You got a guy™ for venue tickets

Iowa State Fair Tickets

Location
Des Moines Venue Guide, Pa

Now selling

Upcoming Events at Iowa State Fair

Loading current ticket availability

The venue

About Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair Grandstand sits at the heart of the Des Moines fairgrounds, a year-round expo and visitor complex that hosts top-name concerts, large public events, exhibitions, parades, and the famous butter sculpture. With a seating capacity of about 16,000 in the Grandstand, it’s a premier spot for a broad, exciting lineup during the annual 11-day fair and throughout the year. This page gives you a straightforward rundown of seating, parking, transit, and nearby lodging and dining options so you can secure your seats and plan your visit with ease.

We’ve got you covered with practical details and trusted partner recommendations to help you find reliable lodging and dining close to the action. Think of us as your go-to connection for tickets, access, and local guidance.

Seating and seating chart: The Grandstand offers detailed seating with the section you want maps and great seats numbering available on the official Iowa State Fair website. If you’re aiming for a specific view, knowing your the section you want and great seats can help you secure the best experience. Capacity is around 16,000, making it one of Des Moines’ larger concert and event spaces.

Parking: On-site parking is available in the fairgrounds’ lots. For a smoother trip to the gates, consider DART Park & Ride options and shuttle service to the gates during the fair. If you’re driving, check for posted lot directions on event day to find the quickest route to your parking area.

Transit: Des Moines’ DART buses serve the fairgrounds with a designated Transit Hub at Gate 10. Park & Ride locations include Center Street, the State Capitol, and Southeast Polk High School. Plan your route ahead of time using the DART schedule so you know when to hop off and walk into the gates.

Nearby hotels and dining: Lodging information is available from the Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau via the fairgrounds, with several downtown Des Moines hotels within a short drive. We prioritize trusted affiliate partners for hotels and nearby dining to help you book with confidence and convenience. If you’re visiting for the fair—or a concert—look for accommodations that suit your timing and budget with easy access to Gate 10 and the transit hub.

What not to miss: The Grandstand hosts high-profile concerts and major public events, while the fairgrounds host exhibitions, parades, and classic attractions like the butter sculpture. Whether you’re here for a big show or a day on the midway, plan to explore the broader fairgrounds for a complete experience.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Capacity: Grandstand seats approximately 16,000.
  • Address: 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317.
  • Venue type: Iowa State Fairgrounds Grandstand, a large multi-purpose arena within a year‑round expo/visitor complex.
  • Seating chart: Detailed Grandstand seating with section maps and seat numbering available on the official site.
  • Parking: On-site parking lots with DART Park & Ride options; shuttle service to gates during the fair.
  • Transit: DART buses serve the fairgrounds with a designated Transit Hub at Gate 10; Park & Ride locations include Center Street, the State Capitol, and Southeast Polk High School.
  • Nearby hotels: Lodging information is provided by the Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau via the fairgrounds; multiple downtown Des Moines hotels are within a short drive.
  • Notable events: Grandstand hosts top-name concerts and large public events; the fairgrounds also host exhibitions, parades, and historically famous attractions like the butter sculpture.
  • Renamed/demolished: No demolition or renaming of the Grandstand is indicated; the venue remains active and part of the fairgrounds for 11-day annual events.