Iowa State Fair Recap Photo Gallery

photos by Bryon Houlgrave, Emily Peterson and Caryline Clark

We're headed into the final weekend of the Iowa State Fair - it's hard to believe it's gone this fast! Before we dive into more Fair coverage this weekend we wanted to take a look at our favorite photos we've taken so far, plus bring together our photo collection into a giant Fair recap.

Favorite Fair Moments Captured

Dark clouds build over the midway during the Iowa State Fair on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023

 

Members of The Red Trouser Show perform a juggling act as the Sly Glider makes its way over the fairgrounds.

 

Young fairgoers ride on a dragon roller coaster in Thrilltown at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Justin Robbins of Scranton drives his truck into the show arena to show off Tug Boat, a 2,762-pound Angus bull, during the Super Bull Contest.

 

Participants competed in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting event on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

 

Members of the iFlip acrobatics group perform at the Iowa State Fair.

 

A young fairgoer poses for a photo with a cutout of a pig in the Swine Barn.

 

Fairgoers enjoy some early morning peace and quiet before the crowds take over the Iowa State Fair.

 

The thunderous sound of modified tractors and trucks filled the fairgrounds during the Truck and Tractor Pull at the Iowa State Fair.

 

The iconic Big Slide at the Iowa State Fair at night. 

 

Complete Iowa State Fair Photo Gallery

The RoboCars strolled around the fairgrounds to pose for pictures with fairgoers. 

 

A fairgoer looks over a giant stuffed dragon at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Drivers speed to the finish line during the Big Wheel races on the Iowa State Fair Grand Concourse. 

 

Iowa State Fair Queen Kalayna Durr presents a Way We Live plaque to the Slinger family at the Iowa State Fair.

 

The Iowa State Fair scavenger hunt. Top photo, a scavenger hunt team maps out their course of action. Bottom photo, contestants quickly scramble away from the staging area to race around the Iowa State fairgrounds.

 

A fairgoer takes a shot at a basketball hoop on the Grand Concourse.

 

Animal face cake judging at the Elwell Family Food Center. Top photo, a judge looks over the cake decorated like an axolotl during the animal face cake judging. Bottom photo, a fox cake submission. 

 

Members of The Feel Right Band perform at the Iowa State Fair.

 

A little shade and a splash of water to keep cool on a hot day at the Fair.

 

Fairgoers looking at the butter cow display featuring famous Iowa athletes. 

 

Handing out hard-boiled eggs in the Agriculture Building. 

 

Members of The Red Trouser Show perform a juggling act as the Sly Glider makes its way over the grounds.

 

Produce aplenty at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

 

Gladiolus judging in the Agriculture Building showcases Iowans' green thumbs. 

 

Cookie judging at the Elwell Food Center showcases delightful cookie decorating. 

 

The 4H Steer Show featured young participants vying for their steer to be named Grand Champion.

 

Cow chip throwing participants worked on their form outside Pioneer Hall. 

 

Rubber chicken throwing contestants sought maximum distance in one the Fair's iconic contests. 

 

Wednesday's crowd made the Grand Concourse a sea of people. 

 

The thunderous sound of modified tractors and trucks filled the fairgrounds during the Truck and Tractor Pull at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday.

 

Creative gingerbread houses are on display at the Elwell Family Food Center at the fairgrounds. 

 

Tuesday morning started off with 4H Swine judging in the swine barn.

 

Enjoying the ride - it was a beautiful day to take to the sky and enjoy the skyglider. 

 

Pioneer Hall was filled with music today with accordion and harmonica contests. 

 

The Cultural Center second floor has many Lego exhibits on display, including many that recreate iconic Iowa locations like the Iowa State Fair Capitol.

 

The Veterans Parade is a time-honored tradition at the Iowa State Fair. 

 

Participants in the mini tractor pull on Sunday might have tiny tractors but they brought plenty of action - and noise!

 

A young fairgoer gets a chance to milk a dairy cow during the Iowa State Fair.

 

The Iowa State Fair offered mini horse yoga for the first time in 2023, adding to their other animal yoga offerings like goat yoga.

 

Night time at the Big Slide at the Iowa State Fair. 

 

Monster arm wrestling participants showed off their guns - and their grit - over several hours of competition on Sunday.

 

Fairgoers enjoying a ride on the skyglider.

 

The top three dishes from the Great Iowan Recipe Contest, sponsored by Iowa PBS and in honor of season two of The Great American Recipe on-air program. Photos from the top: Grandpa's Leftover's Pie, submitted by Joyce Larson, won first place; Scalloped Chicken, submitted by Sharon Leasan, won second place; and Cinnamon Bread,  submitted by Sarah Olson, won third place.

 

Henry County Fair Queen Kalayna Durr was crowned the Iowa State Fair Queen on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023.

 

A Mr. Legs contestant showed off his shapely gams.

 

Participants circle the ring in the FFA Parade of Champions.

 

The Bacon Buddies program returned to the Iowa State Fair for the fourth year, giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to show a pig in the ring. 

 

The Governor's Charity Steer Show raised funds for the Ronald McDonald House the first Saturday of the Iowa State Fair.

 

The Bandaloni performs at the Iowa State Fair for his small fans.

 

Des Moines Breakerz hit the MidAmerican Energy Stage to show off their moves. 

 

Before - and during - the Sheep Shearing Contest at the Iowa State Fair, where participants strive for a shorn sheep using speed and precision. 

 

Just a couple of the food options at the Iowa State Fair - the free hard-boiled egg offered at the Agriculture Building and roasted corn on a stick.

 

The action was mesmerizing this morning at Cowboy Mounted Shooting, a tradition at the Iowa State Fair that combines grace and power.

 

Musician Blake Guyre performs his Elton John/Billy Joel tribute concert.

 

Preparing sheep for the FFA Breeding Sheep Show.

 

The beginning stages of the Iowa State Fair sand sculpture. 

 

Little ones enjoying the Big Slide at the Iowa State Fair.

 

The Nadas at their Friday night concert at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Enjoying  an opportunity to cool down with water at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Disgusting looking cakes submitted to the Ugliest Cake Contest.

 

A quiet moment between a girl and her horse.

 

Fairgoer enjoying the results from the biggest pumpkin contest.

 

Fairfield and Rosetta, the Iowa State Fair mascots, greet children at the Fair.

 

 

Flowers on display at the Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Ladies Chicken Calling brought sweet sounds to Pioneer Hall.

 

Sasquatch took home the Big Boar title today weighing in at 1,012 lbs.

 

Iowa State Fair Queen Mary Ann Fox riding in the Fair parade.

 

Feeling the wind in your hair at the Iowa Stat Fair thrills.

 

Youth Rooster Crowing contest brought a lot of kids to Pioneer Hall.
 

All smiles at the Iowa State Fair when there's a large stuffed animal involved.

 

A well deserved rest on the first day of the Fair.

 

Nothing like Iowa sweet corn at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Judging at the Kids Chef Baking Championship.