State Fair Season in Full Swing

OMAHA (DTN) -- Iowa's annual State Fair in Des Moines is wrapping up this weekend with major performances from singer-songwriter Maren Morris, rapper Ludacris, country band The Chicks and country singer Jason Aldean.

On top of thrills, ag adventures, activities and food, here's a listing of what's to come this weekend at the fair:

-- Sunset Yoga in the Garden, Aug. 17 at 8:30 p.m., $25 per person. Unwind at the fair at one of the most beautiful spots on the fairgrounds. All participants receive an Iowa State Fair Sunset Yoga mat along with a swag bag from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative including fruit from Capital City Fruit and much more. Sponsored by Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.

-- Fair After Dark Farm Challenge, Aug. 18 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., in the Outdoor Arena, $30 per person. Hay throwing, cow naming challenge, chores and challenges. Must be 21 and over to attend, two drink tickets are included with each ticket purchase.

-- ATV Big Air Tour, Aug. 18, gates open at noon, show starts at 1 p.m. $20 for ages 12 and over during the fair, $15 for ages 2-11.

-- Domination Motorsports Demolition Derby, Aug. 20, gates open at noon, show starts at 1 p.m. $20 during the fair for ages 12 and over, $15 for ages 2-11.

-- Maren Morris with special guest Lindsay Ell, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m., tickets range from $35-$60.

-- Ludacris with special guest Sean Kingston, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m., tickets range from $35-$55.

-- The Chicks with special guest Ben Harper, Aug. 19, tickets range from $60-$125.

-- Jason Aldean with special guest Corey Kent, Aug. 20, tickets ranging from $60-$125.

-- Iowa Brunch presented by Travel Iowa and Choose Iowa, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Alliant Energy Landing. All proceeds will be donated to the Iowa FFA Foundation to support local food programs and the ProStart High School Culinary Arts Program.

-- Singers Megan Moroney (Aug. 17), Ingrid Andress (Aug. 18) Claire Ronsinkranz (Aug. 19), and band Asleep at the Wheel (Aug. 20) are performing free entertainment sessions at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater with gate admission during the fair.

Admission to the fair costs $16 for ages 12 and up, children ages 6-11 cost $10. To buy fair admission tickets and/or event tickets, go to https://www.iowastatefair.org/….

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MINNESOTA STATE FAIR -- AUG. 24-SEPT. 4

In less than one week, the Great Minnesota Get-Together, formally known as the Minnesota State Fair, is coming, boasting nearly 3,758 events in total over a 12-day period.

Food, rides and attractions, ag education and competitive exhibits, animals, art and more are to be expected on the 322-acre fairgrounds, along with the fair's grandstand concert series featuring:

-- The Black Keys: Dropout Boogie Tour with special guest The Velveteers on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $69 to $159.

-- The Chicks: World Tour 2023 with special guest Wild Rivers on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $77 to $197.

-- Keith Urban with special guest Lindsay Ell on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $52 to $87.

-- Boyz II Men and Chaka Khan with special guest NUNNABOVE on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $34 to $51.

-- Happy Together Tour 2023 featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $33.

-- Brandi Carlile with special guest Wynonna Judd on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $79 to $199.

-- Yung Gravy with special guest bbno$ on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $64.

-- DURAN DURAN: FUTURE PAST with special guests Bastille and Nile Rodgers & CHIC on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $77 to $197.

-- Jonas Brothers: FIVE ALBUMS. ONE NIGHT. With special guest Lawrence on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $77 to $207.

-- The Current's Music On-A-Stick featuring The Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $27 to $37.

-- MSF 50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest Finals on Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

-- Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour on Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16.

Tickets to the Minnesota State Fair during fair time are $18 for ages 13-64, $16 for seniors over age 65, $16 for kids and ages 5 and under are free. For more information on exhibits, fair events and ticket prices, go to https://www.mnstatefair.org/….

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NEBRASKA STATE FAIR -- AUG. 25-SEPT. 4

Nebraska fairgoers are a week away from the "Whatever Your Flavor"-themed annual state fair starting on Aug. 25, boasting all day events over the 11-day period in Grand Island, including bull riding, ATV big air tours, truck and tractor pulls and more.

New this year is Tractor Supply Co.'s partnership with The Birthing Pavilion boasting video and audio upgrades, enhanced live streaming and cameras, and two new unique programs: the Before and After-Hours experience. Registered guests will take a private tour of the Pavilion, get in-depth personal answers from the veterinarians on animal health, and more.

In its Nebraska Lottery Concert Series, the fair is hosting a number of entertainers and performers:

-- The Oak Ridge Boys on Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. This event has sold out.

-- Rock band Three Dog Night on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $50.

-- Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, a widely known standup comedian and actor, on Aug 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $41 to $81.

-- Toby Mac, a Grammy-award-winning Christian artist, on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $31 to $56.

-- Rock quartet Bush with special guest Pop Evil on Sept. 1. Tickets range from $46 to $66.

-- Singer-songwriter Lee Bush on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $46 to $66.

Gate admission to the Nebraska State Fair ranges from $5 to $10. Carnival wristbands are $28. For more information on daily schedules and fair activities, visit www.statefair.org.

Susan Payne can be reached at Susan.Payne@dtn.com

Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jpusan

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