When is the last day of the Iowa State Fair? 7 things to do before the fair ends

With less than a week left of the Iowa State Fair, there are still plenty of activities to squeeze in before the 11-day event wraps up for the year.

Just because the turkey-calling contest is done and Jelly Roll already played his sold-out show, doesn't mean the fair is winding down. There are hundreds of new food and drinks as well as events planned for every hour of the fair until it ends.

When does the Iowa State Fair end?

The final day to enjoy the Iowa State Fair is Aug. 18.

Doors open at 8 a.m. but close earlier at 9 p.m. as opposed to midnight on other nights.

The final day of the Iowa State Fair is known as "Sunday Funday." Admission prices drop to $12 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-11. And, if you bring a donation of 3 cans of non-perishable food, you can save an additional $4 on adult tickets.

How should you spend the last few days at the Iowa State Fair?

Here are some of our recommendations for the final stretch of the 2024 Iowa State Fair:

More: Only have time to spend one day at the Iowa State Fair? Here's a plan to see everything.

Check out the Iowa State Fair's butter cow and butter Jimmy Fallon

It is not a successful trip to the Iowa State Fair without a visit to the butter cow. This year she has some famous friends alongside her. Iowa natives and comedians Johnny Carson and Steve Higgins, joined by Jimmy Fallon of the "Tonight Show," can all be found in butter form at the fair.

More: 'Tonight Show' announcer, Des Moines native Steve Higgins visits his butter sculpture

Enjoy Thursday's Iowa State Fair pie-eating contest

The Iowa State Fair is a competitive environment. So it only seems natural that it would have a tradition of many state fairs: a pie-eating contest. It doesn't matter how fancy the pie is. All that matters is who can eat the fastest. Kids and adults compete to see who can gobble the sweet treat the quickest with their hands behind their backs. Most people finish full, a little messy and happy.

The contest starts at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Visit some biggest animals at the Iowa State Fair

The competition may be over, but you can still stop and see the winners of the Iowa State Fair's big animal contests. This year's super bull weighed in at over 3,000 pounds while the biggest boar was record-breaking 1,420 pounds. There are also around 100 different animals to see at the Avenue of Breeds tent at the 4-H building.

Catch some free Iowa State Fair entertainment

The Iowa State Fairgrounds are loaded with a wide array of wacky and fun entertainment for all ages. Whether you catch the chainsaw carvers making a new piece of art or the Flying Fools Dive show, the fair has something for everyone even in its final days.

You can relax and have a drink while playing games at the Bubbly Bar & Bistro with cubbie trivia and music bingo at 4 p.m. Thursday. Ron Diamond the hypnotist will be at the fair daily through Saturday with shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

More: Rainy Monday sees a slight drop in Iowa State Fair attendance. See the totals:

See the final Iowa State Fair Grandstand concerts

You can't visit the Iowa State Fair and not check out the grandstand acts. Each of the 11 days has a different artist from rock 'n' roll to country. The final days of the Iowa State Fair will feature the following bands:

• Thursday: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias

• Friday: The Avett Brothers

• Saturday: Ne-Yo

• Sunday: Kidz Bop

Try something new at the Iowa State Fair

With over 80 new food items and dozens of new drinks, you will need these remaining days to try a fraction of the cuisine. Lemonade is a must at any fair, but this year lavender lemonade is available at the Bubbly Bar & Bistro.

For those 21 and up, nothing screams Iowa State Fair like a caramel apple beer from The Depot. Those who want an even sweeter drink can try the cotton candy bubble trouble, a sparkling wine that is poured over fresh-spun cotton candy, also found at the Bubbly Bar & Bistro. As for food, you can find anything from the traditional corn dog to deep-fried calamari at the Iowa State Fair.

More: Pickles are having their moment in the spotlight at the Iowa State Fair

Try the favorite new Iowa State Fair food

Fairgoers have been sampling the contenders for top new fair food — the lobster corn dog, Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll and the bacon cheeseburger egg roll.

Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday on the Iowa State Fair's website.

A winner will be named on Friday, leaving you a few more days to enjoy the winner.

Find the full Iowa State Fair schedule and more recommendations

Need more ideas? Browse our Iowa State Fair guide for more suggestions:

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When does the Iowa State Fair end? 7 things to do before it ends