Episodes
Season 53 Fair highlights will broadcast on Iowa PBS beginning Monday, August 15 at 9:00 p.m. Episodes will be available online the following day.
Specials
Iowa State Fair
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History
Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Dean Borg visits the Iowa State Fair Museum to learn about some interesting historical anecdotes about past fairs.
Food at the Fair has always been a highlight. Our fantastic friend Dean Borg explores Fair foods of the past in another State Fair Flashback!
The Fair is always thrilling - and as Dean Borg finds out in tonight’s Fair Flashback - sometimes those thrills were mind-blowing!
Why is the Iowa State Fair considered by many as the best in the country?
Fair food - when you’re here you can smell it, see it and of course taste it! It’s probably safe to say it’s irresistible. And I’m probably even safer...
Animals
Paul Yeager makes his way to the Poultry and Rabbit Barn to check out some of the pigeons at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We visit the 2019 Youth Livestock Judging Contest.
Experience the sights and sounds of the Iowa State Fair Cattle Barn.
Trainers and majestic animals compete at the Clydesdales, Percherons, and Draft Ponies Competition.
Showing animals is a big part of the State Fair experience - and this year we’re excited to showcase the dairy goats!
Tossing rubber chickens around might not be allowed or expected in very many public places, - but here at the State Fair, it’s encouraged - and awarded!
Here is a tour of the Poultry Barn
Whether big or small, the horses at the Jacobson Exhibition Center are entertainment in motion!
The State Fair is chock full of kids who show all sorts of animals - even unique ones, like llamas!
The 4-H Sheep Show is the highlight of many young folks' summer. Iowa PBS's Mike Pearson brings us the excitement!
The enterprising talents of Iowa’s FFA kids are showcased in the FFA Swine Show.
They’re hefty…spunky…and chunky. It’s time for a State Fair favorite - the Big Animals!
Learn how people wash and clean their chickens to get them show ready for upcoming competitions.
Learn about some of the magnificent horses at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.
Ye Old Mill has been attracting riders for just over 100 years! Go with with us as we take you on this popular (and dark) boat ride.
A look at 4H students competing in the 2015 Grand Champion Steer Competition.
Follow the story of one man putting together his draft horse team.
Iowa State Fair
Interactive Map
Explore 50 years of Fair coverage by location.
Contests
These works of art almost look too good to eat. It's the 2019 Decorated Cakes Competition.
Meet some future comedians at the 2019 Kids Joke Telling Contest.
Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Who can blow the biggest bubble at the 2019 Iowa State Fair Bubblegum Blowing Contest?
We visit Pioneer Hall to listen in on some of the competitors at the 2019 Accordion Contest.
We visit the 2019 Youth Livestock Judging Contest.
What weird shapes are in store for the 2019 Iowa State Fair Most Unusual Vegetable Contest.
Paul Yeager makes his way to the Poultry and Rabbit Barn to check out some of the pigeons at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.
Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.
Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.
We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.
Travis Graven visits the Ellwell Family Food Center to see which bakers can create the ugliest cake at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We meet some of the competitors from the 2019 Iowa State Fair 4H Horse Show.
Daring Kids ride sheep to see who can hold on the longest.
Travis Graven visits the Elwell Family Food Center for the Innovative Chocolate Competition.
Trainers and majestic animals compete at the Clydesdales, Percherons, and Draft Ponies Competition.
Paul Yeager stops by the Food Center to meet this year's entrants in the canned vegetables contest.
There’s nothing like the power and might of the tractor and truck pull. Let’s head to the Grandstand to check out the action.
Modern messaging methods like texting and emailing can never compare to good old fashioned YELLING - at the husband calling contest!
Showing animals is a big part of the State Fair experience - and this year we’re excited to showcase the dairy goats!
Tossing rubber chickens around might not be allowed or expected in very many public places, - but here at the State Fair, it’s encouraged - and awarded!
The State Fair is chock full of kids who show all sorts of animals - even unique ones, like llamas!
Whether big or small, the horses at the Jacobson Exhibition Center are entertainment in motion!
The truck and tractor pulls are a tradition at the State Fair Grandstand. Let’s take a walk behind the scenes with Mike Pearson.
Highlights from the 2017 Iowa State Fair Auctioneer Contest.
The 4-H Sheep Show is the highlight of many young folks' summer. Iowa PBS's Mike Pearson brings us the excitement!
Combining style and botanical skill, the flower and potted plant show is always a sunny part of the Fair!
Meet the ladies competing for this year's title of Iowa State Fair Queen.
With a chance to go on to a national level, expert hot dog lovers participate in a dog-eat-dog competition.
The enterprising talents of Iowa’s FFA kids are showcased in the FFA Swine Show.
Abby Brown is at the Twins, Triplets and More contest to check out some sibling similarities…and disparities.
They’re hefty…spunky…and chunky. It’s time for a State Fair favorite - the Big Animals!
We all acknowledge that Mike Pearson knows a lot about agriculture - so let’s see how he does in a contest about one of agriculture’s arch enemies - weeds.
Join contestants at Pioneer Hall to see who can yodel best.
Who will have the finest beards at this year's Iowa State Fair Bear Growing Contest?
Women assemble at Pioneer Hall to see who can create the best chicken call.
Watch some incredible players go head to head during the Speed Chess Tournament at the Iowa State Fair.
A look at 4H students competing in the 2015 Grand Champion Steer Competition.
What creative desserts can go on a stick? This competition might shed some light on the question.
Enjoy the ringing beauty of some of the finest mandolin playing in the state.
We all know Iowa PBS’s Paul Yeager likes to wear flannel shirts and lumberjack boots, so we sent him to the Wood chopping Contest.
Stock car racing highlights and results from the Iowa State Fair.
A historical look at the Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest held each year at the Iowa State Fair.
Dirt Track Racing held at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Watch Dirt Track Racing at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand hosted by Toby Kruse.
This year heralds the 50th anniversary of crowning a State Fair Queen. It’s a glorious tradition kept alive by the candidate’s beauty, grace and stren...
Contestants race to see who can finish a piece of pie the fastest.
About the Show
Featuring contests, unique stories, food, animals, music and more, Iowa PBS's Iowa State Fair coverage brings the sights and sounds of the fair to you.