Here's what to know about Iowa State Fair dates, tickets and more in 2022

The Iowa State Fair is almost here and we know you can already smell the fried food on a stick. From yearly tradition of the butter cow to major Grandstand acts coming this year, there are many things to look forward to seeing at the Fairgrounds in 2022.

Though you may know the State Fair for the rides, concerts, animals or even just the sights and sounds of the buzzing affair, it also has its place in culture, serving as the inspiration for Pittsburg, Iowa, native Phil Stong’s 1932 novel “State Fair,” which was adapted into a film three times and got the Rodgers and Hammerstein treatment as a Broadway musical in 1996.

When is the Iowa State Fair?

The Iowa State Fair runs from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 21.

What time does the State Fair open?

The Iowa State Fairgrounds open at 8 a.m. daily, according to the State Fair website. If you're going early, though, keep in mind that buildings don't open until 9 a.m. and the thrill parks have different hours as well.

Where are the Iowa State Fairgrounds?

The Iowa State Fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines. The Fairgrounds have hosted the State Fair since 1886.

How much does the Iowa State Fair cost?

Tickets to the Iowa State Fair are already on sale. Advanced adult admission tickets for those 12 and older goes for $9 and advance children admission tickets for those age 6-11 are $5 online, but prices increase to $14 for adults, $8 for children at the gate.

Other attractions, food, concerts and rides cost extra, depending on what you plan to do.

More: 8 ways to save money on value packs, food and thrill rides at the Iowa State Fair 2022

What is there to do at the Iowa State Fair?

Apart from food and concerts, there's plenty to do and see when it comes to the State Fair. There will be new attractions like the Kitchen and events such as Motorsport Racing's State Fair Cup as well as familiar ones like seeing the latest butter cow sculpture and riding the Giant Slide.

New at the Iowa State Fair: 5 new things at the State Fair, including a world record attempt and fresh events

Butter cow: The Iowa State Fair butter cow will be joined by 'Music Man' and Ye Old Mill sculptures in 2022

World record attempt: 445 Iowans to break a Guinness World Record at the Iowa State Fair

How to get tickets to the Iowa State Fair

You can get Iowa State Fair tickets at iowastatefair.org/visit/buy-tickets for general admission tickets, Grandstand concerts, rides and even the Barksdale cookie coupons.

The Iowa State Fair ticket offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday for walkup orders only. It is located on the front porch of the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds.

Buy advance admission tickets at participating Iowa Hy-Vees, Hy-Vee Drugstores and Fast & Fresh Stores, Iowa Fareways and participating Des Moines Metro Price Chopper stores.

What kind of food will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds?

The Iowa State Fair announced the new foods on July 19. Among them are three top foods that will compete for the People's Choice Best New Food this year: The OMG Chicken Sandwich from Chicken City, Iowa Pork Tent's Pork Picnic in a Cup and the Finisher from The Rib Shack.

See the full list of new foods: The Iowa State Fair reveals 53 new foods for 2022. Three compete for people's choice for best new food

See the top 10 foods livestreamed: Which new Iowa State Fair foods will compete for the title of best new food?

Where to find Iowa State Fair foods: Meet the 53 new foods at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. Here's where to find them

Who is performing at the Iowa State Fair 2022?

If you're looking for the big-time concerts at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, there are multiple acts for nearly every music style from Nelly to Alanis Morrissette to Disturbed.

State Fair Grandstand concerts: See the Iowa State Fair 2022 Grandstand concert lineup from Carrie Underwood to Brooks & Dunn

Though if buying another ticket wasn't what you had in mind, there are also a ton of free options to see live music such as Hairball and Quiet Riot playing at the State Fair.

Free concerts: Wang Chung, Hairball, Anne Wilson among the free entertainment at the Iowa State Fair 2022

See Iowa's election candidates speak at the State Fair

You can visit the Des Moines Register's Political Soapbox and listen to more than a dozen candidates give their pitches as hopefuls in this year's election. From candidates running for governor to the Iowa Legislature, each will be given a microphone, 20 minutes to speak and a crowd ready to listen.

See the full schedule: Des Moines Register Political Soapbox bringing candidates to the Iowa State Fair

Where can I find a map of the Fairgrounds?

You can get a downloadable map of the Iowa State Fair from the website at iowastatefair.org.

Where should I park at the Iowa State Fair?

There are multiple ways to get to the Iowa State Fair from driving or park and rides to taxis and rideshare vehicles.

If you're going to drive, you can park at one of the three lots available near the Fairgrounds for $10, take a blue line shuttle from a parking lots they serve, or park and ride with discounted tickets on DART.

You can see more specifics on the State Fair's website.

The Iowa State Fair parade fully returns to Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair parade is back in full this year. The parade begins at 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Iowa Capitol complex. It'll make its way west on Grand Avenue to 15th Street at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Megan Bridgeman is a digital producer with the USA Today Network that supports newsrooms across the Plains. Support local journalism by subscribing to your local news organization.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair 2022 guide to tickets, concerts, food and more