Iowa residents are gearing up for the 2026 Iowa State Fair, with excitement already brewing over the lineup of grandstand acts. As ticket sales for the much-anticipated concert series are set to begin Friday morning, officials are issuing warnings about potential ticket scams.
The fair’s CEO, Jeremy Parsons, announced that rock legend Rod Stewart and rising country star Lainey Wilson will headline the grandstand events, scheduled for August 14 and August 16, respectively. The sales for these tickets will commence at 10 a.m. on Friday, and buyers are strongly advised to purchase directly through the Iowa State Fair’s official website at iowastatefair.org.
Parsons emphasized the importance of avoiding third-party sellers, noting that any tickets sold prior to the official release are likely scams. “If you’ve purchased tickets already, you’ve basically given your money to someone who is hoping to buy a ticket because no one has those tickets at this point,” he stated. He further cautioned that individuals looking to support their concert attendance should do their homework, checking prices carefully.
The highest price for grandstand tickets this year is set at $134.50. Parsons insisted that any sales exceeding this price likely indicate a third-party purchase, which carries risks. “If you’re paying more than $135 for a Grandstand ticket, you did not purchase through the Iowa State Fair. You purchased it through a third-party, who, quite frankly, does not have those tickets either,” he warned.
With additional act announcements scheduled to come shortly after the new year, anticipation for the event is building. The fair, which will take place in August, is known for drawing large crowds, making ticket security and legitimacy even more important. Fairgoers are encouraged to mark their calendars and be vigilant as the ticket sales approach.
