Iowa State Fair - Pioneer Hall

The Iowa State Fair is one of the largest and most beloved state fairs in the country—eleven days filled with food on a stick, live music, agriculture, art, and the unmistakable buzz of thousands of people moving through the fairgrounds. It’s a place where generations return year after year to celebrate creativity, hard work, and the spirit of Iowa. From the butter cow to the grandstand shows, from prize-winning livestock to the vibrant art displays, the fair has a way of turning everyday moments into memories.

Being a demonstrating artist at the fair changed the way I see the event entirely. I used to come just to wander, take everything in, and enjoy the energy of the fairgrounds. But standing there as an artist—hands in clay, talking with people about something I’m deeply passionate about—opened up a completely different side of the experience for me.

Sharing ceramics, the thing that quiets my thoughts and fills my heart, has become one of the most meaningful parts of my year. There’s something special about meeting someone who tried pottery because they saw me at the wheel in years past, or watching the spark of joy and curiosity in people as the clay takes shape in my hands. It’s a reminder of why I create and why I keep showing up.

The Iowa State Fair has become more than an event for me. It’s a place where connection, creativity, and community come together—one conversation, one lump of clay, one shared moment at a time.

The 2026 Iowa State Fair will be August 13-23, 2026. This year's theme is "Fair Spirit."