Farm Progress Show: Hotels & Where to Stay
1 Sept – 3 Sept 2026 Central Iowa Expo 100,000 attendees
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The Farm Progress Show is the largest outdoor farm event in the United States, held annually and rotating its Midwest location; in even-numbered years it takes place at the Central Iowa Expo in Boone, Iowa, usually in late August or early September. Spread across a large permanent site, it features field demonstrations, hundreds of exhibitors, and the latest tractors, harvesters, seed, and agricultural technology, drawing farmers, dealers, agribusiness professionals, and equipment manufacturers from across the country and abroad. For a hotel-booking traveller, the show is served by nearby Ames and Boone, with Des Moines International Airport (DSM) about 38 miles south as the main gateway. The Central Iowa Expo sits on Highway 30 between Ames and Boone, roughly 15 minutes from Interstate 35. Because public transit is limited in this rural setting, staying in Ames, Boone, or Des Moines and driving in is the practical approach for most visitors.
Popular areas for attendees: Ames · Boone · Ankeny / Des Moines North.
- Farm Progress Show week fills hotels across Ames, Boone, Des Moines, and the surrounding area; booking early through this hub secures a room.
- Rooms in Ames or Boone put you closest to the Central Iowa Expo site for shorter drives on show mornings.
- Des Moines options offer more hotel choice plus the airport and dining, with a manageable drive north to the grounds.
- Clear distance and driving guidance helps out-of-state and international attendees plan reliable daily arrivals to the show.
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 1 Sept – 3 Sept 2026
- Venue
- Central Iowa Expo
- City
- Boone, United States
- Airport
- DSM
- Attendance
- 100,000
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Rates shown for the event window, Mon, Aug 31 → Fri, Sep 4 (arrive the day before, leave the day after) — or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
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- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
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Where to eat during Farm Progress Show
The Central Iowa Expo site sits just outside Boone in rural central Iowa; there's little at the grounds themselves, so plan a 15-20 minute drive into Ames for everyday meals or ~45 minutes to Des Moines for a proper client dinner. A rental car is essential — this is farm country.
Hickory Park Restaurant
Barbecue
Ames, ~20 min from the Expo grounds
An Ames institution for hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork and legendary ice-cream sundaes — the reliable, crowd-pleasing choice for feeding a group after a day at the show.
Tip: No reservations and it gets packed; go early or expect a wait during Farm Progress week.
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Provisions Lot F
Modern American gastropub
Campustown, Ames, ~20 min from the grounds
A chef-driven gastropub with seasonal plates and a strong drinks list — the smarter Ames option when a casual barbecue night won't do.
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Aunt Maude's
American fine dining
Downtown Ames, ~20 min from the grounds
Ames's long-standing white-tablecloth room for steaks and seafood — the closest genuinely upscale table to the venue for a client dinner without driving to Des Moines.
Tip: Book ahead; it's the go-to for special occasions in Ames.
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Torrent Brewing Co.
Brewpub
Downtown Ames, ~20 min from the grounds
House-brewed beer and wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed downtown taproom — an easy after-show spot for a low-key team evening.
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Centro
Italian
Downtown Des Moines, ~45 min from the grounds
A buzzy downtown Des Moines Italian favorite for wood-fired pizza, pasta and a serious wine list — worth the drive for an important buyer dinner in the city.
Tip: Part of the Orchestrate group; reserve a table on weekends and event nights.
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Cafe Diem
Cafe / coffee
Downtown Boone, ~10 min from the grounds
A friendly Boone coffeehouse for a proper espresso, breakfast sandwich and Wi-Fi before heading out to the exhibit fields — the closest casual stop to the venue.
Open in Google MapsGetting there
From Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the main gateway, about 38 miles south of the Central Iowa Expo in Boone.
- The drive from DSM to the show site takes under an hour, mostly via Interstate 35 north and then US Highway 30.
- Rental cars are available at the airport and are the most practical way to reach the rural venue.
- Two smaller fields - Boone Municipal and Ames Municipal airports - lie within about 15 minutes of the site for private and general aviation.
By car
- The Central Iowa Expo is on the north side of US Highway 30 at Iowa Highway 17, between Ames and Boone.
- From the north or south, the site is roughly 15 minutes from Interstate 35, with clear highway access.
- On-site and adjacent parking is provided, and a park-and-ride shuttle from Boone Municipal Airport typically runs daily during the show.
Getting around during Farm Progress Show
Public transport
- Public transit is very limited in this rural area, so a rental car or private vehicle is the practical way to get around.
- Des Moines has the DART bus system and Ames has CyRide locally, but neither reaches the show grounds directly.
- Plan to drive between your hotel and the Central Iowa Expo each day, allowing extra time during peak arrival hours.
Taxi, rideshare and shuttle
- Uber and Lyft operate in Des Moines and Ames, though availability thins out closer to the rural show site.
- A daily shuttle typically runs to and from Boone Municipal Airport, about 2.5 miles from the grounds, during show hours.
- On-site parking with attendants is provided; arrive early to ease the drive in and out at busy opening and closing times.
Visa & entry
Visa-free and ESTA entry
- The United States runs the Visa Waiver Program; travellers from participating countries can enter for short business or tourism stays with an approved ESTA.
- Apply for ESTA online well before travel and ensure you hold an e-passport that meets program requirements.
- Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa or ESTA for short visits but must carry valid travel documents.
Travellers who need a visa in advance
- Visitors from countries not in the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a US visitor visa (typically B-1 for business) before travelling.
- Apply through a US embassy or consulate early, as interview wait times can be long during peak periods.
- Bring Farm Progress Show registration or invitation documentation to support a business-visa application.
Entry rules change; confirm current requirements with the United States embassy or official immigration site before booking travel.
First time at Farm Progress Show?
- The show is a large outdoor site; wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and be ready to walk field demonstration areas.
- Late-summer Iowa can be hot and sunny, so bring sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water.
- Rent a car at Des Moines airport, as public transport doesn't reach the rural grounds and you'll need to drive in daily.
- Arrive early each day to secure parking and avoid the heaviest traffic at the highway approaches to the site.
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Stay in Ames or Boone for the shortest drive; Des Moines offers more hotel and dining choice with a longer commute north.
- Use the Boone Municipal Airport shuttle if parking on-site looks tight, and check its daily operating hours in advance.
- Book your hotel far ahead - rooms across central Iowa sell out well before the show for this biennial Boone event.
- Watch the schedule for live field demonstrations, a highlight of the show, and plan your day around their timing.
Farm Progress Show travel FAQs
Which airport should I fly into for the Farm Progress Show?
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the main gateway, about 38 miles south of the Central Iowa Expo in Boone. Smaller Boone and Ames municipal airports serve private and general aviation nearby.
Where is the best area to stay for the Central Iowa Expo?
Ames and Boone are closest to the grounds for shorter drives, while Des Moines offers more hotel choice and the airport with a manageable drive north to the site.
How far is the venue from the airport and how long does it take?
The Central Iowa Expo is about 38 miles from DSM, a drive of under an hour via Interstate 35 north and US Highway 30.
Do I need a visa to attend the Farm Progress Show in the United States?
Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter with an approved ESTA for short stays, while visitors from other countries need a US visitor visa (typically B-1) arranged in advance.
How often is the Farm Progress Show held in Boone?
The Farm Progress Show is held annually but rotates its location; the Boone, Iowa edition at the Central Iowa Expo takes place in even-numbered years, typically in late August or early September.
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with Farm Progress Show or its organizers. Dates and venues can change — verify with the official event site before booking travel.