Iowa State Fair Des Moines with Horse

Illustration of a horse's head over a blue background, surrounded by text. A red and white ribbon with a lapel bar and cowboy hat charm is attached to the bottom of the button.

The Iowa State Fair began in 1854 and is the largest event in the state. It started in the city of Fairfield but moved to the capital city of Des Moines in 1886. The fair began as an agricultural event for Iowans to show horses and pigs. It has expanded in scope and size over the years, adding many food and beverage vendors and a range of attractions including amusement rides, concerts, tractor-pulling, dirt bike racing, rock walls, and mazes. 

Agriculture and animals remain central to the event, which hosts multiple horse and pony competitions. Horse competitions are judged on the horse's performance, the rider's performance, or a combination of both. English and Western styles of riding, horse pulling, miniature horses, and select breeds of horses are all categories of competition. Since the 1960s, the fair has also hosted a popular “Cowgirl Queen” horse contest.