Our vision: America's State Fair May 29 - July 19 2026
Des Moines, Iowa
Here is our vision for America's State Fair May 29 - July 19, 2026 at the Iowa State Fair Grounds
☆ NOTE: The 2026 Iowa State Fair starts August 13 in 2026, they need a few weeks to setup. For that reason, the proposed dates for America's State Fair finishes on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Friday, May 29 - Sunday, May 31 Kick off with a Music Festival at Iowa State Fair Grandstand
Friday, May 29 - Sunday July 19 Avenue of States like the one at The Big E (see video here)
Monday, June 1 - Sunday June 21 America250 Games run at the Drake Stadium Complex (Football, Track & Field, Soccer) Knapp Center (Basketball, gymnastics, indoor events), Drake Tennis complex, Wellmark YMCA for aquatics, Iowa Fair Grounds for rodeo, equestrian competitions
Monday, June 1 - Sunday June 21 Host nightly concerts during the Sports Competitions
Monday, June 22 - Thursday July 2 Avenue of States daily demonstrations of dance, cooking, fine arts chili Cookoff with nightly concerts focusing on music genres by state. Feature Nonprofits from each state as well.
Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5 America 250 Fireworks, 4th of July Music Festival Huge Rodeo
Monday, July 6 - Thursday July 16- Innovation and Technology Expo from each state
Friday, July 17 -- International Balloon Classic - ask them to start it 7/17 in Indianola - 25 min from Iowa state Fair with some events including the Iowa State Fair Grounds
Friday, July 17 - Sunday July 19 America 250 Final Weekend Music Festival / Fireworks / Drone Show
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After American State Fair Events
Continue at State Fairs
Each Avenue of States display should then be set up at their own State Fair after America 250 is over
America 250 State Showcases
Keep the America 250 momentum at the state level especially if there are national finaancial resources to help set this up in each state.
July 1 - December 31 -- America 250 State Showcases in each state - move into Dead Malls in each state, have innovative small businesses take over the spaces from 7/1 - 12/31 2026. The Dead Malls taken over can't be closed malls, just malls limping along with many spaces available. Also set up vendor events every weekend for people renting tables in common areas for the weekend.
Host Events at these Showcases:
☆ Back-to-School
☆ Fall Festival
☆ Halloween Trick or Treat
☆ Black Friday
☆ Festival of Trees (featuring nonprofits)
☆ Holiday Market
If the 6 month event is a success, keep it going for as long as possible!