Angie Strotman said the Iowa State Fair 2026 exhibit will give fairgoers a chance to look back across Iowa State University history from the 1960s through today. The display, themed Then.Now.Next, opens Aug. 13 in the Varied Industries Building and runs every day of the fair through Aug. 23.
Strotman, Iowa State’s strategic marketing and branding manager, said, “We’re excited for fairgoers to experience a little nostalgia as they take a look back in time.” Visitors will also find a short documentary from a series marking America’s 250th anniversary, along with items they can take home or photograph.
Varied Industries Building exhibit
The university said the exhibit will present a visual journey through campus history from the 1960s through today. That gives the display two time frames at once: a backward look at how Iowa State changed and a forward-facing theme built around Then.Now.Next.
Strotman said, “Iowa State’s impact reaches communities across the entire state, and this exhibit highlights that shared history in a way that’s both meaningful and fun.” She added, “Whether visitors come to learn something new or reminisce about their own Iowa State connections, there’s truly something for everyone.”
Cy and Cyclone keepsakes
Cy will appear at the exhibit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 14-16 and Aug. 21-23. Visitors can pick up Cyclone football posters, free waterless temporary Cyclone tattoos and an ISU alumni pin, and the University Book Store will sell Cyclone merchandise, gifts and apparel inside the space.
Fairgoers can also take photos of trophies tied to the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, the Cy-Hawk football game, the Big 12 championship in women’s golf and third place at the NCAA championship in men’s cross country. For alumni and current students, that mix turns the exhibit into a place to collect something physical while moving through the university’s history.
Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Ceremonies
Iowa 4-H will have exhibits, shows and hands-on learning across the fairgrounds, including the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, barns and pavilions. More than 5,000 youth from all 99 Iowa counties and all 100 extension districts are expected to take part in 4-H shows and exhibitions, alongside more than 8,500 horticulture, livestock and showmanship exhibits.
Daily programming includes educational presentations and working exhibits at 9:05 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., except on the final Sunday, plus Share-the-Fun performances at noon and 5 p.m. on the 4-H building stage, except on the final Sunday. The 2026 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Ceremonies will be held Sunday, Aug. 23, at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., honoring nearly 100 volunteers. The 1:30 p.m. ceremony is for counties Adair through Jasper, while the 3:30 p.m. ceremony covers the remaining counties.
