Are you a state fair fan? Or maybe you’re just looking for a destination or two to add to your itinerary for 2021. In any case, the following list of some of the U.S. state fairs from Alabama to Louisiana 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.)
Alabama’s National Fair
Founded in 1954 as the South Alabama Fair, later changed to the South Alabama State Fair and ultimately the Alabama National Fair, the multi-day fair is held annually each fall in Montgomery.
Alaska State Fair
The Alaska State Fair is a local, self-sustaining, non-profit corporation established in 1936. The multi-day fair takes place in August on the fairgrounds an hour north of Anchorage at mile 40 on the Glenn Highway.
Arizona State Fair
Originally founded in 1884 as the First Arizona Territorial Fair, the Arizona State Fairgrounds opened in Phoenix in 1905 and takes place each fall. The Veterans Memorial Coliseum, located on the Fairgrounds, opened in 1965 and has been visited by Elvis, Pope John Paul II, President Obama, and Cher.
Arkansas State Fair
While the very first Arkansas State Fair was held in 1868, the current fair began in 1938. The annual event takes place in October in Little Rock, offering entertainment and educational opportunities for all ages while showcasing the state’s agriculture, livestock, the arts, and technology.
California State Fair
California’s first state fair was held in San Francisco in 1854, with Sacramento becoming the permanent location in 1861. The multi-day event includes the California State Fair Gala with funds raised to benefit the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program.
Colorado State Fair
A division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado State Fair began in 1872. The fair, scheduled for August 2021, takes place in Pueblo and highlights the state’s diverse agriculture, industry, and culture.
Delaware State Fair
The 10-day fair, set for July 2021, highlights the heritage of the community and the talents of the youth and citizens of the community. The fair dates back to 1920 and now has an attendance number of over 307,000.
Florida State Fair
Set for February 2021, the Florida State Fair dates back to 1904 and takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The Tampa-based fair lasts 12 days and has more than 500,000 attendees annually.
Georgia State Fair
The 16-day fair takes place in Atlanta each October and features traditional fair attractions, shows, live music, and of course fair food.
Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair, set for August 2021, takes place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, with one of the most extensive agriculture shows in the country. The 11-day fair was first held in 1853, and in 1854, featured speeches from both Senator Steven Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.
Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair, set for August 2021, takes place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. The multi-day event was created in 1851 and is an annual celebration that showcases youth and agriculture along with great food, animals, entertainment, and exhibits.
Iowa State Fair
The 11-day Iowa State Fair, set for August 2021, takes place in Des Moines at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. It’s the single largest event in the state and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country that annually attracts more than a million people from all over the world.
Kansas State Fair
The 10-day Kansas State Fair takes place at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson and is the state’s largest gathering of Kansans. The fair began in 1873 and had continued uninterrupted for 106 years, until 2020 when COVID-19 caused a cancellation. The next fair is set for September 2021.
Kentucky State Fair
The Kentucky State Fair, set for August 2021, takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Since 1902, the Kentucky State Fair has attracted an average of 600,000 guests annually with competitions, educational and entertaining exhibits, attractions, and concerts.
State Fair of Louisiana
Set for April 2021, the 11-day State Fair of Louisiana takes place in Shreveport. First held in 1906, the fair is the largest livestock show and carnival in the state and includes the National Brahman Show: a unique opportunity for fellow Brahman Cattle enthusiasts to share the amazing breed and its history with the public.
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