Iowa State Fair 2012 entertainment guide

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Rascal Flatts at the 2012 Iowa State Fair

Rascal Flatts at the 2012 Iowa State Fair

Rascal Flatts closes the 2012 Iowa State Fair with a lively final performance

Hank Williams Jr. brings country hits and political jabs to the fair

Hank Williams Jr. brings country hits and political jabs to the fair

Williams loves America, but not the guy running it.

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Rascal Flatts gives the Fair its final number

Rascal Flatts gives the Fair its final number

Country marathon brings the 2012 fair to an end.

Classic rock ruled the Grandstand on Saturday

Classic rock ruled the Grandstand on Saturday

Journey, Pat Benatar and Loverboy gave classic rock fans a thrill.

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A Day at the Iowa State Fair 2012

A Day at the Iowa State Fair 2012


Fair-goers enjoyed beer, music and food on sticks

Boyz II Men at the Iowa State Fair

Boyz II Men at the Iowa State Fair


R&B crooners Boyz II Men sing their hits at the Iowa State Fair

East side night at the Iowa State Fair 2012

East side night at the Iowa State Fair 2012


Did we spot you at East Side Night?

Iowa State Fair food: 10 years of extreme food

Iowa State Fair: 10 years of extreme food


A look at 10 years worth of extreme foods at the Iowa State Fair

Miranda Lambert

2012 Iowa State Fair music


All the Grandstand music acts and a sampling of the free stages

Opening Day Festivities

New at the 2012 Iowa State Fair


New sites, eats and activities from the 2012 Iowa State Fair

2012 Iowa State Fair: The basics

2012 Iowa State Fair: The basics


It’s not just amazing because of the double bacon corn dog

Butter fuels Iowa State Fair buzz

Butter fuels Iowa State Fair buzz


Fairgoers can’t get enough of the newest fair delicacy

And the winner of the 2011 ultimate Iowa State Fair food is...

And the winner of the 2011 ultimate Iowa State Fair food is...


After two rounds of voting, you've decided the corn dog reigns supreme of Iowa State Fair foods

Maroon 5 and Train at the Iowa State Fair

Maroon 5 and Train at the Iowa State Fair


Musical groups Maroon 5 and Train gave Iowa State Fair goers a show.

Iowa State Fair 2011: the free stages

Iowa State Fair 2011: the free stages


Grandstand shows may have big names, but check listings of other bands playing the Iowa State Fair.

9 things to do at the fair


Music, cow chip throwing, llama limbo

Spotted at the 2011 Iowa State Fair

Opening night at the 2011 Iowa State Fair


Another year of beer tents, food on sticks and more

Iowa State Fair 2011: Music on the Grandstand

Iowa State Fair 2011: Music on the Grandstand


A roundup of all the music stars on the big stage

My day at the fair

My day at the fair


3 fair fanatics walk us through their day at the Iowa State Fair

 
 

Calendar

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MAY

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Today's Events

  • Trapt
    Wooly's - 504 E. Locust - East Village
  • Corvus
    Wooly's - 504 E. Locust - East Village
  • Karaoke
    Billy Joe's Lounge - 1701 25th St. - Des Moines Metro
  • Global Animal Partnership Week
    Whole Foods - 4100 University Ave - Des Moines Metro
  • Now Open!
    Scale House at Forest Park Museum - 14581 K Ave. - Central Iowa
 
7 State Fair concerts to see

7 State Fair concerts to see

There's a lot of great music every year at the fair, much of it free. Here are seven acts worth the drive to the fairgrounds this year.
East Side night at the Iowa State Fair

East Side night at the Iowa State Fair

See who showed up for the state fair's annual party night.