Iowa State Fair

State fairs are a big draw this time of year for millions of visitors. Whether it's getting a chance to pet a newborn calf, take a ride in a giant plastic ball or eat any number of fried foods, going to the fair is always an experience.

Today, a conversation with Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt. And, we talk with the owner of a new boozy bookstore in West Branch.

Kat Schmidt from Des Moines was named Grand Champion of the 2025 Fiddling Competition Sunday at the Iowa State Fair.

The tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump last month significantly shortened the timeline for wind and solar energy tax credits. But an executive order and an onslaught of new federal policies pose a greater threat to the two industries that help electrify Iowa.

Democratic Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego visited the Iowa State Fair Friday, but he did not say if he plans to run for president in 2028.

Beyond the classic blue ribbon pies and livestock showings, the Iowa State Fair offers a schedule of weird and wonderful events that prove just how much Iowans love a good spectacle.

New PBS documentary Behind the Blue Ribbon shows a side of the Iowa State Fair you haven't seen before. And, an Iowa City physics teacher is a finalist for a prestigious national award.

President Donald Trump visited the Iowa State Fairgrounds July 3 to kick off a year-long celebration leading up the country's 250th anniversary. He touted the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" hours after it passed the U.S. House.

Planning which live performances you want to see this year? Hadestown, Hamilton and several comedy shows all made our list of shows that Iowa venues say are selling out the fastest.

Butter artist Sarah Pratt will travel to Washington D.C. in summer 2025 to sculpt the cow as part of a year-long art exhibit celebrating state fairs around the country.