DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The 2025 Iowa State Fair attracted 1,160,121 visitors, marking the third-largest turnout in its history. Although attendance fell short of the 2024 record of 1,182,682, the event remained resilient despite adverse weather conditions. n nThis year’s fair faced persistent rainfall and daily temperatures averaging 8 degrees Fahrenheit above those recorded during the 2024 edition. Despite these challenges, the Grandstand achieved a milestone by drawing 131,755 concert attendees, surpassing the previous high of 128,504 set in 2019. n nA report by the Common Sense Institute highlighted the fair’s substantial economic contribution. The 2025 event generated $177 million in real GDP for the state, making it the third-largest economic impact in the fair’s 171-year timeline when adjusted for 2025 dollar value. Additionally, it contributed $92 million in personal income. This figure was $2 million below 2024’s peak and $1 million less than 2023’s total in inflation-adjusted GDP terms. n nVisitor spending reached $85 million during the 2025 fair, a 1.1% rise from $84.1 million the prior year. As a result, a typical family of three spent approximately $220 per day on-site, reflecting a 3.11% increase compared to the previous year. n nPlanning is already underway for the 2026 Iowa State Fair, scheduled to take place from August 13 to August 23. n
— News Original —nIowa State Fair sees third-highest attendance, third-largest economic impactn nDES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The 2025 Iowa State Fair welcomed a total of 1,160,121 Fairgoers. n nWhile the all-time record of 1,182,682 Fairgoers was set in 2024, this year’s turnout was the third-highest in history despite weather challenges. n nAlong with multiple days of rain, the average daily temperature at the 2025 Fair was 8 degrees higher than the 2024 Fair. n nThe 2025 Iowa State Fair Grandstand did break a record. It recorded 131,755 concertgoers. The old record of 128,504 was set in 2019. n nThe Common Sense Institute released a study showing the fair’s economic impact. n nThis year’s Iowa State Fair had the third-largest real (2025 dollars) economic impact of any in the fair’s 171-year history, contributing $177 million to the state’s GDP and $92 million in personal income. This year fell short of 2024’s record year by $2 million, and 2023’s impact by $1 million in real GDP. n nThe Common Sense Institute estimates fairgoers spent a total of $85 million dollars at the fair this year, a 1.1% increase from $84.1 million in 2024. n nThis means the average family of three spent an estimated $220 per day at the Iowa State Fair this year, a 3.11% increase from 2024. n nThe 2026 Iowa State Fair is scheduled for August 13-23.
