"Nothing Compares" to the annual August extravaganza that inspired the novel State Fair & is featured in the New York Times bestseller "1000 Places to See Before You Die." The Iowa State Fair features one of the world’s largest livestock shows, mouth-watering foods, fabulous free entertainment & zany contests. Join us August 8-18, 2013, August 7-17 2014, August 13-23 2015.