Stewart planned to perform Friday, Aug. 14, in Des Moines. E-Tix will issue automatic refunds while fair organizers search for another headliner.
Updated Aug. 12, 2026.
DES MOINES, IA — Rod Stewart canceled his Aug. 14 concert at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand while recovering from a heart procedure. As a result, the refund process has started for ticket holders.
The concert was set for 8 p.m. Friday. Fair organizers had listed Richard Marx as the special guest. However, they had not announced a new Friday lineup as of Aug. 12.
Stewart, 81, underwent a successful procedure to place a coronary stent. He will now pause his U.S. tour for four weeks. Meanwhile, his medical team reported that he had returned to his normal daily activities.
E-Tix will issue automatic refunds
E-Tix will automatically refund tickets bought online or by phone directly through the Iowa State Fair. Those customers do not need to file a separate request.
In addition, the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office will refund cash purchases in person.
Buyers who used another company or resale platform will need to contact that seller directly. The fair only recognizes iowastatefair.org and Etix.com as its official online ticket sellers. Therefore, the fair cannot process refunds for third-party purchases.
Customers can send questions about ticket orders to [email protected]. The Iowa State Fair Grandstand page also provides ticket office information.
Fair organizers are searching for a Friday replacement
Stewart last performed at the Iowa State Fair more than 40 years ago. His return would have placed him on the Grandstand stage during the fair’s second night.
Tickets for the show ranged from $69.40 to $134.40 before additional E-Tix service charges.
Richard Marx held the special guest slot on the original schedule. However, fair officials have not said whether he will remain if they secure another headliner.
The cancellation only affects the separately ticketed Grandstand concert. It does not affect general admission to the Iowa State Fair. Likewise, a Grandstand concert ticket does not include admission to the fairgrounds.
Related coverage: Iowa State Fair gate prices, hours, parking and remaining discounts.
The Iowa State Fair runs Aug. 13–23 at 3000 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. For now, organizers have not named a replacement for Stewart.
Stay informed with stories that matter. Visit HolaAmericaNews.com for news, culture and community updates from across the Midwest.
Facebook Comments
