Fairgoers can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, meet Iowa farmers and enjoy free activities, giveaways and family fun at Farm Bureau Park during the 2026 Iowa State Fair. This year’s theme, “Roots of Freedom: Growing America for 250 Years,” honors the farm families who have helped feed, fuel and strengthen the nation for generations.
Located east of the Varied Industries Building just off the Grand Concourse, Farm Bureau Park will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 13-23. Throughout the fair, visitors can stop by for free games, interactive exhibits, health screenings, prizes and giveaways while learning how agriculture touches everyday life.
“America’s story has always been rooted in agriculture, and Iowa farmers continue to help keep our nation strong by providing the food, fuel and fiber families rely on every day,” said Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “As we celebrate America 250 at Farm Bureau Park, we invite fairgoers to connect with the people and stories behind Iowa agriculture and join us in honoring the farm families who care for the land, strengthen communities and help move our country forward.”
Prizes, exhibits and wellness activities
Farm Bureau Park is the only place at the Iowa State Fair where visitors can win free fair food, prizes and thousands of dollars in giveaways—all while supplies last and throughout the fair.
Additionally, Iowa Farm Bureau members who check in at Farm Bureau Park will receive a free commemorative American flag celebrating America 250, while supplies last, and are also automatically entered for a chance to win $5,000 in food and fuel.
Fairgoers who join Iowa Farm Bureau during the fair receive a $10 Fareway gift card and a chance to win $1,000 in food and fuel. Visitors can also take the Farm Bureau Member Benefits Challenge for a chance to win $500 in groceries and other prizes.
Visit the game booth to play the Farm Strong Challenge, learn how Iowa farmers lead in conservation and animal care and win free prizes—including Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Pulling for Iowa Farmers” Pull-Tab Giveaway – a chance to win a free pork chop on a stick, cheeseburger, turkey leg or strawberry slush.
Fairgoers can also explore a new hands-on exhibit featuring interactive displays that highlight farmers’ innovative conservation practices, show how agriculture is part of everyday life and offer a relaxing break under the shade of the iconic Corn Bin Gazebo.
As part of Iowa Farm Bureau’s commitment to supporting healthy families and strong communities, Farm Bureau Park will once again offer free blood pressure, glaucoma and skin cancer screenings on select days, along with hands-only CPR, AED, injury prevention and wellness education demonstrations through partnerships with UnityPoint Health, Wolfe Eye Clinic, the American Red Cross, Grand View University Nursing Student Association, Farm Bureau Wellness, the American Physical Therapy Association, John Stoddard Cancer Center and others.
Special events
Families can kick off the fair fun with Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmers during a special kid-focused day at Farm Bureau Park on Saturday, Aug. 15. Children can meet Iowa farmers, join interactive farm-themed activities and win prizes while learning more about Iowa agriculture.
That same day, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson will participate in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show alongside youth exhibitor Kennedy Linkenmeyer and her steer, Colonel. The event has raised more than $6 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which supports families with hospitalized, critically-ill children.
Farm Bureau Day at the Iowa State Fair will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 18, with the 62nd annual Cookout Contest, where backyard pitmasters will compete for the title of “Grand Champion” and cash prizes. Throughout the day, fairgoers can enjoy educational exhibits, connect with Iowa Farm Bureau leaders and members and take part in activities at Farm Bureau Park.
On Thursday, Aug. 20, Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will honor Iowa farm families during the annual Century and Heritage Farm Awards ceremony at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. The recognition honors farm families who have stewarded the land for more than 100 and 150 years, respectively.
“This ceremony is one of my favorite events at the Iowa State Fair because you get to hear the incredible stories and history behind Iowa’s farm families,” said Johnson. “These families have overcome challenges, adapted through generations and remained committed to caring for the land. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, values and legacy that define Iowa agriculture.”
For a complete schedule of activities and events, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/statefair.
