Iowa State Fair Ranked #3 in America for Festival Food by Yelp

The Iowa State Fair has been named the third-best state fair in the country for festival food, according to Yelp's newly released list of the "Top 10 State Fairs for Festival Eats."

Only two fairs ranked ahead of Iowa:

1. Minnesota State Fair
2. Wisconsin State Fair
3. Iowa State Fair

The rest of the Top 10 includes fairs in Texas, Indiana, New York, New England, Florida, Alaska, and Arizona.

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Why Iowa Made the List

Food has always been one of the biggest attractions at the Iowa State Fair. Every year, visitors come from across the Midwest to sample everything from classic fair favorites to over-the-top creations you won't find anywhere else.

The fair features nearly 200 food vendors and offers more than 50 different foods served on a stick, making it one of the country's most iconic destinations for adventurous eaters.

New Foods Keep Fans Coming Back

Part of what makes the Iowa State Fair special is that there's always something new to try.

For the 2026 fair, judges selected three finalists for the People's Choice Best New Food competition:

1. Porky Parm Gnocchi
2. Ultimate Minneapple Pie
3. All-American Scrambled Egg Roll

Fairgoers will vote for their favorite during the fair, with the winner announced on August 21.

More Than Just Fried Food

While deep-fried treats often steal the spotlight, the Iowa State Fair offers far more than just indulgent snacks. Visitors can find everything from Iowa pork specialties and fresh lemonade to homemade desserts, cheese curds, barbecue, and creative new recipes that debut each summer.

With the 2026 Iowa State Fair just around the corner, this national recognition gives food lovers one more reason to make the trip to Des Moines and arrive hungry.