Lainey Wilson Breaks Iowa State Fair Grandstand Record

The Iowa State Fair has seen some big crowds over the decades. But no grandstand crowd has ever been bigger than the one that watched country star Lainey Wilson on Sunday night.

Lainey Wilson Sets Iowa State Fair Record

The Des Moines Register reports that Lainey Wilson's Sunday night show at the Iowa State Fair has officially sold more grandstand tickets than any other show since the venue was renovated in 2018. Wilson's show drew 17,360 fans on August 16th to the fairgrounds in Des Moines. The Register reports that the previous record was held by Chris Stapleton in 2021 with 17.320.

2026 Lineup Was on Track to Break Records

According to the Register, the 2026 grandstand lineup was on track to break 2025's record as the top-selling fair in history. But Rod Stewart's cancellation due to health issues caused this year's numbers to fall. Around 2,000 people attended John Waite's replacement concert on Friday night, but attendance was open, and no tickets were collected, according to the Register.

What Were the Biggest Shows Ever at the Iowa State Fair?

According to the Register, here are the single biggest shows to ever play the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

• In 1972, Sonny and Cher attracted 26,200 in two shows.
• In 1975, the Beach Boys drew 25,402 in one show.
• In 1970, Johnny Cash attracted 25,300 in two shows.
• In 1974, Chicago played to 24,700 in one show.
• In 1982, the Oak Ridge Boys drew 23,500 in two shows.

Other shows from this year's fair that drew large crowds included HARDY with 12,435 and The Red Clay Strays with 15,282.