Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines is a 160-acre year-round event campus best known as the home of the Iowa State Fair each August, but available for private and public events throughout the rest of the year. With more than 20 distinct facilities on the grounds, the campus accommodates nearly 200 events annually — from trade shows, conventions, and corporate meetings to parties, fundraisers, weddings, and livestock competitions. Facilities range from the 110,400-square-foot William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building, which seats more than 7,500 for banquets, to the 7,000-square-foot Walnut Center suited for smaller gatherings of up to 575. The Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, completed in 2010, anchors the campus with a 32,000-square-foot show arena and full climate control. Support services include contracted catering and concessions, 24-hour security, audio/visual equipment, and ample free parking throughout the grounds. The campus sits at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines and 20 minutes from Des Moines International Airport.