Top 10 State Fairs of 2023
Summer is prime time for state fairs across the country, and some of the most impressive ones boast massive attendance, decadent (if a little wacky) foods, and a number of wild and wonderful exhibitions. Here are the best state fairs of 2023 to check out if you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned road trip.
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1. Wisconsin State Fair
Aug. 3-13, 2023
Food, shopping, live music and a cornucopia of competitions? Sign us up! The competitive exhibits at the Wisconsin State Fair are particularly diverse, ranging from poster art and handmade quilts to amateur winemaking and rabbit hopping. If perusing the entries doesn’t strike your fancy, you can always browse the shopping booths, watch a performance on the main stage or buckle up for the many thrilling attractions.
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2. Kentucky State Fair
Aug. 17-27, 2023
This annual exhibition features everything you’d expect from a Southern state fair. From horse shows and live music to livestock exhibits and family-friendly rides and concerts, the Kentucky State Fair is one for the books. The horse shows are a particularly big draw for this event, ranging from world-class saddle seat competitions to pre-fair youth shows.
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3. State Fair of Texas
Sept. 29-Oct. 22, 2023
We all know the saying: everything is bigger in Texas. And you can bet that includes the State Fair of Texas. Running almost an entire month from the end of September to the end of October, this mighty event is something to behold. Since it began in 1886, this fair has gone above and beyond to showcase everything Texas has to offer. Family friendly and featuring everything from hog races to rollercoasters, this event is a must for anyone visiting the Lone Star State this fall.
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4. Arizona State Fair
Sept. 22-Oct. 29, 2023
More than a million guests flock to Phoenix every year for the Arizona State Fair. While the attendance records may not have always been quite that high, it is interesting to note that the event began in the 1880s before Arizona was even deemed an official state. Today you can enjoy everything from world-class live music and rollercoasters to arts and crafts, livestock shows, and a wide array of local vendors and tasty treats.
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5. North Carolina State Fair
Oct. 12-22, 2023
The first North Carolina State Fair was held in 1853, lasted four days and recorded about 4,000 attendees. Fast forward to the last few years and the attendance numbers were clocked at over 800,000. Today, this must-visit state fair boasts a number of agricultural exhibitions and experiences, an all-new cooking stage and a number of local producers in the shopping area.
See more: 8 North Carolina Agritourism Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
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6. Alaska State Fair
Aug. 18-Sept. 4, 2023
Staged in the beautiful city of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair offers everything you’d hope it would. While each day offers the traditional state fair fun you expect, there are also theme days throughout the entirety of the exhibition, such as Alaska Agricultural Day, Military Appreciation Day and Mining Day. You can even find exhibits ranging from clay arts and canning to beekeeping and the ever-popular Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off.
See more: Foods that Grow in Alaska
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7. Great New York State Fair
Aug. 23-Sept. 4, 2023
“A great time, every time” is the slogan for the Great New York State Fair, and no one would argue otherwise. This is the longest-running state fair in the country, and it just keeps getting better. Hundreds of animals, attractions, rides and entertainers eagerly await attendees, as well as the popular Taste NY food vendors who design decadent dishes around New York products.
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8. Iowa State Fair
Aug. 10-20, 2023
The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest expositions in the United States. It’s also one of the best state fairs to visit in 2023. The treasured annual event offers more entertainment and exhibitions than you could possibly imagine, including thrill rides, ATV races and tractor pulls. There’s even an entire lineup of 60 foods on a stick. How’s that for fair fare?
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9. Minnesota State Fair
Aug. 24-Sept. 4, 2023
Want to talk about a big fair? Look no further than the Minnesota State Fair. More than 2 million guests flock to this event, which takes place on a 322-acre fairground site. The impressive numbers don’t stop there. There are hundreds of food vendors, countless educational exhibits, and more competitions, rides and entertainment options than you can count.
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10. The Big E
Sept. 15-Oct. 1, 2023
Renowned for being the country’s only multi-state fair, The Big E is a smorgasbord of entertainment, feasting and fun that represents all six of the New England states. Hosted in Massachusetts, this unique exhibition is jam-packed with everything you want to enjoy at a state fair – and more. We’re talking pirate entertainers, swine racing, horse shows and the famous Big E butter sculpture.