8 a.m.–midnight Aug. 13–22. On Aug. 23, grounds are open 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Public radio · 12-hour window
Live Fair radio
Recent machine-assisted context from watched public-safety channels. Transmissions that explicitly mention the Fair are separated from broader event-channel traffic.
Independent and unofficial. DSM Radar is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Iowa State Fair. Event channels can carry activity elsewhere in Des Moines and are not exclusive to the Fair. Machine transcripts may be incomplete or incorrect; use official sources for decisions.
Tuning the Fair Desk to recent radio traffic…
—Explicit Fair references
—Other event-channel items
—Watched channels
—Channel calls
Watched channels
Latest 12 hoursChannel activity will appear here after the first update.
Fair references
VerifyingChecking for items specifically tied to the Fairgrounds…
Event-channel transmissions
Traffic heard on watched event talkgroups. These transmissions may concern the Fair, another event, or unrelated city activity; channel placement alone is not confirmation.
Checking watched event channels for recent transmissions…
Plan from the source
Official visitor desk
Direct links to the Iowa State Fair’s official information. Schedules and operating details can change, so check there before you go.
01Daily scheduleOfficial Fair site
02Hours & gatesOfficial Fair site
03Grounds mapOfficial Fair site
04Parking & rideOfficial Fair site
05SafetyOfficial Fair site
Free parking and continuous complimentary bus service from Southridge Mall to Gate 10.
Paid DART shuttle service runs from two downtown locations. See DART details.
Fair Public Safety: 515-262-3931. For an emergency, call 911.