DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair continued to draw large crowds on Tuesday as the annual event moved through its final week. The fair opened August 13 and closes August 23.

One of the largest state fairs in the United States, the event features livestock competitions, the traditional Butter Cow sculpture in the Agriculture Building, grandstand concerts and hundreds of food vendors. Fair staff said the sculpture and foods-on-a-stick remain the most popular attractions for families.

Midweek programming included 4-H and FFA youth livestock judging, agricultural education exhibits and evening entertainment at the Grandstand. Visitors were also able to search a state unclaimed property database and learn about college savings plans at booths hosted by the Iowa Treasurer's Office.

Organizers said weather and daily gate figures would determine whether the 2026 event challenges recent attendance records, which have topped one million visitors in strong years. Local businesses and vendors reported steady sales throughout the week.

The Iowa Department of Transportation urged patience with heavy traffic around the fairgrounds. The fair remains a significant economic and cultural event for the state, drawing visitors from across the Midwest before the harvest season begins.