There is one American summertime tradition that we all probably take part in at one point or another in our lives: state fairs!
These annual events are all about food, fun, and family traditions, and they tend to be the biggest festival gatherings in each state. While you probably think your state's fair is the absolute best (cough cough, Missouri State Fair), the truth is there are some clear winners when it comes to the biggest and best state fairs in the U.S. Here are the 9 top choices!
- State Fair of Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the state fair!!Attendance: 2.3 Million
Date (2018): September 28 - October 21
Food: Sausage on a Stick
Big Event: Pig and Ostrich Races and Chili Cook-off
Texas State Fair
- The Big E
Representing 6 total New England states (Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusettes, Vermont, New Hampshire), this Eastern States Exposition is one of the largest in the U.S! Attendance: 1.3 Million
Date (2018): September 14 - September 30
Food: Key Lime Pie on a Stick
Big Event: Wine and Cheese Barn
- Iowa State Fair
This popular fair 70 'foods on a stick', a larger than life butter sculpture contest, and one of the highest attendances in the U.S.
Attendance: 1.2 Million
Date (2018): August 9 - August 19
Food: Shrimp Corndog or Bacon Wrapped Riblet on a Stick
Big Event: Butter Sculpting Contest
- California State Fair
Sacramento hosts this Western U.S state fair, with over 55 delicious food vendors in attendance and an always highly anticipated local Brewers Fest.
Attendance: 650,000
Date (2018): July 13 - July 29
Food: Jack Daniel's-Soaked Churros
Big Event: Brewers Festival
California State Fair
- Ohio State Fair
An intriguing Old Beard and Mustache Competition tradition, deep-fried pickle chips, and donut sandwiches topped with BBQ pork await!
Attendance: 900,000
Date (2018): July 25 – August 5
Food: Sloppy Donut - BBQ Pork Donut Sandwich
Big Event: Old Beard and Mustache Competition
- Minnesota State Fair
There are two major things to enjoy here at the Minnesota State Fair: food and agriculture! Be sure to try to find the state fair mascot, Fairchild the Gopher!Attendance: 1.8 Million
Date (2018): August 23 - September 3
Food: Comet Corn (Caramel and Liquid Nitrogen)
Big Event: CHS MIRACLE OF BIRTH
- Tulsa State Fair
With over 1 million guests each year, it's safe to say the food, rides, and concerts are top-notch here at the Tulsa State Fair!Attendance: 1.2 Million
Date (2018): September 27 - October 7
Food: Maple Bacon Funnel Cake
Big Event: Corndog Classic 5K Run
- Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin is the land of cheese, which you will find plenty of here at the fair! You will also find a K-9 Sports Arena and America's original Cream Puff!Attendance: 1 Million
Date (2018): August 2 - August 12
Food: Original Cream Puff
Big Event: K-9 Sports Competition
- Great New York State Fair
Syracuse hosts the country's oldest state fair, with over 70 competitions, 63 rides, and numerous big-name concerts.Attendance: 1.2 Million
Date (2018): August 22 - September 3
Food: Deep-fried Breakfast
Big Event: New York Wine and Cheese Festival
Must Mentions:
Missouri State Fair - Sedalia - Agriculture at it's finest and some of the best corndogs in the U.S!
Eastern Idaho State - Blackfoot - Bull Riding and Bacon Donut Burgers...yes, please!
North Carolina State Fair -Raleigh - Extensive Ag education and excellent firework shows represent this state.
