Best State Fairs in the U.S.

Ready For Fried Butter on a Stick? These Are the 15 Best State Fairs In the U.S.

What do you get when you combine a music festival, a food festival, and an amusement park all in one? A state fair. It's the place we can shamelessly eat fried butter on a stick (among other fair delicacies) at 9 a.m., pose with cotton candy in front of an equally colorful country sunset, and bond with livestock in a way we never have before. While state fairs can be weird and quirky, they're also pretty wonderful and a an awesome way to spend a Summer night. They're something that everyone has to experience at least once, so check out these 15 awesome state fairs to choose from. You'll leave with new memories, a souvenir (or seven), and naturally, a sugar high.

Image Source: Unsplash / Erika Fletcher

1. Minnesota State Fair

Come for a bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies and stay to roam all 322 acres of fun. The Great Minnesotan Get-Together features everything from concerts and rides to 'grammable foods and speciality brews.

2. California State Fair

There's no shortage of amusement rides or fried oreos at the California State Fair in Sacremento. You'll also find a significant amount of competitions including everything from the best California commercial craft beer and wine to fine art and photography.

3. Arizona State Fair

You can't leave the Arizona State Fair without riding the La Grande Wheel XL. When you're not overlooking the fairgrounds on the wheel, check out (or participate in!) the annual dance competition or Esports Gaming World.

4. Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair is usually the first state fair of the year in the United States. That means you have the chance to experience chocolate covered bacon or a mozzerella stick (on a stick) as early as February. What more could you ask for, really?

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5. Texas State Fair

Each year, the Texas State Fair highlights a new overarching theme. For 2019, it's "Celebrating Texas Creativity." In spirit of the theme, consider registering for one of the fair's many arts and crafts competitions.

6. The Great New York State Fair

The Great New York State Fair takes place in Syracuse. It first came to be in 1841, making it the country's oldest state fair. A special event you don't want to miss is the NY Food Truck Competition, in which 20 trucks will set up shop with $3 samples — all you have to do is text in your vote for favourite truck and you might win a special prize.

7. Wisconsin State Fair

A trip to the Wisconsin State Fair isn't complete without the iconic Original Cream Puff, a sweet treat that's left fairgoers coated in the pastry since 1924. An average of 400,000 are eaten each year — and that's just one of the fair's stellar foodie-approved picks.

8. Kentucky State Fair

In addition to the classic state fair staples we know and love (a.k.a food and amusement rides), the Kentucky State Fair is also known for its horse shows and free, big-name musical acts like Montgomery Gentry and For King & Country.

9. Washington State Fair

Formerly known as the Puyallup Fair, the Washington State Fair is a 21-day event that happens every September. There's also a four-day fair that happens every April, known as the Washington State Spring Fair. Must-see events include the rodeo, cattle drive, and live musical performances from stars like Keith Urban and Billy Idol.

10. Alaska State Fair

For a view unlike any other, make your way to the Alaska State Fair. There's a competition devoted to record-setting fruits and vegetables, rides for days, and some awesome concerts such as Dustin Lynch and Cole Swindell.

11. The Big E

The Big E is formally named the Eastern States Exposition, so think of it as the one state fair for all of New England. Upon entering, walk down the Avenue of States to find replicas of the six New England Statehouses, which include exhibits and vendors for each state. You can look for us by the lobster rolls in Maine.

12. North Carolina State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair is held in October and runs for 11 days. Schedule your day so that you're in attendance for the nightly fireworks display — otherwise the day is totally up to you. There are over 100 free things to do, including pig races, unique exhibits like a tractor display area, and the Flower & Garden Show.