Iowa State Fairgrounds Events 2024. Although the iowa state fair has been around since 1854, the concept of themes wasn’t started until 1965. The iowa state fairgrounds are located about 10 minutes east of downtown des moines at the intersection of east 30th street and east university avenue.

The iowa state fairgrounds are located about 10 minutes east of downtown des moines at the intersection of east 30th street and east university avenue. The internationally acclaimed iowa state fair is the single largest event in the state of iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country.