The First 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Shows Have Been Announced

The 2026 concert season here in Iowa is shaping up to be a good one! On Tuesday afternoon (December 9th), the Iowa State Fair took to social media to tease not one, but TWO grandstand concert announcements. They posted a couple of photos of the mystery artists that were extremely zoomed in, but there were some internet sleuths who were still able to correctly guess who they were ahead of the official announcement on Wednesday. We're excited to share that the first two grandstand shows for the 2026 Iowa State Fair are Rod Stewart and Lainey Wilson!

Rod Stewart Concert

The legendary Rod Stewart will be taking the stage at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 14th at 8 p.m. The soon to be 81-year-old doesn't have an opening act for his Des Moines show listed just yet, but we do know that tickets for the concert will go on sale this Friday, December 12th at 10 a.m. They'll range from $69.50 to $134.50 and can be purchase online HERE.

Lainey Wilson Concert

The other act announced for the Iowa State Fair this week is country superstar Lainey Wilson! The two-time CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year will play the grandstand stage on Sunday, August 16th at 8 p.m. Her opener is female country duo Tigirlily Gold. Tickets for Lainey's concert will also go on sale this Friday, December 12th at 10 a.m. and range from $69.50 to $134.50. They can be purchased online HERE.

Other 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Concerts

As of right now, Rod Stewart and Lainey Wilson are the only two acts revealed for next year's fair, but there are plenty more announcements to come! The 11-day event is set for August 13th through the 23rd of 2026. For the latest updates and announcements, you can follow the Iowa State Fair on Facebook HERE.

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Looking for more big concerts happening in Iowa in 2026? Check out a full list HERE!