It’s a Trip. Make It a Blue Ribbon Day.
The Iowa State Fair is packed with more food, drinks, shows, and attractions than you could possibly squeeze into one day. So, when you find a place that checks all the boxes, don't overthink it. JR's SouthPork Ranch has become one of the Fair's must-visit destinations, serving up legendary lobster rolls, ice-cold drinks, live music, and a patio perfect for people watching. Whether it's your first stop or your last, these are five JR's experiences worth adding to your Iowa State Fair bucket list.
Try the Legendary Lobster Roll
Lobster rolls? At the Iowa State Fair? Believe it. JR's SouthPork Ranch has turned them into one of the Fair's most anticipated foods year after year. Whether you're a purist who prefers the warm, buttery Connecticut-style roll or a fan of the chilled Maine-style with its light, creamy dressing, there's a version with your name on it. Feeling extra hungry? Order a footlong (or go all in with the 2-footer). Feeling extra fancy? Splurge on the High Roller, topped with caviar and crème fraîche.
And while the lobster rolls may steal the spotlight, they're far from the only reason to stop by. From chicken pickle ranch rockets and AE Party Balls to fried chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, and a new brunch menu featuring chicken and waffle sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and lobster biscuits and gravy, there's something for every Fair appetite.
Jam Out to Live Music
The Fair is filled with live music from sunup to sundown, and JR’s is one of the best places to catch a show. With 44 live performances across all 11 days of the Fair, there's almost always someone taking the stage. This year’s headliner is Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, a country group from Deep River, Iowa that play best when “the fiddle is hot and the beer is cold!”. Catch them at 8 p.m. on August 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22.
The music starts around noon most days and keeps the party going well into the evening with local favorites like Jordan Beem, Joshua Sinclair, and Blaine Garrett, plus rising country artists like XOLEX and crowd-pleasing bands like River City Opry. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let the soundtrack of your Fair day come to you.
Cool Off with a Cold Beer or Beverage
It wouldn’t be a true Midwestern state fair experience without a cold drink in hand, and JR’s SouthPork Ranch has you covered. With 99 beer taps, you’ll find everything from familiar favorites like Busch, Bud, Miller, and Michelob to local craft brews from Big Grove, Confluence, Exile, Lua, and more.
Looking for something as fun as the Fair itself? Barn Town Brewing serves up creative concoctions like the Pink Pony Cooler, a pink guava and cotton candy blend, and the Cowgirl Cooler, a watermelon cotton candy sour. They were back-to-back winners of Best New Drink at the Fair the past two years. You’ll also find adventurous pours like Pickle Tickle and a strawberry lemonade beer that’s as refreshing as it sounds; along with canned seltzers, fresh mimosas, margaritas, and JR’s signature slushies to keep you cool all Fair long.
Strike a Pose with Some Famous Swine
Meet Margo and Jay, the colorful pig duo that has become the unofficial mascot of JR's SouthPork Ranch and one of the Iowa State Fair's most photo-worthy stops. Named after the artists who created them, Margo Z. Nahas and Jay Vigon, these picture-perfect pigs bring a little rock-and-roll design history to the fairgrounds.
And yes, the names are a big deal. Nahas is known for her iconic cover art for Van Halen's 1984, while Vigon's work includes lettering and logo design for major names like Prince and Star Wars. So strike a pose with these famous swine and tag @jrsouthporkranch to show off your Fair adventure.
People Watch from the Patio
The Iowa State Fair is a marathon, not a sprint, and everyone needs a place to recharge. JR's SouthPork Ranch is one of the best. This two-story indoor/outdoor destination sits along Rock Island Avenue, right in the heart of the action near the Livestock Pavilion, Shivers Family Plaza, the Cattle Barn, and the Horse Barn.
Grab a seat on the upper patio, order a cold drink, and settle in for some of the Fair's best people-watching. From families and fairgoers to prize-winning livestock and horses making their way through the grounds, there's always something happening below. It's the perfect place to slow down, soak it all in, and give your feet a well-earned break before heading back out for more.
For more information, check out JR's SouthPork Ranch website here.
Address: Rock Island Ave #3000, Des Moines, IA 50317
Admission: Access to JR’s SouthPork Ranch is included in your Iowa State Fair entry ticket. See all ticket options here.
Parking: Parking is not available inside the fairgrounds, but is available in the A, B and C Lots off University Avenue for $10. Fairgoers can take the Blue Line Parking Shuttle inside the A, B and C parking lots for FREE from designated stops to the admission gates.
Additional parking options can be found here, including the Iowa State Fair’s new complimentary busing option from Southridge Mall.
