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State fairs mean fried everything, dizzying rides, cotton candy, demolition derbies, beauty pageants, live entertainment, and more. Whether you’re looking forward to your state’s fair or you plan to travel to a faraway fair, we’ve rounded up a complete list of state fairs happening in 2024. If your state fair’s dates aren’t listed yet, don’t hesitate to bookmark this page as we will update it regularly!
Best State Fairs in the US in 2024 – Fun Events Ahead: The Complete 2024 Event List
Alabama National Fair, Montgomery, October 04 – October 13
A vibrant showcase of Alabama’s culture and agriculture, featuring exciting rides, live music, and diverse food options
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Alaska State Fair, Palmer, August 16 – September 2
Celebrating Alaska’s unique heritage with giant vegetables, stunning exhibits, and thrilling entertainment in a picturesque setting.
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Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, 2024 Dates: TBD
A much-anticipated event with thrilling rides, diverse food stalls, and a variety of entertainment options, dates to be announced.
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Arkansas State Fair, Little Rock, 2024 Dates: TBD
An annual celebration featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music, with dates yet to be determined.
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California State Fair, Sacramento, July 12 – 28
A grand expo in California offering innovative exhibits, competitive livestock shows, and a wide array of food and entertainment.
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Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, August 23 – September 2
A blend of Colorado culture and fun, featuring rodeos, concerts, and a rich agricultural showcase.
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Connecticut Fairs, multiple cities, click through to see dates
A series of fairs across multiple cities in Connecticut, celebrating local agriculture, crafts, and community spirit.
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Delaware State Fair, Harrington, July 18 – 27
A traditional fair experience in Delaware with a focus on agriculture, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
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Florida State Fair, Tampa, February 8-19
A premier event in Florida highlighting the state’s agriculture, history, and diverse culture with numerous attractions and exhibits.
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Georgia National Fair, Perry, October 3-13
A showcase of Georgia’s rich agricultural heritage, featuring competitive exhibits, thrilling rides, and live performances.
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Eastern Idaho State Fair, Blackfoot, August 30 – September 7
A celebration of Idaho’s agricultural prowess with exciting rides, food, and entertainment.
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North Idaho State Fair, Couer d’Alene, August 16 – 25
A delightful mix of entertainment, competitions, and exhibits reflecting North Idaho’s community and culture.
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Western Idaho Fair, Boise, August 6 – 25
A popular event in Western Idaho featuring a variety of entertainment, competitive exhibits, and carnival attractions.
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Illinois State Fair, Springfield, August 8-18
A classic fair experience in Illinois with a focus on agriculture, live concerts, and a wide range of family-friendly activities.
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Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, August 2 – 18
Celebrating Indiana’s agricultural and cultural heritage with a mix of entertainment, exhibits, and delicious food.
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Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, August 8 – 18
A renowned fair in Iowa known for its unique butter sculptures, livestock shows, and diverse entertainment options.
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Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson, September 6 – 15
A celebration of Kansas’ heartland with agricultural exhibits, exciting rides, and live entertainment.
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Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, August 15 – 25
Showcasing Kentucky’s rich culture and heritage with horse shows, music, and a variety of exhibits and attractions.
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Louisiana State Fair, Shreveport, 2024 Dates: TBD
A vibrant celebration of Louisiana’s unique culture and cuisine, with dates to be announced.
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Maine State Fair, Bangor, July 25 – 28 & August 1 – 3
A charming fair in Bangor, Maine, featuring local crafts, agriculture, and entertainment.
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Maine State Fair, Skowhegan, August 8 -17
A traditional fair experience in Skowhegan, Maine, with a focus on local agriculture, crafts, and family fun.
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Maryland State Fair, Lutherville-Timonium, August 22 – August 25, August 29 – September 2, September 5 – September 8
A Maryland tradition offering a blend of agricultural exhibits, thrilling rides, and live entertainment.
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Massachusetts State Fair, West Springfield, September 13 – 29
A grand event in Massachusetts featuring a variety of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment options.
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Michigan State Fair, Novi, August 29 – September 2
Celebrating Michigan’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, exciting rides, and diverse entertainment.
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Minnesota State Fair, Saint Paul, August 22 – Labor Day, September 2
Known as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” this fair offers a wide range of food, exhibits, and entertainment.
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Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, Â October 3 – 13
A Mississippi tradition featuring a mix of entertainment, agricultural showcases, and classic fair food.
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Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, August  August 8 – 18
A celebration of Missouri’s farming community with livestock competitions, concerts, and family-friendly activities.
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Montana State Fair, Great Falls, July 26 – August 3
Showcasing Montana’s agricultural heritage and talent with a variety of exhibits, rodeos, and entertainment.
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Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island, August 23 – September 2
A Nebraska extravaganza featuring educational exhibits, exciting rides, and live performances.
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New Hampshire State Fair, Contoocook, August 31 to September 4
A delightful fair experience in New Hampshire with a focus on local agriculture, crafts, and entertainment.
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New Jersey State Fair, Frankford Township, August 2 – 10
New Jersey State Fair: A vibrant celebration in New Jersey featuring a variety of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
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New Mexico State Fair, Albuquerque, September 5 -15
A colorful showcase of New Mexico’s culture and agriculture with diverse entertainment and exhibits.
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New York State Fair, Syracuse, August 21 – September 2
New York State Fair: A grand event in New York offering a wide array of exhibits, food, and entertainment for all ages.
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North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, October 17 – 27
A celebration of North Carolina’s agricultural heritage with a mix of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
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North Dakota State Fair, Minot, July 19 – 27
Featuring North Dakota’s agricultural and cultural heritage with a variety of entertainment and exhibits.
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Ohio State Fair, Columbus, July 24 – August 4
A classic fair experience in Ohio with a focus on agriculture, education, and family-friendly entertainment.
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Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma City, September 12 – 22
A celebration of Oklahoma’s culture and community with a wide range of exhibits and entertainment.
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Oregon State Fair, Salem, August 23 – September 2
Showcasing Oregon’s diverse culture and agriculture with a variety of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
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Pennsylvania Fairs, multiple dates and locations
A series of fairs across Pennsylvania celebrating local agriculture, crafts, and community spirit.
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South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, October 9 – 20
A South Carolina tradition featuring agricultural exhibits, thrilling rides, and diverse entertainment.
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South Dakota State Fair, Huron, August 29 – September 2
Celebrating South Dakota’s heritage with a mix of agricultural showcases, entertainment, and food.
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Tennessee State Fair, Lebanon, August 15 – 24
A showcase of Tennessee’s culture and agriculture with a variety of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
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Texas State Fair, Dallas, September 27 – October 20
A grand Texas event known for its iconic Big Tex statue, diverse food, and wide range of entertainment.
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Utah State Fair, Salt Lake City, September 5 – 15
Celebrating Utah’s community and culture with a variety of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
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Vermont State Fair, Rutland, August 13 – 17
A traditional fair experience in Vermont with a focus on local agriculture, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
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Virginia State Fair, Doswell, September 27 – October 6
Showcasing Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage with a variety of exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
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Washington State Fair, Puyallup, 2024 Dates: TBD
A popular fair that showcases Washington’s rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural exhibits, and a variety of entertainment options.
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West Virginia State Fair, Lewisburg, August 8 -TBD
This fair celebrates West Virginia’s unique culture and history with local crafts, music, and traditional fair attractions.
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Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, August 1 – 11
This popular fair highlights Wisconsin’s agricultural achievements, local cuisine, and features fun family entertainment.
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Wyoming State Fair, Douglas, August 13 – 17
This event focuses on Wyoming’s Western heritage, featuring rodeo events, livestock shows, and local arts and crafts.
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The History and Facts About US State Fairs
County and state fairs are the beating heart of the United States. Started in 1811 by a banker Elkanah Watson, most of these fairs had agricultural roots. They initially served as meeting points for farmers to promote, trade, or sell local commodities, and to display crafts and skills.
There are almost 3,300 county and state fairs in the US which generate jobs and income for the regions that host them. Most importantly, many of these fairs reinvest the revenue back into the community. While the agricultural aspect is still there today, it has taken a back seat to family-friendly cuisine, rides, and musical performances.
Is there a pastime more distinctly American than eating something fried on a stick, marveling at livestock, and taking a spin on a Ferris wheel?
American State Fairs are just a ton of fun. For the last 250 years, they have been an embodiment of the best things that each state has to offer. They are now eagerly anticipated summertime celebrations in the majority of the U.S. states, each offering a vast array of sights, sounds, aromas, and entertainment options ranging from high-flying midway thrills to traditional livestock and farm equipment shows.
FAQs
What Is The Most Popular US State Fair?
It’s the State Fair of Texas. By attracting more than 2 million guests every year, it is one of the largest state fairs in the US by attendance. Since 1952, attendees have experienced auto showcases, agricultural expos, games, and fried food galore.
What Is The Only Multi-State Fair in The US?
The answer is The Big E. Once known as the Eastern States Exposition, the festival lasts 17 days and is held in states that make up New England: Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Which US State Fair Is Big on History?
North Carolina State Fair’s Heritage Circle is home to historic buildings and blacksmith demonstrations that you can see in 11 days. At the Folk Festival which is hosted daily, you will find all sorts of competitions that celebrate North Carolina’s musical past.
Which US State Fair Can I Enter For Free?
Arizona State Fair offers free entrance on selected days for those who donate canned goods at the front gates. Since 1884, this month-long southwestern fair has evolved into an eclectic gathering, featuring things like psychic readings, tribute bands, monster trucks, and a spooky haunted mansion.
Which US State Fair is Best For Families?
The Wisconsin State Fair stands out as an excellent choice for family outings. In addition to a plethora of games and carnival rides, families can explore the Garden Walk or the Exploratory Park, a delightful garden equipped with kid-friendly activities, a playground, and a sandbox.