On Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m., Iowa PBS will offer a live broadcast of the 2026 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. The event will also be livestreamed on iowapbs.org and YouTube.
This annual fair tradition brings together county fair queens from across the state who showcase the very best in personality, leadership, citizenship and involvement in their local communities.
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.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair Parade will be broadcast statewide and livestreamed on iowapbs.org and YouTube on Wednesday, August 12 at 6:15 p.m.
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.
Highlights include the Kids Joke Telling Contest, Clydesdale and Percheron Horse Shows, Cowchip Throwing, Polka Club of Iowa, 4-H and FFA Sale of Champions and more.