in 2021.

Climb the hill to Grandfather’s Barn for Iowa wine tasting and the best view of Des Moines’ skyline from the fairgrounds. —Kelsey Kremer, Register photographer

See rising country star Priscilla Block bring her TikTok-turned-hit-song “Just About Over You” on Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. The concert is free.

See a chainsaw carving demonstration at the Heritage Village next to First Church in the morning or afternoons every day during the Iowa State Fair.

Guests enjoy East Side Night in 2022 at the Bud Tent at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
Guests enjoy East Side Night in 2022 at the Bud Tent at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.

Treat yourself to an ice cold beer at the Bud Tent and enjoy a show from Cody Hicks, a singer-songwriter from Montezuma, on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. He’ll also perform earlier in the day at 2 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy Stage.

Quench your thirst with a purchase of honey lemonade, served by the Iowa Honey Producers Association. Find their honey-related products in the Ag Building.

Take a ride on Ye Old Mill, also known as the “Tunnel of Love,” which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The boat ride, located next to the Midway on Grand Avenue, takes riders down a 1,500-foot tunnel in the dark, a popular spot for couples to smooch.

See the legendary roots band Asleep at the Wheel perform Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. The Grammy-winning band that emerged out of the 1970s with “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read” will perform a free concert.

The produce displays at the Agricultural Building are really impressive. —Bill Steiden, Register business and investigations editor

A blue ribbon awarded quilts fabricated by a 4-H student on display at the Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Iowa State Fair in 2021.
A blue ribbon awarded quilts fabricated by a 4-H student on display at the Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Iowa State Fair in 2021.

My grandmother used to submit quilts every year and won a few ribbons, so I always check out the quilts in the Varied Industries Building. Since graduating from University of Iowa I got to their booth there to see Herky as well. —Lily Smith, Register photographer

Take the kids ages 2-10 to Little Hands on the Farm, where the little ones can learn about agriculture for free in this interactive experience. Find it in the Kids Zone.

Fairgoers keep cool in the fountain at Pella Plaza during the Iowa State Fair in 2021.
Fairgoers keep cool in the fountain at Pella Plaza during the Iowa State Fair in 2021.

Cool off in splash fountains at the nearby Pella Plaza or the Legacy Terrace on Grand Avenue.

Here’s something new. Try the farm-to-fork brunch on Aug. 19 with Iowa ingredients, cocktails and a three-course plated meal served by Iowa FFA students.

See the giant pumpkins in front of the Ag Building. —Lily Smith, Register photographer

Show off your mullet or Mohawk on Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Oman Family Youth Inn. Hey, you could win a ribbon if your hairstyle is creative enough.

Honor veterans at the Veterans Day parade sponsored by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation on Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. on the Grand Concourse.

Bill Riley Jr. is recognized for his many years of service during the 62nd Bill Riley Talent Search finals on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair in 2022.
Bill Riley Jr. is recognized for his many years of service during the 62nd Bill Riley Talent Search finals on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair in 2022.

Wrap up the fair by watching the Bill Riley Talent Search finals at 1:30 p.m. in Aug. 20 at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Head to the fair on Aug. 16 for Sensory Friendly Morning.

Do some people watching along Grand Avenue. —Lily Smith, Register photographer

The Fun Forest Stage just east of the Agricultural Building features multiple free kid-friendly performances every day including a comic juggler, magic shows and other activities.

Stop by the Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits Building to get up close to bunnies and birds.

A sheep peeks over its fence at the sheep barn in 2021 during the opening day of the Iowa State Fair.
A sheep peeks over its fence at the sheep barn in 2021 during the opening day of the Iowa State Fair.

The livestock barns a must-see, with competitions going on all the time, but the kids might like photos with the cut-out selfie boards. Find them in Pig Place in the Swine Barn, Cattle Corner in the North Annex of the Cattle Barn, Horse Haven in the Horse Barn and Sheep Stop at the east end of the Sheep Barn.

While you’re at Pioneer Hall, look for a flower bed with pretty petals planted in the shape of 2023 just east of the building.

Stroll over to Pella Plaza, where you can find all 99 Iowa county flags on display.

Large crowds make their way along Grand Avenue during the Iowa State Fair in 2022.
Large crowds make their way along Grand Avenue during the Iowa State Fair in 2022.

Did you know you can compete in chess at the fair? Head to the Administration Building porch on the west side on Aug. 16 at 3 p.m. as the competition gets started.

Maybe you prefer backgammon. You can compete in that on Aug. 12 at noon at the Oman Family Youth Inn.

How about checkers instead? Youth compete on Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. and adults at the same time on Aug. 19, all on the east-side porch at the Administration Building. Bring your own board.

You can also compete in cornhole, cribbage and a spelling bee. Check the schedule for times.

Young mom callers wait to participate in the mom calling event at Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fair in 2022.
Young mom callers wait to participate in the mom calling event at Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fair in 2022.

While you’re at Pioneer Hall, head to the west side for the Heritage Village to take a glimpse at Iowa life in 1854. Look for church hymn signs, a country school, a general store, a barber shop, a telephone company and a train depot.

Did you know that every year features a new themed sculpture contest? Keep an eye out for painted concrete tractors planted across the Fairgrounds.

Photo op: On the east side of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, look for 99 rocks representing the 99 counties in Iowa.

Do yoga with mini horses on Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Livestock Pavilion, with goats on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the goat show ring in the Swine Barn, or bunnies on Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. outside the rabbit and poultry building. Each class is $25.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 61 things to do at the Iowa State Fair in 2023