Iowa State Fair Admission Prices 2024 Tickets & Hours

The Iowa State Fair is a major annual event held in Des Moines, Iowa, usually in August. It’s one of the largest and most popular state fairs in the U.S., attracting over a million visitors each year. The fair features a wide range of activities, including live music, carnival rides, and a variety of food vendors.

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Iowa State Fair Admission Prices 2024

You can buy Iowa State Fair tickets either before or during the event on their website. Here’s the pricing:

At the Gate or Online During the Fair:

Adults (12 and up): $16
Children (6-11): $10
Children under 5: Free

If You Buy Tickets in Advance (until 11:59 p.m. on August 7):

Adults: $11 (save $5)
Children: $7 (save $3)

Iowa State Fair Tickets & Hours

The Iowa State Fair starts on Thursday, August 8, and ends on Sunday, August 18. The gates open at 8 a.m. and stay open until midnight every day. To make the most of your visit, try to arrive before 10 p.m., as most buildings close at 9 p.m.

How To Buy Online Tickets For Iowa State Fair?

To buy Iowa State Fair tickets online:

Visit the Iowa State Fair Website: Go to their official website.
Find the Tickets Section: Look for the ticketing or admissions section.
Select Your Tickets: Choose the number and type of tickets you need.
Add to Cart: Put your tickets in the shopping cart.
Provide Details: Enter your personal and payment information.
Complete Purchase: Review your order and confirm the purchase.

Parking At Iowa State Fair

Parking for cars and motorcycles costs $10 and is available in Lots A, B, and C. You can use the Blue Line Parking Shuttle for free to get from these lots to the admission gates.

If you prefer not to drive, you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. They will pick you up and drop you off at Gate 8. Just give your driver the address 203 Rock Island, Des Moines, Iowa 50317. For more details on parking options, check the Iowa State Fair website.

You can also take a DART bus to the fairgrounds. For 2024, DART will have three pick-up locations:

7th & Center St. Park & Ride: 830 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Iowa State Capitol Building: On E 12th St., between E Grand Ave. & E Walnut St.
Southeast Polk High School: 7945 N E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Roundtrip tickets cost $2, or $1 for children ages 6-10 and people with disabilities.