The Best State Fairs for Good Old-Fashioned Fun
Rides, rodeos, and so much delicious food.
Across the United States, there's always good ol' fashioned family fun at the state fair. No matter where you live or how old you are, there's something about exploring all the carnival games, classic rides, and regional exhibits (hello, 600-pound cow made out of butter!) that creates an irresistible and memorable part of American life.
And though going on several scenic drives to visit every fair in the U.S. sounds like an incredible experience, that is quite the undertaking. So why not start with the best state fairs on this list and go from there? You'll find options from every region in the country from the largest state fair in Texas to The Big E that covers six smaller states in New England. Attend a rodeo, watch some pigs race, or cuddle goats as you learn about all of the amazing regional agriculture that makes this country so amazing.
And don't even get us started on all that state fair food! Enjoy a bucket of cookies in Minnesota, cinnamon rolls in Oklahoma, or a wine slushie from local wineries in New York. Never will you see so many foods on sticks or creative twists on carnival food. Well, that is until you attend another state fair next year. So grab the family and hit the road. These amazing state fairs will surely create memories that will last a lifetime.
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Oklahoma State Fair
The Oklahoma State Fair, based in Oklahoma City, is all about farming and agriculture. Events include antique tractor displays, horse shows, and bronco busting, plus it's a great spot for history buffs. The interactive Oklahoma Frontier Experience tells the state's history through Native American dancers, barrel-racing cowgirls, and gunslingers.
Dates: September 12 to 22, 2024
Minnesota State Fair
The highlight of the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, which has been around since 1859, is the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Visitors can meet hundreds of calves, lambs, and piglets born during the 12-day fair. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit, including a llama costume contest, a five-story slide, and must-try eats like bucket of cookies and giant eggs rolls on a stick.
Dates: August 22 to September 2, 2024
State Fair of Texas
Dallas is the home to America's biggest and most attended state fair: the State Fair of Texas. And the events are just as grand! Along with a huge rodeo and some of the world's best pig races, there's a glittery midway where attendees win over $1 million worth of stuffed animals each year. At night, everyone heads to the Top o' Texas tower which takes riders 50 stories into the air for a bird's-eye view of the city and the nightly fireworks.
Dates: September 27 to October 20, 2024
Iowa State Fair
In the city of Des Moines, you'll find the Iowa State Fair and it's famous 600-pound cow sculpted out of butter. It's been a tradition since 1911 and should tell you just how important food is at this event. The fair includes 200 booths and more than 40 fun new bites each year, like the Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB & J. You'll also find tons of snacks on a stick including apple pie, pork chops, and even salad.
Dates: August 8 to 18, 2024
The Great New York State Fair
With a name like that, you know the New York State Fair has got to be good! It celebrated 150 years in 2023, featuring 13 days of celebrating agriculture (butter sculptures!), rides (over 50!), and of course, food. Wash those deep-fried Oreos down with a wine slushie from the local Finger Lakes region and then cuddle with goats in the Goat Pavilion.
Dates: August 21 to September 2, 2024
Ohio State Fair
For 12 days, you can attend the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Stop by the life-size sculpture "The Dunk," Ohio's official state fossil fish, watch the all-breed dog agility contest, or root for your favorite lumberjack during the Great Lakes Timber Show. And don't forget to try the latest and greatest deviled egg creations like maple bacon and buffalo chicken flavors.
Dates: July 24 to August 4, 2024
The Big E
Why represent just one state when you can hit six at the same time? The Big E, aka the Eastern States Exposition, represents Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Head to Springfield, MA to try their signature dessert, the Big E Cream Puff, as you stroll through Avenue of States that showcases the best of the Northeast.
Dates: September 13 to 29, 2024
Kentucky State Fair
Horse lovers, head over to Louisville for the Kentucky State Fair for the World’s Championship Horse Show. Then stay for the homemade beer and wine entries, livestock competitions, and of course, the food! Just make sure you rest a little after that doughnut burger before you hop on the ferris wheel.
Dates: August 15 to 25, 2024
Washington State Fair
Speaking of horses, you'll find the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, with nearly a month-long celebration with rodeos, cattle drives, and even a show featuring miniature animals. Of course, you'll also explore art exhibitions, pumpkin carving, and lots of food like the popular Fisher scones and corn dogs.
Dates: August 30 to September 22, 2024
California State Fair
Head to Sacramento for the California State Fair for the carnival rides and thoroughbred horse racing but stay for the many food and drink competitions that highlight the best in beer, wine, olive oil, and more. And don't forget to stop by the giant candy maze for 14 different chances to take the sweetest selfies to commemorate your trip.
Dates: July 12 to July 28, 2024
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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