Updated July 7, 2019
Looking for fun, family-friendly entertainment during your visit to the Iowa State Fair (August 8-18, 2019)? With loads of family-friendly activities and exhibits included in the price of admission, it’s not hard to find. There can be a lot of walking at the Fair, so it’s always good to take a little break and enjoy some entertainment, sitting down. That’s why we’ve rounded up this list of family-friendly live performances that will keep the whole family entertained at the Iowa State Fair.
Since we can’t cover everything about the Iowa State Fair in one article, we’ve created an Iowa State Fair Guide, where you can find even more great ideas for enjoying the Iowa State Fair with your kids. And, if you’re in search of more summer events and activities you might also want to check out our Summer Fun Guide.
Family Friendly Live Acts at the Iowa State Fair
Fun Forest Stage
The Fun Forest Stage is a hub of entertainment for the grade school-and-under set. Kids can get up and dance to “The Dollipops” who perform daily at 12:00 noon, 2:00 and 4:00 pm and laugh themselves silly at “The Rubber Chicken Show” at 11:00 am. 1:00 and 3:00 pm daily. And, you patient parents, we near-guarantee adults will be entertained as well…did we mention that the Fun Forest Stage is in the shade!?!
Chainsaw Artist
Watch Gary Keenan and TJ Jenkins as they take a blank section of timber and turn it into a work of art using a chainsaw. Owls, eagles, bears, alligators – Gary and TJ can find all these and more inside logs and pieces of wood. These chainsaw carvers’ natural talent is mesmerizing to watch and a Fair can’t miss. Watch them wield their chainsaw August 8-18.
Matt’s Family Jam
Matt’s Family Jam is a modern-day family show band. Coming from their home in Branson, Missouri, Matt and Lisa Rolf and their three children, Collin, age 20, Adrienne, age 17, and Benny, age 14, deliver a power-packed, energetic, live music show that includes everything from classic hits to current favorites to brand-new original music. Their musical skills treat audiences to a fantastic, entertaining experience at every show. They will perform on the Anne and Bill Riley stage August 8 and 9 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm.
Sea Lion Splash
Sea Lion Splash is a unique show that will have crowds cheering and laughing. The show is an educational show with a Splash. The sea lions will amaze the crowd as they balance balls, shoot hoops, dance, perform handstands and show their pretty smiles. This is the only show in the U.S. to feature both California and South American sea lions. See them daily at the Iowa State Fair.
Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe is an indie pop singer/songwriter from Clarksville, Iowa. She rose to fame after winning season 16 of ABC’s “American Idol.” The 21-year-old is releasing her first full length album in May. She will perform on the Susan Knapp Amphitheater stage on August 8, 2019 at 8:00 pm.
Ron Diamond
A master magician, illusionist and hypnotist, Ron Diamond intrigues his audiences with his impeccable sense of timing, humor and his magic of the mind expertise. With an advanced certification and a practice in hypnotherapy, Diamond brings experience, a down-to-earth style and talent to all his interactive shows, making each and every performance unique and entertaining. He performs on the Anne and Bill Riley stage August 13-17 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm.
Red Trouser Show (Acrobatics, Fire & Comedy)
The Red Trouser Show is a high-end street theater show. From daring feats of balance to amazing acrobatics, the group draws cheers after each new trick. The group performs daily August 8-18, 2019 on Expo Hill at 12:00 noon, 3:00 and 6:00 pm.
Bill Riley Talent Show
The Bill Riley Talent Search annually showcases the amazing talents of Iowa’s young people at the Iowa State Fair. Grab some lunch-on-a-stick and watch these talented hopefuls perform at 12:00 noon on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage – and get there early for a good seat.
Iowa State Fair
3000 E Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 262-3111
What’s your family’s favorite Iowa State Fair show or live entertainment? Share it with us in the comments below!
Featured photo source Iowa State Fair Website Media Library.
