Iowa State Fair 2026 Parking & Shuttle Options Announced

With the 2026 Iowa State Fair set to begin on August 13, officials have released details on free parking and shuttle services. The Des Moines Regional Transit Authority (DART) will continue its Park & Ride service from two Des Moines locations: the 7th and Center Street Parking Garage (830 7th Street) and the Iowa State Capitol (in front of the east parking lot). Riders can park for free at these spots and pay up to a $3 fee per person for a DART bus ride to Gate 10 of the fairgrounds. DART's service operates from 8 a.m. until midnight daily, with an earlier end on the fair's final night Source.

This year introduces a new free shuttle option from Southridge Mall, provided by the Iowa State Fair using CIT Transportation buses. Fairgoers can park for free at the mall and ride the bus to Gate 10 at no cost. This new service replaces a previous DART location at Southeast Polk High School, which will not return for the 2026 fair. Parking directly at the fairgrounds will cost $10. These options aim to provide accessible and affordable transportation for the tens of thousands of fairgoers, mitigating concerns about parking or long walks, according to Luis Montoya, DART deputy CEO and chief operating officer Source.

For those attending the Iowa State Fair, considering these free parking and shuttle options is a practical step for Summer 2026. The shift in shuttle providers means attendees should review the updated locations before heading to the fair. Checking the DART website or the Iowa State Fair's official site for any last-minute changes to shuttle schedules or services is advisable to ensure a smooth visit to the fair, which concludes on August 23, 2026 Source.