Iowa State Fair offers print at home tickets for convenience

DES MOINES — “Nothing Compares” to affordable family entertainment at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17. For fairgoers planning ahead, the state fair ticket office is now open to offer discounted tickets on admission, rides and more.

The state fair ticket office, located in the administration building on the fairgrounds, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Online orders placed after Sunday, July 27, will not be mailed but will be held at will call. Walk-up orders will be available until Aug. 6. Cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. All offers good while supplies last.

Advance Admission

Save nearly 30 percent off gate admission with advance admission tickets, on sale through Aug. 6, while supplies last. Adult admission tickets are just $8 in advance (ages 12 and older; regularly $11), and children’s admission tickets are only $4 in advance (ages 6-11; regularly $5).

Fairgoers can print advance admission tickets at home when purchasing them online at iowastatefair.org. This fee-free option is easy and convenient. Tickets also may be purchased at participating Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstores and Fareway Stores. Tickets are good any one fair day. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every day.

Fairgoers can enjoy an even bigger benefit when buying early: advance admission tickets have a coupon for a free small Potato Olé at participating Iowa-area Taco John’s. Coupon expires Sept. 30. See store for details.

Fair Play Packs

These value-packed kits, including special deals on admission, food and select rides, are perfect for employee incentives or Fair-loving families! Fair Play Packs are available at the state fair ticket office or online at iowastatefair.org. Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Must be purchased by Aug. 6. Available while supplies last.

Punch Cards

Buy a convenient punch card with 11 days of adult fair admission for just $88. Each punch is good for one admission to the Fair. Cards may be used by individuals or families. Punch cards may only be purchased through the state fair ticket office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Must be purchased by Aug. 6. Available while supplies last.

Zipline Tickets

Buy two Zipline tickets for $10 and save $4. Riders must weigh between 50 and 250 lbs. Available at the state fair ticket Office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Must be purchased by August 6. Available while supplies last. Beginning Aug. 7, Zipline rides are $7 each or two for $12.

Midway Savings

Save on the midway with a Midway Pack, a set of five Midway ride tickets for only $14. Each ticket is good for one ride. Available at the state fair ticket office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Midway Mega Passes, good for unlimited rides any one fair day, are also available. Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Fair admission must be purchased separately. Must be purchased by Aug. 6. Available while supplies last.

Food Tickets

Buy a set of five $1 food tickets good for food or beverage purchases at any fairgrounds concession, excluding the midway. Cost is $5 per set, and they may be purchased through the state fair ticket office or online at iowastatefair.org.