The Iowa State Fairgrounds, located in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a range of seating options for various events and concerts. Here's a breakdown of the main seating sections:

Grandstand

Front Row Seats: Closest to the stage, offering an unobstructed view of the performance. These are premium seats providing the best view and VIP treatment.

Lower Level (100 Level)

This area is just behind the Front Row seats, offering excellent sightlines and proximity to the stage.
Sections 101-108 wrap around the front of the grandstand, providing good views.

Club Seating

VIP Club: Located in the center of the grandstand, offering premium amenities like access to exclusive lounges, food, and beverage service.

Upper Level (200 Level)

Sections 201-208: Higher up from the stage but still providing decent views for concerts and shows.
End Sections: Slightly more budget-friendly options, offering a farther view but still clear.

Suite Level

The VIP Suites: Private suites with exclusive amenities, located at the top of the grandstand. These are ideal for corporate events or premium viewing experiences with groups.

Trackside

These are seats located directly on the track, offering a unique, up-close view of the action. These seats are ideal for motorsport events.

Bleachers

Sections 301-305: The furthest and most budget-friendly seats, located behind the track and grandstand. These seats offer a panoramic view of the venue, ideal for those who want to experience the event at a lower price point.

The Iowa State Fairgrounds offers a range of seating experiences to fit different preferences, whether it's luxury, proximity, or value for money.

Iowa State Fair Events

Tickets to Iowa State Fair events are available now at Event Tickets Center! Oftentimes, Iowa State Fair shows are difficult to come by. But, Event Tickets Center has a variety of tickets available for the next several events at the venue. Prices start at $45, but can range all the way up to $975. So, you need to act fast before ticket prices rise. If you are on the fence about going to see a Iowa State Fair event, we have conveniently laid out some of the most important information about the venue. Check out insider information about parking, concessions, seating, rideshare, public transportation, bag policy, amenities, and more! Find the event you want to attend in the event list above, so you can purchase your tickets to go see your next Iowa State Fair event live!

Iowa State Fair 2024 Concerts Schedule

Iowa State Fair is the hub for several events. The venue serves as the stage for festival events, in addition to hosting other functions.

Iowa State Fair Experience

Getting to a Show at Iowa State Fair

Iowa State Fair is located at 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, 50317. We've got you covered with all the options to get there, from public transportation to convenient rideshares.

Iowa State Fair Rideshare Drop-off and Pickup Location

At Iowa State Fair, there are specific pick-up locations for rideshare users. You’ll find the designated pick-up spots at Gate 8. Using rideshare to attend an event is a great option because it eliminates the stress of finding parking, which can often be scarce and expensive. Additionally, ridesharing promotes safety by providing reliable transportation if you plan on consuming alcohol during your visit.

Closest Bus Stop to Iowa State Fair

For a budget-friendly option, the nearest bus stop is located at E 30th St / E Grand Ave, DSM. This bus station is located 0.3 mi from the venue.

Arrival Times for Iowa State Fair?

Arrival times may vary depending on the event, but we recommend arriving at the venue about an hour before the scheduled start time. This gives you some breathing room in case of traffic congestion, parking difficulties, visits to the merchandise store, or if you want to grab some food and drinks before the event starts.

Inside Iowa State Fair

When you come to an event at Iowa State Fair, make sure to bring your ticket and a valid ID, especially if you intend to purchase alcohol. We recommend bringing a credit or debit card and also some cash. Because this is an outdoor venue, it can get a little cold during the winter months (and sometimes year round), so we recommend checking the weather report to consider bringing extra layers and maybe even a blanket. Plus, it might be worth it to carry a rain jacket or poncho just in case the weather changes.

Want to ensure a smooth entry to Iowa State Fair? We've got you covered! From security to accessibility, we've compiled all the info you need for a hassle-free arrival.

Iowa State Fair Bag Policy & Prohibited Items

The venue reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, containers, etc., both upon entry and upon request while on the Fairgrounds. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry. Prohibited items include:

Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are prohibited on the fairgrounds. This also includes tasers.
Marijuana and Illegal Substances: Possession of marijuana (including marijuana-enriched products) or any illegal substance is strictly prohibited.
Explosive and Flammable Objects: Fireworks, explosive materials, or similarly flammable objects are prohibited.
Drones: Flying drones within the fairgrounds is prohibited.
Skateboards and Bicycles: Skateboards and bicycles are not allowed on the premises.

Iowa State Fair Concessions

Plenty of concessions are available at Iowa State Fairgrounds. Non-alcoholic beverages are served as well as alcoholic beverages including but not limited to beer, wine, mixed drinks and hard seltzer.

Iowa State Fair Accepted Payment Methods

Iowa State Fairgrounds primarily operates on a cashless basis. This implies that while some vendors may still accept cash, most onsite purchases are done with digital wallets or debit and credit cards. Although Iowa State Fair accepts most credit cards (such as Visa and Mastercard), it is prudent to carry a small amount of cash for tipping and for the few vendors that might accept it inside and outside the venue.