Only 10 days until the 2026 Iowa State Fair! The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to welcome Fairgoers back August 13–23. As you enjoy all the Fair has to offer, be sure to stop by our locations across the Fairgrounds to say hello, support our mission, and join us in celebrating another unforgettable Fair!
Merchandise
Take home a piece of the Fair! Shop exclusive Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation merchandise at one of our seven merchandise stands, open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM. Find us at the Agriculture Building, Cattle Barn, Museum, Service Center, Elwell Family Food Center, and the south lobby of the Varied Industries Building.
Water Booths
Cool off while giving back! Purchase an ice-cold bottle of water at one of our water booths located at the Agriculture Building, Cattle Barn, Heritage Village, Little Hands on the Farm, Anne & Bill Riley Stage, Service Center, and Thrill Town. Every purchase helps support future Fairgrounds renovations.
Iowan of the Day
Celebrate the people who make Iowa shine! Join us August 13–22 at noon on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage as we honor our 2026 Iowan of the Day recipients. These remarkable individuals have made lasting contributions to their communities through service, leadership, and volunteerism, and we'd love for you to help us recognize their achievements.
BINGO
Join the fun on Wednesday, August 19, and Thursday, August 20, from 9 AM to 7 PM on the Grand Concourse for BINGO! Every game offers a chance to win the 50/50 jackpot, with half of the proceeds supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation's mission to preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the other half awarded to the lucky winner.
Woodcarvers' Auction
Don't miss the Blue Ribbon Foundation's final event of the Fair—the 2026 Woodcarvers' Auction on Sunday, August 23, at 4 PM in the Penningroth Sale Ring of the John & Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn.
The hybrid auction features both in-person and online bidding. A selection of carvings will be available for online bidding beginning Saturday, August 22, at 10 AM, with bidding closing Sunday, August 23, at 6 PM.
Throughout the Fair, talented woodcarvers will transform logs into incredible works of art during live carving demonstrations on Expo Hill at 10 AM, 12 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM daily.
Fairgrounds Improvements
As you explore the Fairgrounds this year, you'll notice exciting improvements made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters. Historic livestock barns continue to undergo extensive renovations, with the newly completed Sheep Barn and major improvements to the Horse, Cattle, and Swine Barns ready to welcome exhibitors and Fairgoers this year.
Additional improvements include the first phase of the Grandstand roof replacement, updates to the Varied Industries Building, new Agriculture Building doors, expanded ADA seating in the Grandstand, new Fairgrounds street signage, and other enhancements that help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fair experience for generations to come.
Thank You!
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, and Fairgoers. Thank you for helping the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation preserve the traditions, history, and future of the Iowa State Fair. We look forward to seeing you August 13–23 for another unforgettable Fair!
-Emma Deppe, Public Relations Intern