Des Moines, Iowa -- The 2026 edition of the Iowa State Fair is 100 days away...
"All the things we've been, throughout the winter, kind of thinking about doing and beginning the planning process, obviously now we turn full-scale into executing that programming, and also even getting the grounds ready for the fair," says Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons.
He says those preparations include projects large and small.
"Thirteen-million dollar renovation of the Horse Barn will be complete. You'll also see a new roof on the Ag Building, and other large improvements like that on the grounds. Also lots of smaller projects--things need to be painted, doors need to be fixed--all those small, minor details," Parsons says.
One big highlight of the 2026 Iowa State Fair--a celebration of America's 250th birthday. Parson says it'll be a "fair within a fair."
"Truly there are so many special, once-in-a-generation things that we're doing just to honor America's 250--so many regular fair traditions that are re-imagined in a different way this year because of America's 250," Parsons says.
The Iowa State Fair is part of the America 250/Great American State Fair initiative, endorsed by the US Department of Agriculture.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair is August 13th through the 23rd.