Iowa State Fair Weekend Highlights – August 15–18, 2025

The “Fair Sweet Fair” fun continues in Des Moines this weekend with big entertainment, mouth-watering food, and classic Iowa traditions.




Entertainment & Events

- Grandstand Shows + Fireworks nightly.


- Free Stages packed with live music and family acts all day.


- Livestock Shows & Quirky Contests like hog calling and cow chip throwing.




Food You Can’t Miss

- High Roller Roll – $100 Maine lobster sandwich topped with caviar and edible gold.


- Pickle Lemonade – the buzz-worthy (and divisive) drink of the year.


- Golden Fried Corn Strips – crispy bites for corn lovers.


- Thelma’s Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwich – a sweet standout.




Traditions & Must-Sees

- Butter Cow with a Toy Story tribute sculpture.


- Super Bull – see this year’s 3,110-lb champ “Bud.”


- Classic fair eats like corndogs, cheese curds, and grinder sandwiches.


Tip: Arrive early, download the official Fair app for schedules, and pace yourself—there’s a lot to see (and eat)!