IOWA STATE FAIR

What to do and see Monday at the 2022 Iowa State Fair

Des Moines Register staff

The 2022 Iowa State Fair runs 11 days, from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 21. Des Moines Register staffers put together this daily guide to help you enjoy your time at the 2022 Iowa State Fair.

Here are our recommendations for Monday, Aug. 15.

Check out Habitat for Humanity's newest build

For the first time since the 2005 Iowa State Fair, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity is building a home on the fairgrounds. The first walls of the home, which will eventually be moved to 508 E. 27th St. — just west of the fairgrounds — went up Thursday and construction is expected to continue through Friday. There will be an open house to show if off Saturday and Sunday. Find the build site on the northwest side of the fairgrounds between Gate 13 and Grand Avenue. 

It's time for a turkey leg

The biggest turkey legs at the fair clock in at more than 1,100 calories, so order one and plan to share ... or not. Find them at the Iowa Turkey Federation west of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, Hardenbrook's Turkey Legs southwest of the Agriculture Building or Smith's Turkey Time on the south side of the Triangle.

More:Des Moines chefs tried 7 Iowa State Fair dishes. Here's what they recommend.

Who's performing on Day 5 of the State Fair?

See a free show: Rocker Stephen Pearcy, founder of the heavy metal band Ratt, will perform beginning at 8 p.m. on the MidAmerican Energy Stage.

Who's on the Grandstand?: Alanis Morissette with special guest Morgan Wade also appear at 8 p.m.

Who’s at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox?

  • 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Ryan Melton, candidate for Iowa's 4th Congressional District
  • 3 p.m.: Democrat Michael Franken, candidate for U.S. Senate

What should I know if I go?

Regular gate admission: $14 for ages 12 and up, $8 for ages 6-11, free for children 5 and under. On Monday, active and former members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses get in for $10. 

Hours: Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to midnight. Buildings, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thrill Ville and Thrill Zone, 10 a.m. to midnight. Thrill Town, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Weather forecast: Partly sunny with a high of 78 degrees and 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. 

From the archives:The sad, mysterious tale of Baby Mine, the Iowa State Fair elephant

Photo album: 

More news on the Iowa State Fair

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