Music to Our Ears

Nothing compares to Iowa State Fair entertainment – especially the music. Right now, there is a lot of music buzz around the Fairgrounds. The Iowa State Fair has announced 9 of the 11 Grandstand Concerts for the 2019 Iowa State Fair, August 8 - 18. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is proud to have helped update the Grandstand layout in 2018. Once again in August, Fair fans will enjoy renovations including 4,000 more seats, new restrooms, and the Kum & Go stage. Last summer, the total Grandstand attendance hit a new record of 89,558 over the 11-day concert series. Who thinks we will break that record in 2019?

The Iowa State Fair is also excited to provide an opportunity for Iowa talent to perform in front of audiences of all sizes. A Fair favorite - the free stage entertainment keeps Fairgoers coming back year after year. Applications are available online for you to perform on one of the Iowa State Fair stages. Whether you prefer the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, Anne & Bill Riley Stage or MidAmerican Energy Stage – there is something for every music lover.

What’s music to the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s ears? “I’d like to make a donation!” Thank you to the Blue Ribbon Foundation donors that support our work. The Iowa State Fair would not be able to maintain the historic buildings or stages without Iowans across the state stepping up to support the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

If you love the Iowa State Fair, consider making a donation to one of the giving programs or membership programs. Tribute gifts can be made in honor of a friend, to commemorate an important holiday or event, or made in memory of loved ones. The Blue Ribbon Foundation also manages the merchandise sold in the State Fair Store. Profits from the store directly benefit the Foundation's goal of raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

As we slowly make our way to the warmer temperatures of spring, the Blue Ribbon Foundation office will be humming our favorite State Fair tune – “Our State Fair is a great State Fair, Don’t miss it, don’t event be late…..”