Day 11 guide to the Iowa State Fair: What to do at the fairgrounds Sunday, Aug. 17

Updated: 4:00 PM CDT Aug 16, 2025

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And just like that, we’re down to the final day of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Iowa’s biggest and arguably best summer tradition is approaching record attendance territory, but we’ll have to wait until Monday to get the final tally. Through Thursday, Day 8, 843,382 people had gone through the gates, just 1,169 behind last year’s eight-day total that grew to be an all-time record.Video above from our archives: Judges look for volume during 1993 Husband Calling Contest » Frequently asked questions about the Iowa State Fair» See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here.Here’s what you need to know about Day 11 of the 2025 Iowa State Fair.Day 11: Sunday, Aug. 17Grandstand: Kidz Bop Live, 6 p.m.; ticketsFree stage headliners: Redferrin at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, 7 p.m.; Rebecca St. James at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, 7 p.m.; Journey from the Heart at the MidAmerican Energy Stage, 7 p.m.Weather: Check out KCCI’s daily forecast hereDaily attendance record: 119,754 on the second Sunday in 2012Eat something: Before the fair ends, make sure to hit Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies. These cookies have been a staple for fairgoers since 1993. Get some cookies in a cup or a bucket to share with those around you.Use the Iowa State Fair’s food finder to search for your favorites.Don’t miss: It’s the last day of the fair, which means it’s the Bill Riley Talent Search Finals. From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages two through 21 will be giving it their all in hopes of winning the biggest talent show in the state. The winner receives a giant trophy and a check for $10,000.New this year, the Farmers Markets is showcasing the littlest creators. On the last day of the fair, Sunday, Aug. 17, kids ages 7 to 17 can enter their homemade products to win banners from the Kids Makers Market. Fairgoers can check out this market and purchase products from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Air-conditioned buildings on the fairgroundsThere are 10 buildings with air conditioning at the Iowa State Fair, according to officials. They include the Cultural Center, Varied Industries Building, Youth Inn, Pavilion, Elwell Family Food Center, Service Center, Animal Learning Center, Maytag Family Theaters Kitchen, Jacobson Exhibition Center, 4-H Building.Iowa State Fair: 10 air-conditioned buildings on the fairgroundsWhere will KCCI be at the fair?You can see KCCI 8 News live at 4:30 p.m. every weekday during the fair from the MidAmerican Energy Stage.You can also stream KCCI 8’s coverage of the Iowa State Fair for free on the Very Local app. Click here to download Very Local to your phone.See all of our Iowa State Fair coverage here. KCCI skycam: Views from the Iowa State FairgroundsThis image is updated every 60 seconds on this page.Admission, hours and more for the fairLocation: The fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines.Admission: Adult admission costs $16 at the gate and $10 for children ages 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. Hours: Fairgrounds are open Aug. 7-16 from 8 a.m.-midnight, Aug. 17 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and buildings are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.Thrill park hours include:Thrill Ville: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 7-16; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 17Thrill Town: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 7-16; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Aug. 17Thrill Zone: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Aug. 7-16; 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Aug. 17Iowa State Fair attendance recordsLast year’s fair was the biggest ever, with 1,182,682 people attending. That’s 12,307 more than the previous record of 1,170,375 in 2019 and 48,724 more than 2023 (1,133,958), which was the second-biggest. Top 10 biggest fairs2024: 1,182,682 2019: 1,170,3752023: 1,133,9582018: 1,130,2602017: 1,130,0712022: 1,118,7632015: 1,117,3982008: 1,109,1502012: 1,097,1422021: 1,094,480 Highest daily attendance all-timeFirst Thursday: 101,262 in 2008First Friday: 115,703 in 2001First Saturday: 128,732 in 2024First Sunday: 115,048 in 2024Monday: 105,522 in 2017Tuesday: 105,384 in 2024Wednesday: 109,323 in 2019Second Thursday: 107,449 in 2015Second Friday: 112,891 in 2019Second Saturday: 128,298 in 2022Second Sunday: 119,754 in 2012