Summer is festival season, so that means live music, rides, funnel cakes, and fun for the whole family. The king of all summer festivals is the state fair, famous for fried foods, carnival rides, and a good time to be had by all. Each fair showcases the best food, culture, and music that the state has to offer, always keeping family-friendly activities in mind.

Packing up an RV to hit up a few state fairs is a great plan, as it gives you the freedom to discover new and exciting places within the U.S. With a little planning, you can visit a new state fair every weekend. Here’s a look at each state fair 2023 has to offer and the information you need before you hit the road this summer!

State Fair 2023 Calendar (Summer/Fall)

While all kinds of festivals go all summer long, most state fairs run from July through October. Hitting up a fair or two in an RV is a fun way to explore the open road with your family and friends. Below, we’ll outline the essential details of each state’s fair so that you can plan your RV getaway, either to a state fair in your own backyard or one in a new and exciting destination. 

Alabama State Fair

The Alabama State Fair features a number of exciting attractions, including a dog show, petting zoo, acrobatics, and rides. With thrilling shows and entertainment each day, this fair is a great option for families with kids of all ages. Of course, there are plenty of dining options when it comes to snagging your favorite fair food!

Dates: September 15-24

Location: Birmingham, AL

Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors, military, and kids $5

 

Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair is packed with activities this year. Check out concerts from big names like Flogging Molly and J Boog, feel the adrenaline at the demolition derby, or experience a real Alaskan rodeo. Additionally, the fair features a number of exhibits, carnival games and rides, and plenty of tasty fair grub.

Dates: August 18-September 4

Location: Palmer, AK

Tickets: Adults: $12 Monday-Thursday, $14 Friday-Sunday, Seniors and kids: $8 Monday-Thursday, $9 Friday-Sunday

 

Arizona State Fair

The Arizona State Fair has a variety of events: gun shows, rodeos, monster trucks, and more. When it comes to music, you can catch a variety of tribute bands, in addition to concerts by Becky G, Ne-Yo, and Walker Hayes, just to name a few. You’ll also find unique attractions like a camel dairy, a petting zoo, and a trapeze troupe.

Dates: September 22-October 29, Thursdays to Sundays

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Tickets: $15, Kids under 8 free

 

Arkansas State Fair

This year’s Arkansas State Fair will have free family entertainment in addition to main-stage concerts, rides, pageants, and plenty of fair food. Catch a livestock or dog show, check out a variety of arts and crafts, and experience the thrills of the games, rides, and attractions at the midway.

Dates: October 13-22

Location: Little Rock, AR

Tickets: Adults $12, Seniors and kids $6

 

California State Fair

The CA State Fair & Food Festival will have canning and baking competitions, livestock shows, and less traditional expositions, like those that feature California wines and cannabis. This year’s edition will also have monster trucks, a demolition derby, and Lucha Xtreme, a wrestling show.

Dates: July 14-30

Location: Sacramento, CA

Tickets: Adults $16, Seniors $12, Kids $10 (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Colorado State Fair

The Colorado State Fair is packed with entertainment this year, including musical acts like Lady A, Pat Benatar, and Lil Jon, as well as comedians, rodeos, demolition derbies, and monster trucks. There are plenty of livestock, fine arts, and beer and wine competitions to check out, too.

Dates: August 25-September 4

Location: Pueblo, CO

Tickets: Adults $15, Kids $7, under 4 free (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Connecticut Fairs (multiple)

Connecticut doesn’t have a state fair, but there are several country fairs that you can visit throughout the state. These fairs run throughout the whole season, so there are plenty to visit from July to October. This includes agricultural and county fairs that have rides, pie-eating contests, animal shows, and so much more.

 

Delaware State Fair

This year’s Delaware State Fair has big names in entertainment, including Vanilla Ice, Nelly, and Gabriel Iglesias. Horse pull, demolition derby, and plenty of exhibitions round out a full schedule of things to do, in addition to rides and classic fair food. 

Dates: July 20-29

Location: Harrington, DE

Tickets: Adults $10.50, Kids $5.50, under 5 free

 

Georgia State Fair

The Georgia National Fair will have animal competitions, concerts, and exhibitions that feature what Georgia living is all about. Rides and all kinds of deep-fried foods like funnel cakes and deep-fried cheeseburgers round off a fun day at this fair.

Dates: October 5-15

Location: Perry, GA

Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors $10, Kids under 10 free with a paying adult

 

Idaho State Fair

The Western Idaho Fair has it all: animal competitions, stunt shows, magicians, and even an antique tractor show! There’s entertainment for all, including music, acrobatics, tractor races, and more. And of course, tons of rides for kids of all ages.

Dates: August 18-27

Location: Garden City, ID

Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors $9, Kids $8, under 5 free

 

Illinois State Fair

Head to the heart of Illinois at the Illinois State Fair to experience rodeos, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and rides. The fair will feature concerts by Alanis Morissette, Tim McGraw, and Maren Morris. Don’t forget to pop into the Dairy Building to see the 500-pound Butter Cow, the official symbol of the fair since the 1920s.

Dates: August 10-20

Location: Springfield, IL

Tickets: Adults: $5 Sunday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Saturday, Seniors $3, Kids under 12 free

 

Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair shows off the best of the state. Check out the Indiana Basketball History Exhibit, an interactive light show, animal and livestock competitions, and the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Exhibit. The midway features rides, games, food, and other state fair staples for all ages.

Dates: July 28-August 20, Wednesdays-Sundays

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Tickets: $11, Kids under 5 free

 

Iowa State Fair

The Black Keys, The Chicks, and Jason Aldean are just a few of the big acts dropping by the Iowa State Fair this year. You’ll also find rides for all levels of thrill seekers and food vendors that feature more than 60 different snacks on a stick. Stop by Elwell Family Park for a number of fun shows and attractions.

Dates: August 10-20

Location: Des Moines, IA

Tickets: Adults $11, Kids $7

 

Kansas State Fair

The Kansas State Fair has a variety of events, like a cowboy circus, a comedy show featuring Rob Schneider, and concerts from acts like Ja Rule and Carly Pearce. The fair also has livestock and horse shows, as well as entertainment like ventriloquists, hypnotists, and agricultural demonstrations. 

Dates: September 8-17

Location: Hutchinson, KS

Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and kids $6 (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Kentucky State Fair

With exhibitions like Agland, Heritage Hall, and Main Street Kentucky, fairgoers can get to know the history and culture of the Kentucky State Fair and its great state. Thrill seekers can check out the rides at the midway while others can enjoy free concerts and entertainment and sample various delicious Southern dishes at the food tents.

Dates: August 17-27

Location: Louisville, KY

Tickets: $9, Kids under 5 free

 

Louisiana State Fair

There isn’t much information available yet about the State Fair of Louisiana, but you can count on thrilling rides at the midway, livestock shows, a rodeo, and a number of free concerts and entertainers. Stay tuned as the dates get closer to learn more!

Dates: October 26-November 12, Wednesday-Sundays

Location: Shreveport, LA

Tickets: No information available yet

 

Maine State Fair (Bangor)

Maine has several smaller fairs, the most popular of which is the Bangor State Fair. For four days, residents from the area and from across Maine can take in live concerts, see livestock shows, ride the attractions, and indulge in the best fair grub around. There are also contests, like hot dog eating and whoopie pie eating, for those who want to partake!

Dates: August 3-6

Location: Bangor, ME

Tickets: No information available yet

 

Maryland State Fair

This year’s Maryland State Fair will have horse racing, shopping at the Exposition Center, and a bevy of free entertainment. Headlining concerts include All Time Low, Mayday Parade, and Gym Class Heroes. Stop by AGventure to take part in kid-friendly agricultural projects and activities that are both fun and educational.

Dates: August 24-27, August 31-September 4, September 7-10

Location: Timonium, MD

Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Kids $5

 

The Big E (Massachusetts & New England) Fair

The Big E is the nation’s only multi-state fair and represents each of the six states of New England. Because of this, there’s a ton of food to sample, music across all genres, and activities and entertainment that reflect the unique character of this region. This year’s headliners include Third Eye Blind, Zedd, and John Fogerty, and there are a number of free concerts, too.

Dates: September 15-October 1

Location: West Springfield, MA

Tickets: Adults $16, Kids $10, under 6 free

 

Michigan State Fair

Held over Labor Day weekend, the Michigan State Fair is packed with exciting rides, tasty carnival foods, and a number of entertainment options. You’ll find daily circus performances, baking contests, home brewing competitions, and live musical performances.

Dates: August 31-September 4

Location: Novi, MI

Tickets: $10

 

Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest in the country and has a mix of comedy shows, concerts, animals, and delicious food that everyone can enjoy. The midway has rides for all ages, while the show halls have both entertaining and educational exhibitions for fairgoers.

Dates: August 24-September 4

Location: St. Paul, MN

Tickets: Adults $18, Seniors and kids $16, under 5 free (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Mississippi State Fair

Not much information is available yet, but the Mississippi State Fair will return this year with rides, games, and classic food fare. Of course, count on exciting exhibitions, concerts, and entertainment for the whole family.

Dates: October 5-16

Location: Jackson, MS

Tickets: No information available yet

 

Missouri State Fair

The state’s largest agricultural expo, the Missouri State Fair, is all about animal exhibits. You’ll also find live music, auto races, tractor pulls, and all kinds of competitions. Grandstand performers include Nelly, 3 Doors Down, and Tyler Hubbard.

Dates: August 10-20 

Location: Sedalia, MO

Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors $10, Kids $4, under 6 free

 

Montana State Fair

The Montana Fair’s lineup currently has a mix of horse and animal shows, magicians, carnival performers, and live music. Fairgoers can also catch the rodeo, free concerts, and headliner shoes from artists like Josh Turner, Chris Janson, and The Commodores.

Dates: July 28-August 5

Location: Great Falls, MT

Tickets: Adults $9, Seniors and kids $6, under 6 free

 

Nebraska State Fair

This year's Nebraska State Fair will host a Battle of the Bands, a hay bale contest, and a summer concert series, in addition to all your favorite carnival attractions. Sports lovers can check out the volleyball competition or the dirt and motorsports events on the lineup.

Dates: August 25-September 4

Location: Grand Island, NE

Tickets: Adults $12, Seniors and kids $5, under 6 free

 

New Hampshire State Fairs

Like Connecticut, New Hampshire has a number of smaller fairs and festivals that run throughout the summer. This includes agricultural, food and drink, and family-friendly fairs with all kinds of attractions.

 

State Fair Meadowlands (New Jersey)

State Fair Meadowlands is packed with rides, games, and all of your festival favorites, in addition to fireworks displays, animal rides, and boat rides. Fairgoers need to buy a Fun Pass online ahead of time to ride unlimited rides and enjoy all of the fair’s free entertainment.

Dates: June 22-July 9

Location: East Rutherford, NJ

Tickets: $41.99, Kids under 36 inches tall free

 

New Mexico State Fair

At the New Mexico State Fair, you can expect a variety of concerts, rides, rodeos, and delicious food. Some special entertainment that you won’t want to miss are the GASCAR animal races, stilt circus, sea lion splash, and a chef-led comedy show.

Dates: September 7-17

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Tickets: No information available yet

 

New York State Fair

The New York State Fair has hundreds of attractions, free and headlining concerts, and tons of tasty food and drinks to indulge in. Midway rides, animals, and exciting exhibitions, as well as family-friendly activities, are just a few of the things that help to make this state fair unforgettable.

Dates: August 23-September 4

Location: Syracuse, NY

Tickets: Adults $6, Seniors and kids under 12 free

 

North Carolina State Fair

As the North Carolina State Fair is still a few months away, details are still emerging. Past fairs included rides, classic state fair fare, live music, and special events days. Stay tuned!

Dates: October 12-22

Location: Raleigh, NC

Tickets: No information available yet

 

North Dakota State Fair

Bull riding, rodeos, and a horse relay are just a couple of the exciting events at the North Dakota State Fair. Fairgoers have plenty of options when it comes to food, music, and rides, in addition to livestock exhibits and competitions. 

Dates: July 21-29

Location: Minot, ND

Tickets: Adults $12, Kids $5

 

Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair was the first to have Butter Cows, and each year it often takes over 2,200 pounds of butter to create these bovine sculptures. Other attractions include animal competitions, free concerts, and headliners like Styx, Ludacris, and Clint Black. Don’t forget all the rides and food!

Dates: July 26-August 6

Location: Columbus, OH

Tickets: Adults $12, Seniors and kids $10, under 5 free (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Oklahoma State Fair

Besides rides and food, the Oklahoma State Fair is excited to host events like Disney on Ice, animal shows and competitions, and the Miss OSF Pageant. Live music, board games, and even welcoming church services are also some unique events.

Dates: September 14-24

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Tickets: Adults $15, Kids $10, under 5 free (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Oregon State Fair

Rodeos, barnyard races, animal competitions, and live music are top attractions at the Oregon State Fair. Fairgoers can also discover crafts, culinary competitions, and fun exhibitions for the whole family.

Dates: August 25-September 4

Location: Salem, OR

Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors $1, and Kids $8 if purchased before August 25; Kids under 5 free

 

Pennsylvania State Fairs (multiple)

Pennsylvania has a number of fairs across the state. You’ll find family-friendly activities that revolve around rides, animal competitions, agriculture, and of course, tons of delicious food. The most popular is the York State Fair in York County, happening July 21-30.

 

South Carolina State Fair

As the South Carolina State Fair is a few months off, not much information is out yet. Past fairs had midway rides, agricultural and animal competitions, and lots of food and music, so you can be sure to count on those again this year.

Dates: October 11-22

Location: Columbia, SC

Tickets: No information available yet

 

South Dakota State Fair

Some events at this year’s South Dakota State Fair include an antique tractor show, an amateur winemaking contest, a classic car show, and a scholarship pageant. The fair will also have free and headlining entertainment and music, as well as rides and attractions.

Dates: August 31-September 4

Location: Huron, SD

Tickets: Adults $6, Kids $4, under 6 free

 

Tennessee State Fair

The Tennessee State Fair has midway rides for all ages, as well as livestock shows and animal competitions, free country music concerts, and tons of kids' activities. This year’s fair is the “Year of Corn,” so expect some tasty corn on the cob!

Dates: August 17-26

Location: Lebanon, TN

Tickets: Adults $12, Kids $6, under 6 free

 

Texas State Fair

The State Fair of Texas is thought by many to be one of the best in the country due to its nightly parades, football games, deep-fried foods, and exciting rides. It attracts more than 2 million visitors a year who come for live music, laughs, and all kinds of entertainment for the whole family.

Dates: September 29-October 22

Location: Dallas, TX

Tickets: Adults $15 Monday-Thursday, $25 Friday-Sunday, Seniors and kids: $10 Monday-Thursday, $18 Friday-Sunday, or save by buying a season pass

 

Utah State Fair

The Utah State Fair has its own rodeo, competitive exhibits, animals, and tons of food. Between the games, live music, and rides, there is plenty to see and do each night of the fair, including both free and headlining concerts.

Dates: September 7-17

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Tickets: No information available yet

 

Vermont State Fair

The Vermont State Fair this year will have a demolition derby, rodeo, rides, games, and tons of yummy fair treats. Check out the cute Ultimate Air Dogs show or the Rosaire’s Royal Racers show to get into the festival spirit.

Dates: August 15-19

Location: Rutland, VT

Tickets: No information available yet

 

Washington State Fair

At the Washington State Fair, you’ll find agricultural and horticultural displays, floral exhibits, the fair farm, and several exhibitions and competitions. You’ll find rides for all thrill levels, as well as free and grandstand performers, food, and classic carnival games.

Dates: September 1-24, closed Tuesdays

Location: Puyallup, WA

Tickets: No information available yet

 

West Virginia State Fair

The State Fair of West Virginia is famous for fried food, livestock shows, the draft horse pull, and livestock shows. There’s also all kinds of free entertainment, carnival rides, grandstand concerts, and games. Performers this year include Lainey Wilson, Nelly, and Riley Green. 

Dates: August 10-19

Location: Lewisburg, WV

Tickets: $13, Kids under 11 free (plus discounts for buying in advance)

 

Wisconsin State Fair

The Wisconsin State Fair has racing pigs, strolling street performers, agricultural and livestock exhibitions and competitions, and all of your favorite rides and games. As America’s Dairyland, you’ll find plenty of dairy products to sample, or you can check out the fair’s Milking Parlor to see the cows in action.

Dates: August 3-13

Location: West Allis, WI

Tickets: Adults $18, Seniors, military, and kids $13, Kids under 6 free

 

Take an RV Rental to Your State Fair

Renting an RV through Cruise America is an easy way to make unforgettable memories with your family this summer. Our RVs have all the features that you want and need to feel like you’re at home while on the road. 

Cruise America’s RVs come in a number of sizes and have standard items like cooktops, air conditioning, and showers, which are all summertime essentials. To get started on your grand adventure, check out our collection of vehicles to find your perfect fit and get ready to hit the fair circuit and the open road!