Iowa State Fair's "Fair After Dark" Returns

Fair After Dark will be returning again this year with two fun-filled nights. For the second year in a row, this behind the scenes event will allow Fairgoers 21 and older to participate in two separate activities: The Hungry Games and Crafts and Crafts!

The Hungry Games will be on Saturday, August 10 in the Elwell Family Food Center. What are the Hungry Games you ask? This fun-tastic, food-lovers event is a combination of competition and sweetness. Come and participate in an adult version of cupcake wars, ugliest cake competition, “Chopped” gone Fair style, and sample delicious beef, pork, corn and more! Templeton Rye will be making an appearance as well, teaching participants how to pair Templeton Rye whiskey with different meat selections.

Crafts and Crafts will be on Thursday, August 15 in the Pattie and Jim Cownie Cultural Center. You don’t have to be Van Gough to come to this event—bring your friends and get creative with hands-on activities like wood art, bracelet making, photography and art that you literally get to light on fire! Iowa Craft Beer will be at both events with plenty of delicious craft beers and ciders to sip on all night.

Participants must be 21 or older to attend. IDs will be checked at the door.

Tickets include:

-VIP access
-Food and drink samples
-Food contests
-Multiple take home crafts
-(2) Drink tickets

Tickets for the event are $30.00 each and are available for purchase now on the Fair website!

- Joy Van Wyngarden