Iowa State Fair features fresh foods, facilities

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair is showcasing fresh foods and facilities in 2025, with one big project planned in years to come.

The state budget includes $5 million for construction of an Agricultural Education Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons says it will be a key component of what will be called the “My Iowa Ag Learning Campus." The new building will focus on crop development, Iowa soils, farm equipment and jobs in agriculture.

“Really when you think about it, agriculture of course touches every Iowan and agriculture really ties every part of the fair together,” Parsons said.

He said the total construction cost for the new building is projected to be $15 million. In January, Gov. Kim Reynolds recommended that the state provide $5 million over the next two years for the project. Bills that have cleared initial review in the House and Senate would provide similar withdrawals from the state fund where gambling taxes are deposited.

Updated facilities for 2025 include improvements with more shade at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, renovated restrooms in the horse barn, additional seating west of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, a new pedestrian entrance at Gate 13A off East 30th Street and new restrooms, shade and seating at the Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza near the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion and paved accessible parking in Lot B on the fairgrounds north side.

Fair Sweet Fair is the theme for the 2025 Iowa State Fair, and the list of new foods this year includes both sweet and savory entrants.

There is the Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll from Winn & Sara’s Kitchen; Scotcheroo Shake from Over the Top; Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese from What’s Your Cheez?; Hawaiian Hog from the Iowa Pork Producers; Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N’ Cheese Pizza Slice from Wiseguys Woodfire Pizza; Sweet Granny’s Apple Delight Sundae from Applishus; HoQ Lamb Wrap from HoQ; Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket On A Stick from JR’s SouthPork Ranch; and Potato Half & Half Korean Corn Dog from GoldenKDog.

Many free activities fill the fair’s 11 days, including nighttime shows, strolling acts and various stunt shows and lively street performers.

The fair, which will tally more than 40,000 entries, offers diverse eye candy for fine art, dollhouses, prize-winning crops and flowers in the John Deer Agriculture Building.

Pigtails, ponytails and braids were dropped from a hair contest to feature mullets only on the MidAmerican Energy Stage on Saturday, Aug. 9.

The cornhole tournament remains on the Grand Concourse but will be held Aug. 14.

Other offerings include a more inclusive, calmer experience for the Sensory-Friendly Morning presented by ChildServe on Aug. 13. A new Variety Star Playground, a project put together by the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Variety Clubs of Iowa, is a fun, welcoming space where children and adults of many abilities can explore.

More into action entertainment? Catch the new Electric Utilities Lineman Rodeo on Aug. 15 where line workers compete in challenges.

Fairgoers who like to check out livestock can catch the shaggy showoffs in the Highland Cattle Show Aug. 15 in the Livestock Pavilion. A bonus this year is a new sound system, where every moo, baa and cheer will come through loud and clear.

Clydesdale and Percheron draft horses will be standing by at the Jacobson Exhibition Center to offer rides Aug. 14-17.

The draw of fresh produce is coming back to the fair to highlight the best of what Iowa farmers and gardeners offer. Located near The Garden behind the Animal Learning Center and Little Hands on the Farm, the Iowa State Fair Farmers Markets will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 7-16.

Fairgoers can shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, jerky, handmade soaps and more.

On the fair’s final day, Aug.17, a Kids Makers Market will feature kids ages 7 to 17 competing with their homemade products to win banners. Fairgoers can purchase products and watch the competition from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fair will host a series of behind-the-scenes experiences that include Barnyard Yoga, a ghost hunting tour and farm-to-table dinners.

Grandstand performers include: