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Local 5 Weekend Guide: Iowa State Fair, Sweet Corn Festival and more

Whether you're a native Iowan or a recent transplant, this weekend is full of uniquely Iowan events.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Whether you're a native Iowan or a recent transplant, this weekend is chock-full of uniquely Iowan events. 

Visit the fairgrounds for the Iowa State Fair's opening weekend, enjoy some fresh sweet corn or take advantage of Iowa's clear skies with these weekend events. 

Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com

Iowa State Fair

  • When: Friday, Aug. 9, Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to midnight
  • Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds (3000 East Grand Ave., Des Moines)
  • Price: $16 for adults, $10 for kids 6-11

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... and no, we're not talking about the holiday season. Try some new food, check out the exhibits, pet some farm animals and enjoy one of Iowa's oldest traditions this weekend. 

Of course, if you can't make it this weekend, the Iowa State Fair runs through Aug. 18. 

Local 5 will be there throughout the fair: Find us in front of the Administration Building each day between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

RELATED: 2024 Iowa State Fair: Everything you need to know

Squonk Brouhaha

  • When: Friday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
  • Where: Cowles Commons (221 Walnut St., Des Moines)
  • Price: Free

Billed as "an immersive outdoor spectacle bursting with rollicking music, dazzling imagery, and the thrill of audience participation," this one-of-a-kind event is a true must-see. Join the brouhaha and embrace the joy and comradery of making music with your fellow Iowans.

Adel Sweet Corn Festival

  • When: Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:30 a.m. to midnight
  • Where: Downtown Adel (301 S 10th, Adel)
  • Price: Free to attend

What's more quintessentially Iowan than sweet corn? Head over to Adel for a fun-filled day, featuring live music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, carnival games, a parade and, of course, free sweet corn. 

Alpaca yoga

  • When: Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Where: Rusty Stars Alpacas (2054 Rustic Lane, Winterset)
  • Price: $10

You've heard of normal yoga, cat yoga, maybe even goat yoga ... but what about alpaca yoga? Bring your own blanket or mat and get ready to interact with these furry creatures. 

Meteor shower watch

  • When: Sunday, Aug. 11, 8:30-10 p.m.
  • Where: Prairie View Shelter at Yellow Banks Park (6801 SE 32nd Ave., Pleasant Hill)
  • Price: Free

Turn your eyes to the sky this Sunday to see the Perseid meteor shower. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to gaze at the stars and learn more about asteroids, meteors and meteorites. 

RELATED: Top skywatching events for 2024 you don't want to miss

Before You Leave, Check This Out