DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair is looking for volunteers to help with the 2026 fair, which runs August 13-23.
Individuals, families, civic organizations and community groups can sign up for various volunteer opportunities. Volunteers help create the traditions and memories at the fair.
Several positions offer fundraising opportunities for groups. Civic and community groups can work gate admissions by welcoming fairgoers, scanning admission tickets and providing hand stamps. Each volunteer receives admission, a parking pass and $10 in food coupons per day.
Volunteers must be 16 years or older, and preferred group sizes are about 15 people. For more information, contact Luciano Bertagnolli at 515.401.1557 or LBertagnolli@iowastatefair.org.
Groups can also help with Barksdale’s State Fair Cookie operations by bucketing cookies and helping with cleaning tasks. Each volunteer receives admission, and five parking passes are provided per group of 10 volunteers. For more information, contact Miranda Kirby at 515.401.1593 or cookies@iowastatefair.org.
The fair is seeking volunteers for The Garden presented by Corteva Agriscience to answer questions and talk to fairgoers about gardening in Iowa. The Garden will feature fruit trees, vegetable gardens, a history of corn display, soybeans and agricultural cover crops and composting displays. Volunteers receive free fair admission.
Volunteers are also needed at Little Hands on the Farm, which teaches children about the importance of agriculture. Children ages 2 to 10 become farmers at this free, hands-on exhibit.
The fair is seeking volunteers for Vet Camp and Advanced Vet Camps. Volunteer opportunities are available for veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and student volunteers.
Volunteers are needed to help with the state’s largest parade, which kicks off the Iowa State Fair. Volunteers help with staging, barricades and dispersion. For information, contact Kiersten Simonetta at ksimonetta@iowastatefair.org.
The fair is interested in volunteers to help staff information booths and diaper-changing and nursing stations. For more information, contact Paula Barnes at iowafairvolunteer@gmail.com.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for volunteers to help sell bottled water and Iowa State Fair merchandise at stands throughout the grounds. All Blue Ribbon Foundation funds go toward fairgrounds renovations. To volunteer, visit https://blueribbonfoundation.org/events/iowa-state-fair/volunteer.
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