Iowa State Fair Brings Mix of Returning Favorites and New Acts for 2026

Free grounds entertainment lineup features chainsaw carvers, glassblowers, comedy shows, and more.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A vibrant, abstract illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in red, white, and black, conveying the energy and diversity of the entertainment offerings at the Iowa State Fair.The Iowa State Fair's free grounds entertainment lineup promises a dynamic mix of returning favorites and exciting new acts for 2026.Des Moines Today

The 2026 Iowa State Fair will feature a dynamic lineup of free entertainment acts, including returning crowd-favorites like chainsaw carvers, glassblowers, and a one-man band, as well as exciting new additions like a Wild West comedy show, reflective street performers, and a lumberjack demonstration. The fair runs from August 13-23 and will announce its full schedule of free entertainment, including nightly concerts, at the end of April.

Why it matters

The Iowa State Fair is a beloved annual tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Des Moines each summer. The free entertainment acts on the fairgrounds are a major draw, providing a diverse array of family-friendly performances and activities that complement the fair's other offerings like food, rides, livestock, and shopping.

The details

Returning favorites include chainsaw carvers transforming logs into art on Expo Hill, live glassblowing demonstrations from Hot Glass Academy, the energetic one-man band Bandaloni, and the ever-popular HillBilly Bob. New additions for 2026 include the ShenaniGuns! Comedy Wild West Show, the reflective and larger-than-life AmirrorCAN Men, and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. All of these acts will be free with paid admission to the Iowa State Fair, which runs from August 13-23.

  • The 2026 Iowa State Fair runs from August 13-23.
  • The full schedule of free entertainment, including nightly concerts, will be announced at the end of April 2026.

The players

Iowa State Fair

An annual state fair held in Des Moines, Iowa that features agricultural exhibits, food, rides, entertainment, and more.

ShenaniGuns! Comedy Wild West Show

A new free entertainment act coming to the 2026 Iowa State Fair that combines stunt work with comedy for a high-energy, family-friendly performance.

AmirrorCAN Men

A new free entertainment act coming to the 2026 Iowa State Fair featuring reflective, larger-than-life, red, white and blue strolling performers.

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show

A new free entertainment act coming to the 2026 Iowa State Fair that brings the legendary lumberjack tradition to life.

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What’s next

The full schedule of free entertainment, including nightly concerts, will be announced at the end of April 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 Iowa State Fair will offer a diverse lineup of free entertainment acts, blending returning crowd-favorites with exciting new additions, providing something for everyone and continuing the fair's tradition of being a must-visit summer destination.