Every State Fair in the USA

State fairs are the stuff that childhood nostalgia is made of. Did you know the first state fair in the U.S. was held in Syracuse, New York, in 1841? Today, most states across the nation have their own official state fair, while a few others offer smaller county fairs. In honor of deliciously greasy fair food, livestock exhibits, carnival rides, games and entertainment, we're taking note of each state's biggest fairs so you and your family can have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to the North Alabama State Fair and the Oak Mountain State Fair, the Heart of Dixie has played host to the Alabama National Fair each fall since 1954, bringing people together from all across the state. This year, the National Fair kicks off on Sept. 28, 2018, offering rides, farm attractions, entertainment, carnival games, competitions — and, of course, delicious fair food.

The Alaska State Fair started back in 1936 and continues to this day in the city of Palmer. The fair kicks off each year on the final weekend of August and runs for 12 days, ending after the first weekend of September. Not only does the fair feature the usual lineup of fun games, attractions, rides (like Zombie Mansion) and tasty food, but it also has an incredible lineup of music performances and entertainment that attracts crowds from all across the northwestern United States.

The Arizona Exposition and State Fair is more than 100 years old and continues today as one of the most anticipated family events in the state. Located in Phoenix, the fair features animal and art exhibits, and a renowned cultural stage with free entertainment for the family. This year, the fair begins on October 5, 2018, and runs until October 28 (although it is closed every Monday and Tuesday).

The Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show goes all the way back to 1868 in the city of Little Rock. This annual fall event draws more than 450,000 patrons eager to take part in their many pageants, competitions, rodeos, talent shows and more. This year, the fair begins on Oct. 11, 2018, and will run for 11 fun-filled days.

While there are more than 60 annual fairs in the state, none compare to the California State Fair located in Sacramento. Beginning in 1854 (near the end of the Gold Rush), the state fair started off as an animal exposition, showcasing horses, cattle and mules, before growing into a 17-day celebration of rides (like the Ex Scream Machine), food, competitions, exhibits and more. This year, the fair runs from July 13 to July 29 and has free concerts lined up for every evening.

Before it was even a state, Colorado's State Fair was already in the works. Beginning in 1869 in the yet-to-be-named city of Puebla, the fair initially started as a horse exhibit, but before long, it evolved into a full-fledged state fair with rides, snacks, games and entertainment. The fair will run from August 24 to Sept. 3, 2018, and has an exciting lineup of musical guests, including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Connecticut may not have a state fair to boast of, but that doesn't mean they're not celebrating in full fair style each year. Instead, the Constitution State hosts more than 20 different country fairs throughout the state in cities like Durham, Woodstock and more. Residents also head to West Springfield, Massachusetts, where all of New England gathers for The Big E, a 17-day multi-state fair that features amazing rides, competitions, agricultural shows and entertainment. This year, The Big E kicks off on Sept. 14, 2018.

The Delaware State Fair began all the way back in 1920 to promote agriculture and showcase animals, quickly growing into one of the most anticipated recreational events in the state. The fair runs for nine days each year in Harrington and still features some of the same animal exhibits as the original fair, but hosts a considerably larger crowd: over 300,000 guests. This year's Delaware State Fair runs from July 19 to July 28, 2018.

The Florida State Fair first began in 1904 at the old Tampa Bay Hotel (which is now part of the University of Tampa campus). Much smaller in size, the original fair hosted just five races and an agricultural exhibit. Of course, today, the fair is much larger and boasts numerous events, competitions, exhibits, more than 110 rides, games and more. Opening annually in February, the next Florida State Fair will take place on Feb. 7, 2019, and run for 12 days.

Because one major fair isn't enough, the Peach State has three. There's the Georgia National Fair, the North Georgia State Fair and, of course, the Georgia State Fair. The state fair began in 1847 and continues today at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, kicking off every September for 10 days. Featuring rides, musical entertainment and fair foods, the event is also proud to host pig races, a butterfly exhibit, a rare white tiger display and more. This year, the Georgia State Fair begins on Sept. 28, 2018.

Not only is Hawaii the nation's 50th state, but this Pacific paradise is also home to the aptly named 50th State Fair, which runs annually on the Hawaiian island of Oahu from late May to late June. Held at the Aloha Stadium, the fair features rides, entertainment, great food, games and the wonders of the Anastasini Circus. This year, the fair kicked off on May 26, 2018, and will close on June 25.

Idaho may be the Potato State, but it's also a proud host of three major fairs: the Northern Idaho State Fair, the Eastern Idaho State Fair and the Western Idaho State Fair. Each fair opens on a different date in August, giving families across the state multiple opportunities for fun. The Western fair has roots stretching back to 1897 and continues to hold the mantle as one of the biggest recreational events in the state, kicking off fair season on Aug. 17, 2018.

About 3 1/2 hours southwest of Chicago is Springfield, where the annual Illinois State Fair is held each summer. First launching in 1853, the fair moved from city to city before finding a permanent home in Springfield in 1894. Today, the fair is a major attraction in the state, combining top music acts, parades, competitions, rides and some of the tastiest foods imaginable. This year, the fair will kick off on Aug. 9, 2018, and run for 11 days.

Although the first official Indiana State Fair began in 1892, it actually began as a smaller county fair 40 years earlier in 1852, moving each year to various cities until it found a permanent home in Indianapolis. Today, the fair combines the best in entertainment, rides, displays and even a Big Top Circus during its 17-day event, which kicks off in 2018 on August 3.

The Iowa State Fair first launched on Oct. 25, 1854, as a three-day agricultural and recreational event, quickly growing to become one of the most anticipated (and largest) events in the state. Welcoming upwards of 1 million people annually, the 11-day event includes free entertainment, competitions (including pageants and butter-carving contests), as well as rides, games, fair food and lots of fun activities for kids. This year, the fair kicks off on Aug. 9, 2018, and has a musical lineup including Reba McEntire, Daughtry and more.

On Sept. 13, 1913, the first Kansas State Fair opened its doors, hosting families for one week of fun. Today, the fair, located in the city of Hutchinson, is a 10-day long event hosting upwards of 322,000 people eager to catch music performances, ride some of the scariest coasters around (like the Ring of Fire) and see an amazing array of animals. This year, the Kansas State Fair kicks off on Sept. 7.

While the first official Kentucky State Fair launched in 1902, it actually traces its roots all the way back to 1816 in Fayette County. Today, the fair is hosted annually at Louisville's Kentucky Expo Center and welcomes more than 600,000 visitors. The 11-day event includes numerous concerts and attractions and has some of the tastiest fair food east of the Mississippi. This year, the fair begins on Aug. 16, 2018, and already has an exciting concert series lined up, including The Commodores and MercyMe.

The State Fair of Louisiana, which first launched in 1906, isn't the only fair in the Bayou State, but it is one of the most popular. Located in Shreveport, the 18-day event hosts livestock exhibits, rodeos, free concerts, competitions and, of course, out-of-this-world fair food (including their famous Gators and Taters dish). This year, the fair begins later in the season, on Oct. 25, 2018, helping guests have fun without having to battle the intense summer heat.

Along with New England's The Big E, Maine has enjoyed the Bangor State Fair since 1849 for a celebration of all things farm and family. The fair runs a little earlier in the year than the Skowhegan State Fair (also in Maine) and kicks off the 2018 fair season on July 27. Skowhegan's fair begins two weeks later, on August 9, giving families multiple opportunities for festive fun.

After facing several early obstacles throughout the 1800s, including a loss of the original fair grounds in Lutherville and a rival fair in Pimlico, the two merged to form the official Maryland State Fair in 1906 at the Timonium fair grounds, where it's still held today. In 2018, the fair kicks off on August 23 and runs for 12 days, featuring numerous events, including horse races, livestock exhibits, carnival rides and loads of food stalls, including their famous homemade gooey cinnamon bun stand.

Like Connecticut, Massachusetts is home to numerous county fairs throughout the year, but its most celebrated annual event is The Big E in Springfield, which unites New England for a multi-state fair of epic proportions. As the fair's host, Massachusetts pulls out all the stops for this anticipated 17-day long event, bringing in top music artists (like Old Dominion), great food, exhibits and rides (including The Zipper). This year, the fair kicks off on Sept. 14, 2018.

Sadly, the Michigan State Fair (the second state fair in the nation) came to a close in 2009 after 160 years, due ongoing budgeting issues in Detroit. Thankfully, private sponsors have stepped up to run the event, which includes music performances, exhibitions, rides and more. This year, the fair kicks off on Aug. 30, 2018, and runs through Labor Day weekend. For families who just can't wait, there's also the Upper Peninsula State Fair, which takes place each year in Escanaba for one week beginning Aug. 13, 2018.

Known for having some of the best food in the nation, the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul is an epic event in the upper Midwest. First launching in 1859, the fair has grown considerably in size, hosting more than 1.9 million visitors in 2017 alone. Kicking off on Aug. 23, 2018, the 12-day long festivities include fun rides, exhibits, contests, competitions and, of course, an insane amount of food vendors selling decadent creations, including nacho corn on the cob and egg rolls on a stick.

For 159 years, the Mississippi State Fair has been a joyful celebration of recreation, agriculture and commerce. Located in Jackson, the annual state fair kicks off the 2018 fair season on October 3 and runs until the 14th, giving residents of the Magnolia State ample time to enjoy the rides, food and entertainment.

The very first Missouri State Fair occurred on Sept. 9, 1901, in the city of Sedalia as both an animal exhibition and esteemed racetrack where competitors jockeyed for top prizes. Today, the fair is still host to numerous competitions but also includes top music performances, thrilling rides, world-class fair food and more, all in an 11-day celebration. This year, the fair kicks off on Aug. 9, 2018, and has a lineup of performers including Montgomery Gentry and Hank Williams Jr.

The Montana State Fair began much in the way many state fairs do, as one of many small county events that brought communities together in celebration of agriculture. From as early as 1868, there were territorial fairs throughout the state that grew in notoriety, with the first official state fair arriving in 1903. Today, the fair is held annually in Great Falls and offers guests traditional carnival-style fun along with races, rodeos, exhibits and entertainment. This year, the fair kicks off on July 27, 2018, and will run for nine days of fun.

Just one year after achieving statehood in 1867, the Nebraska State Fair launched in Nebraska City. By 1901, the fair put down roots in Lincoln, where it remained for 108 years. Due to the construction of a research campus for the University of Nebraska, the beloved fair relocated in 2009 to its new home in Grand Island. Today, the fair boasts top-of-the-line entertainment (like Kelly Clarkson and Sugarland), animal exhibits, attractions and more. In 2018, the fair kicks off on August 24 and will run for 11 days.

Like Michigan, Nevada suffered an immense loss when, after 136 years, their state fair in Carson City came to a close in 2010 amid budgeting issues. Three years later, a new collaborative entity was formed, along with the help of funds from the state and private donors, to bring the Nevada State Fair back to life. Its momentous return happens this year, kicking off on June 7, 2018, for four days of fun and free admission for everyone.

Along with being part of New England's famous multi-state fair, The Big E, New Hampshire also has more than a dozen major agricultural fairs, including the Hopkinton State Fair, which first launched in 1915 in Contoocook. Now celebrating 103 years in operation, the fair will kick off the 2018 season on August 31 and run through Labor Day weekend.

New Jersey doesn't have to settle for just one state fair. This eastern state gets two: The New Jersey State Fair and Sussex County Farm and Horse Show in Augusta and the State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford. The Augusta fair, which runs this year from August 3 to August 12, is a proud old country event with a long tradition of horse exhibitions and racing, while the East Rutherford fair, running from June 21 to July 8, 2018, is all about action-packed summer fun!

Since 1938, the New Mexico State Fair has enjoyed a reputation as one of the premier events of the year in the Land of Enchantment. With a rich cowboy tradition that celebrates rodeo and animal exhibitions, today's fair also combines musical entertainment, competitions, games, rides, food (including their Unique Foods Contest) and more, all in an 11-day festival that kicks off this year on Sept. 6, 2018.

As the nation's first and longest-running fair, The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse has a big reputation to uphold. Launching in 1841, the fair has grown to become one of the most anticipated and heavily attended events in the state, toppling previous records in 2017 with more than 1 million visitors. This year, the fair kicks off on Aug. 22, 2018, and will run for 13 days of food, fun and family adventures.

Beginning in 1853, the North Carolina State Fair first began as a way to teach farmers the newest scientific innovations in agriculture. Today, the fair is an exciting 11-day event showcasing the best in animals, agriculture, entertainment and food in the Tarheel State. This year's fair kicks off on Oct. 11, 2018, in Raleigh and promises to be an epic, family-friendly event.

Although the North Dakota State Fair technically began back in 1922, it wasn't sanctioned by the state as the official state fair until 1966, making it one of the younger fairs on our list. Today, this world-class fair is held annually in Minot and features animal exhibitions, a carnival, exciting entertainment, nearby campgrounds and mouth-watering fair food selections (including their flowering onion stand). This year, the fair begins on July 20, 2018, and will run for nine days.

The Ohio State Fair was originally set to launch in 1849, but due to an outbreak of Asiatic cholera, the opening date was moved to the following year. Incredibly, even after cholera ravaged the state, the fair experienced a phenomenal turnout, with roughly 30,000 visitors during the three-day event. Today, the fair is held in Columbus and runs for 12 days, featuring numerous fun activities, including concerts, rides, exhibits, competitions and more. This year's fair kicks off on July 25, 2018.

On Oct. 5, 1907, just a little over a month before achieving statehood, the very first Oklahoma State Fair opened its doors in the future state capital of Oklahoma City. Today, the fair continues its tradition of recreational trailblazing each year with more than 125 different rides, exhibits, competitions, games, innovative foods (like watermelon pie and gator burgers), free Wi-Fi for guests and a lineup of exciting performers.

Just two years after achieving statehood, the Oregon State Fair opened its doors on Oct. 1, 1861, for four days of fun. Over the last 157 years, the fair has weathered numerous hardships (including two destructive fires) but always managed to keep moving forward, in true pioneer spirit. Today, the fair is an 11-day annual event in Salem, combining top-billed live entertainment with thrilling rides, livestock, culinary and artisanal exhibitions and competitions, and more. This year's fair kicks off on Aug. 24, 2018.

While Pennsylvania has no actual state fair, it does have numerous county fairs throughout the year, with the York Fair coming in as the top contender for best (although not biggest—that's the Bloomsburg Fair) in the state. Billed as "America's First Fair," the York Fair first launched in 1765 as an agricultural fair, 22 years before Pennsylvania achieved statehood and 76 years before the nation's first state fair in New York debuted. This year, the fair kicks off on Sept. 7, 2018, and runs for 10 days of festive fun.

Like most of New England, Rhode Island doesn't have its own state fair, although many residents travel north to attend Massachusetts' The Big E. There are numerous county fairs and festivals throughout the state, with one, the Washington County Fair in Richmond, having a reputation for excellence in the Ocean State. Since it first opened in 1967, the fair has delighted patrons with its rides, entertainment and exhibits. This year's fair kicks off on Aug. 15, 2018, for five fun-filled days.

The South Carolina State Fair first launched in November of 1839 and has undergone numerous changes, including losing its state affiliation and becoming a private enterprise in 1997. Through war, destruction of the fairgrounds and rebirth, the fair in Columbia has become a beacon of South Carolina's spirit of determination. This year's fair kicks off on Oct. 10, 2018, and will run for 12 days.

The South Dakota State Fair debuted in 1885 as a traveling fair that found its forever home in Huron in 1905. Today, the fair is celebrating 133 years of competitions, livestock exhibits and family fun. Of course, they also know how to put on a show. This year's fair, which kicks off on Aug. 30, 2018, has country music artists like Toby Keith and rock 'n' roll legends like Foreigner performing throughout their five-day extravaganza.

Not only is Nashville the country music capital of the world, but it's also home to the Tennessee State Fair, which first debuted in 1855. With a focus on education, agriculture and a celebration of all things country, the fair has developed a reputation as one of the most beloved annual events in the state. This year's fair, which begins on Sept. 7, 2018, will run for 10 days and include competitions (like their Funnel Cake 5K) and exciting live performances from country and bluegrass artists.

While the official State Fair of Texas isn't the only state fair in the Lone Star State, it is one of the biggest and most renowned, giving it top billing in our list. First debuting in 1886 as a small, private agricultural exhibition in Dallas, today's fair, which welcomed 2.25 million guests in 2017, proves everything truly is bigger and better in Texas. This year's fair kicks off on Sept. 28, 2018, and will run for an epic 24 days under the watchful eye of its famed mascot, Big Tex.

Forty years before Utah achieved statehood, the state hosted the Deseret Fair in 1856, which would grow to become the modern Utah State Fair. Located in Salt Lake City, the fair is an annual celebration showcasing cattle, cooking competitions, creativity and top-billed entertainment. This year's fair begins on Sept. 6, 2018, and will run for 11 days of non-stop fun.

Not only does Vermont get to take part in New England's multi-state fair, The Big E, it also happens to have its own Vermont State Fair located in the city of Rutland. First launching in 1846 as the Rutland State Fair, the Green Mountain State has spent the last 173 years celebrating the beauty of Vermont's agriculture while providing residents with much-needed recreation and fun. This year's fair kicks off on Aug. 14, 2018, and will run for five days.

The Virginia State Fair first debuted in 1854 and over the next 164 years, endured changes in location, ownership and the threat of closure due to debt, before getting back on track in 2012. The fair, which kicks off this year on Sept. 28, 2018, is an exciting 10-day event in Doswell that welcomed upwards of 250,000 guests in 2017 alone.

First known as the Puyallup Valley Fair in 1900, the early days of the Washington State Fair were all about agriculture and animals before evolving into a modern-day festival of artisanal wonders, entertainment, exhibitions, competitions, rides and more. Still located in Puyallup, the fair will open this year on Aug. 31, 2018, and run for an amazing 24 days, featuring musical performances from artists like Khalid, Florida Georgia Line and more.

The State Fair of West Virginia first opened its doors in 1854, courtesy of the Greenbrier Agricultural Society. Now celebrating 164 years in operation, the fair combines West Virginia's love of farming and livestock with world-class entertainment, fun competitions, rides and more. Located in Lewisburg, this year's fair kicks off on Aug. 9, 2018, and will run for 10 exciting days.

The Wisconsin State Fair's history extends all the way back to 1851, when the Badger State showcased its innovations in agriculture. The fair, held each year in West Allis, is still celebrating farming and livestock, as well as providing guests with endless fun with its epic carnival rides and games, entertainment, food vendors (known for putting almost every food on a stick) and competitions. This year, the fair begins on Aug. 2, 2018, and will run for 11 days.

The Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo first launched in 1912 as a place to showcase rodeo talent and advancements in agriculture. While the original mission remains true today, the fair also includes thrilling carnival rides, games, competitions, livestock exhibitions, entertainment and more. This year's fair will open on Aug. 15, 2018, in Douglas for four exciting days of fun.