In 1929, Iowa children bought an elephant for the Iowa State Fair. Here’s the story.

From a crowded Grandstand to total obscurity, this is the story of what happened to Baby Mine, the Iowa State Fair's elephant in the 1930s.

| 3 days ago

The best new food at the Iowa State Fair is…

Out of 57 new foods at the Iowa State Fair, this one just took the top spot.

| 3 days ago

50 cent corn dogs available at Sonic Drive-In for one day only

Can't make it to the Iowa State Fair or trying to find a slightly cheaper corn dog? Sonic Drive-In has the deal for you.

| 4 days ago

Enjoy a lunch prepared by culinary students

Bistro at the Iowa Culinary Institute at DMACC in Ankeny will start its three-course lunches during its fall and spring semesters. Bon appetit!

| 4 days ago

World Food & Music Fest headliner announced

The 15th annual World Food & Music Festival takes place Sept. 20-22 in Western Gateway Park.

| 3 days ago

Photos: Fans flock to Slipknot show at Iowa State Fair

5 days ago

‘Longest beard’ winner takes home 11th blue ribbon at State Fair

The Iowa State Fair's beard contests saw dozens of competitors and a couple hundred spectators filling up Pioneer Hall.

| 5 days ago

Smash Park remodels its loft space, looks to expand

The West Des Moines entertainment venue Smash Park is looking to provide adults more privacy in its 21-and-older space.

| 5 days ago

Celebrate summer’s end at Cityview’s Wine & Whiskey Walk

Wine & Whiskey Walk will take place at West Glen Town Center in West Des Moines on Sept. 20. Tickets are on sale now.

| 5 days ago

Toby Keith brings patriotic party to Iowa State Fair

The veteran country music star brings his long catalog of songs enshrining good times and the American way to the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

| 5 days ago

Beaverdale pizzeria closing at the end of August

A pizzeria located in the Beaverdale Place shopping center in Des Moines is closing its doors at the end of August.

| 5 days ago

Where are the Fair Squares?

For almost a decade, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has sold crispy rice treats at the fair. Where are they this year?

| 5 days ago

Metro sushi chain opens Ankeny location

A popular Des Moines sushi chain recently opened a new location in Ankeny's Prairie Trail District, serving its iconic 'Marilynn Monroll.'

| 6 days ago

Iowans with special needs show pigs for first time at Iowa State Fair

Earlham senior Kylee Brown noticed that there weren't any people with special needs showing livestock, so she set about making a change. This year, Bacon Buddies was born.

| 6 days ago

Andrew Zimmern loves this state fair sandwich

Chef Andrew Zimmern of "Bizarre Foods" on the Travel Channel makes an appearance at the Iowa State Fair and heads straight for this iconic sandwich.

| 6 days ago

Orlondo’s closing leaves void in cycling community

The south-side restaurant was a pioneer when it came to catering to Iowa's Spandex-clad riders.

| 6 days ago

Photos: ‘American Idol’ winner Maddie Poppe’s concert at the 2019 Iowa State Fair

Slipknot sells out first-ever Iowa State Fair show

Slipknot brought down the house with a sold-out crowd of over 17,000 people at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

Slipknot sets two State Fair records

With 17,032 tickets scanned, Slipknot, the homegrown metal act, set two records during their sold-out State Fair debut last night.

Slipknot thrills fans at 2019 Iowa State Fair Grandstand show

Your guide to food, concerts, all our photos and more at the Iowa State Fair

The Des Moines Register has rounded up all of our coverage to help you save money, try the new fair foods and make the most of your Iowa State Fair experience.

How Des Moines landed an Ironman triathlon

The answer lies with a risk-taking organization and a small club and triathlon community that never gave up hope.

Photos: Budweiser Clydesdales at the Iowa State Fair

This Iowa State Fair Queen candidate gave away her winnings. Here’s why.

Tears aren’t exactly foreign to livestock show rings at local county fairs. But when Madalynne Yenter made a special announcement at hers, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Iowa family gives $2,000 — $5 at a time — to kids at Fair

The Scarpino family handed out $2,000, $5 at a time, to kids — all of whom were complete strangers — at the Iowa State Fair. They did it for their father, who died before he could see his wish come true.

Photos: Chainsmokers at the 2019 Iowa State Fair Grandstand

Good or bad? How is Slipknot’s new No. 9 Iowa Whiskey?

Des Moines Register staff sample Slipknot's new No. 9 Iowa Whiskey, a collaboration with Cedar Ridge Distillery. Here's what they thought.

Why did Sam Auen’s restaurants collapse?

After the closure of Tacopocalypse and Krunkwich, customers were left wondering what happened to the once popular restaurants.

How D.M. chefs rated new Iowa State Fair foods

Des Moines chefs George Formaro and Jacob Demars taste and rate 9 new foods at the Iowa State Fair. Here are their scores.

Des Moines chefs score 10 Iowa State Fair foods

We asked two Des Moines chefs, George Formaro and Jacob Demars, to taste and rate 10 new foods at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

30 years later, they still come to Iowa’s Field of Dreams

"Field of Dreams," the iconic baseball movie filmed in Dubuque County, premiered 30 years ago this month.

Where to stay for 2020 MLB Field of Dreams game

The Major League teams will face off at 6 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2020, the teams announced Thursday morning. By noon, local hotels received hundreds of calls.

| 6 days ago

Video surfaces of fan being punched at Des Moines DaBaby concert

A video depicts an altercation between the rising star rapper and a fan.

Iowa State Fair announces first 2020 Grandstand act

The Iowa State Fair announced its first Grandstand act for 2020.

Photos: Day 1 at the 2019 Iowa State Fair

Des Moines Restaurant Week 2019 runs Aug. 16-25

Des Moines Restaurant Week 2019 takes place Aug. 16-25 and diners can choose between two lunches or one 3-course dinner for $28 at over 40 eateries.

| 2 days ago

We tried the Iowa State Fair corn dog beer

We tried three different Iowa State Fair-specific beers at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent to share our thoughts.

Iowa State Fair: How to save time, money and your sanity

Don't miss this handy guide to find the best deals for the Iowa State Fair.

Photos: Your first look at the 2019 Iowa State Fair butter cow

Jethro’s BBQ is opening at the former Orlondo’s location

Jethro's BBQ is moving into the former Orlondo's space near the Great Western Trail in south Des Moines.