The Venue
Spring 2027 Show: March 5-7
The William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building in the Iowa State Fairgrounds is a 110,400 sq ft, fully climate-controlled hall, ranking among the largest four-season exhibition spaces in the Midwest.
History of the Venue
The building opened in 1911 as Machinery Hall and was renamed the Varied Industries Building in the 1930s. A three-year renovation was finished in time for the 2001 Iowa State Fair. That project enclosed the building and replaced its concrete floor, roof, and windows. It also removed 25 interior pillars to open up the floor and added heating and air-conditioning for year-round events. The northwest restrooms were updated in 2016 with new fixtures and ADA accessibility.
Driving directions to the Varied Industries Building
Driving Directions
GPS address: 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317. The Varied Industries Building sits on the Grand Ave side of the grounds, so every route ends at that entrance. Interstate routes follow the fair’s own recommended routes (ISF Maps & Directions).
From Des Moines International Airport (about 20 minutes)
Leave the airport heading north on Fleur Dr. Fleur becomes Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, then 19th Pl, which leads to I-235 East. Take I-235 East to Exit 10A, E University Ave. Head east on E University to E 30th St, turn left (north), and follow E 30th to E Grand Ave. The Varied Industries Building is just inside the Grand Ave entrance.
From I-80 Eastbound (from Omaha / western Iowa)
In West Des Moines, follow signs for I-235 East toward downtown Des Moines. Take Exit 10A and head east on E University Ave about four miles. Turn left (north) on E 30th St and continue to E Grand Ave.
From I-80 Westbound (from Iowa City / eastern Iowa)
Take Exit 141 (Hwy 65 Bypass) and go south on Hwy 65 to Exit 79. Head west on Hwy 163 (E University Ave) about three miles. Turn right (north) on E 30th St and continue to E Grand Ave.
From I-35 Southbound (from Ames / Minneapolis)
Take I-235 West toward downtown Des Moines. Exit at E University Ave (IA-163) and head east about four miles. Turn left (north) on E 30th St and continue to E Grand Ave.
From I-35 Northbound (from Kansas City / southern Iowa)
Take IA-5 to US-65 north, then Exit 79. Head west on E University Ave about four miles. Turn right (north) on E 30th St and continue to E Grand Ave.
Building Location Map
Parking Locations Map
Hotels - Convention Room Blocks
Hilton Des Moines Downtown (with direct skywalk access to convention hall)
- Guests can make reservations within the block by calling 844-587-9775 and referencing Capital City Card Convention
- Make online reservations through the customized booking link: Hilton Booking Link
Iowa Events Center
Iowa Events Center
730 Third Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-564-8000