Iowa State Fair ticket office now open

DES MOINES — With numerous ways to purchase Iowa State Fair tickets “Nothing Compares” to the fun found on the Fairgrounds Aug. 13-23. For fairgoers planning ahead, the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office is now open to offer discounted tickets for admission, rides and more.

The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Walk-up orders will be available until Aug. 6.

Advance Admission — Adult and children's advance admission tickets are available at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, and online at iowastatefair.org as a print your own fee-free option. Adult advance admission tickets are just $8 (ages 12 and older; regularly $11), and children's admission tickets are $4 in advance (ages 6-11; regularly $5). Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every day. Tickets may also be purchased at participating Iowa Fareway Stores, Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstores. Online mail orders placed after Aug. 2, will not be mailed, but will be held at will call. Tickets are good any one Fair day.

Fairgoers can enjoy an even bigger benefit when buying early. Advance admission tickets have a coupon for a free small Potato Olé at participating Iowa-area Taco John’s. Coupon expires Sept. 30. See store for details.

Punch Cards — Buy a convenient Punch Card with 11 days of adult Fair admission for $88. Each punch is good for one admission to the Fair. Cards may be used by individuals or families. Punch Cards may be purchased at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Punch Cards are only available until Aug. 12.

Fair Play Packs — This value-packed deal, including specials on admission, food and select rides, is perfect for employee incentives or Fair-loving families! Fair Play Packs are available for purchase now at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Must be purchased by August 12 or while supplies last.

Midway Savings — Save on the Midway with a Midway Pack, which includes a set of five Midway ride tickets for only $14. Each ticket is good for one ride. Available now at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Midway Mega Passes, good for unlimited rides any one Fair day, are also available. Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Fair admission must be purchased separately. Must be purchased by August 12 or while supplies last.

Food Tickets — Buy a set of five $1 food tickets good for food or beverage purchases at any Fairgrounds concession, excluding the Midway. Cost is $5 per set, and they may be purchased through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies).