Ready for some fair food, exciting competitions, and terrific grandstand shows?
If you’re a state fair fan, our list of some of the U.S. state fairs from Ohio to Wisconsin is a good starting place for some of the locations where you can go to indulge in food and fun! Visit each site for more details.
(Note: All dates are tentative, due to COVID-19. Check the web sites for specific information and guidelines.)
Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair, annually in Columbus, had its first fair in 1850, east of downtown Cincinnati, with the fair moving to its current home in 1886. It features attractions, entertainment, and educational presentations as well as rides and live music. The 12-day fair is set for July 2021.
Oklahoma State Fair
The Oklahoma State Fair showcases the state’s agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce along with family entertainment and educational exhibits to exciting competitions. The first fair took place in 1907, and since then it has grown to be one of the premier State Fairs in the nation. The 2021 event, set for September, takes place in Oklahoma City.
Oregon State Fair
The 11-day Oregon State Fair, set for August 2021, takes place at the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center in Salem. Activities include attractions, competitions, displays, and horse shows, along with events such as the Belt Buckle Battle, Demolition Derby Championship, and “La Familia Days.”
South Dakota State Fair
The five-day South Dakota State Fair is set for September 2021 in Huron on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. It was created through an act of the Territorial Legislature approved in 1885 to highlight the products of the then-territory. In addition to traditional fair events, visitors can also enjoy the Antique Tractor Show, Classic Car Show, and Homemade Beer and Wine Competition.
Tennessee State Fair
The 10-day Tennessee State Fair, set for September 2021, takes place in Nashville. It includes a wide range of fair activities and experiences, including the Champion of Champions event. The first fair took place in 1885 and was held annually through 1860, suspended during the years of the Civil War and then after a several-year cessation, returned in 1906.
State Fair of Texas
At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest. The fair features creative arts, livestock shows, and fundraising events, along with 55-foot Big Tex, the world’s tallest cowboy (complete with size 96 boots and a 95-gallon hat) who serves as its official greeter.
State Fair of Virginia
The 10-day State Fair of Virginia, set for September 2021, takes place at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell. The fair offers rides, concerts, exhibitions, and competitions as well as a Natural Resources Area and Heritage Village that displays a variety of items that have been used in Virginia since the early 1900s.
Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair, set for April 2021, takes place in Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. The fair offers a wide range of traditional activities and events and is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington; continually ranking as one of the largest fairs in the world.
State Fair of West Virginia
The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia, scheduled for August 2021, takes place in Lewisburg. The fair includes concerts, carnival rides, and competitions as well as other traditional events.
Wisconsin State Fair
The 11-day Wisconsin State Fair will celebrate 170 years of tradition when it opens in August 2021. More than one million attend the fair, held at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. From agriculture to exhibits, entertainment, and a wide selection of fair food, the fair also features some of today’s biggest nationally touring acts.
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