Highlights include big animals, new fair foods, rooster crowing, the prettiest bird and much more.
Fair Highlights for Monday, August 17, 2026 include:
- Iowa State Fair Parade: A Celebration of Iowa Tradition
- Big Animals at the Iowa State Fair: Meet the Fair's Biggest Stars
- What to Do at the Iowa State Fair When It Rains
- New Fair Foods 2026: Taste the Iowa State Fair's Latest Creations
- Fine Art at the Iowa State Fair: Creativity on Display
- Rooster Crowing Contest: A Noisy Iowa State Fair Tradition
- Iowa State Fair On the Street: What Brings You to the Fair?
- Meet the Iowa State Fair's winningest canning competitor
- Prettiest Bird Contest: Feathers and Finesse at the Iowa State Fair
- Euchre Tournament: A Favorite Card Game at the Iowa State Fair
- FFA Swine: What Students Learn Beyond the Iowa State Fair Show Ring
- PRCA ProRodeo at the Iowa State Fair: Western Action in the Arena
Watch More
Experience the Iowa State Fair through the eyes of four individuals maintaining its traditions.
The story of the Iowa State Fair — Iowa's annual showcase and its biggest celebration.
This annual fair tradition brings together county fair queens from across the state.
The Iowa State Fair parade, featuring high school marching bands, floats, cool cars, special causes and more.
The Bill Riley Talent Search showcases young Iowans' talents and an Iowa State Fair tradition.
Knock-knock! Who’s there? Some of the funniest kids in Iowa. The State Fair’s Joke Telling Contest is full of charm, chuckles, and pint-sized punchlines.
Bags fly and rivalries ignite at the Iowa State Fair Cornhole Tournament. Watch fierce teams compete for bragging rights in this fun, fast-paced showdown.
Get a whiff of tradition! The Cow Chip Throwing Contest at the Iowa State Fair is messy, hilarious, and surprisingly competitive. Watch the chips fly!
Think you know your plants? At the Iowa State Fair, contestants race to identify dozens of weeds in a unique contest that’s part quiz, part nature walk.
Watch skilled utility workers climb, race, and compete at the Iowa State Fair’s Lineman’s Rodeo—a thrilling display of strength, speed, and precision.