15 State Fairs That Are Worth Traveling For

When you love the state you live in, one of the best ways to celebrate your state pride is by visiting the state fair. Nearly every state has one of these exciting events, although some states, such as New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont, have a combined state fair that represents all the states in the region.

Many would say that state fairs are part of being American — and what could be more American than gathering together to eat a bunch of food? Especially when that food is fried. While most states have their own version of this annual event, not all state fairs grab the attention of people across the country. But the best state fairs in the U.S. — those are worth traveling for. If you're considering taking a trip this summer or fall, here are 15 state fairs worth checking out.

• Location: West Allis, WI
• Dates: August 6-16, 2026

Before you head into the back-to-school season, consider a trip to the Wisconsin State Fair. This event has taken place every year for the past 175 years. The mission of this state fair is to celebrate agriculture and many of the other industries that are part of Wisconsin's history. And if you're a fan of fair food, you won't want to miss the deep-fried cheese curds or the Original Cream Puff, the signature food item of the Wisconsin State Fair.

• Location: Columbia, SC
• Dates: October 15-25, 2026

South Carolina is known for many things — from the beautiful mountains to the Southern hospitality. The South Carolina State Fair, located in Columbia, SC, is known for many of its unique food items and exciting entertainment. This year's event, with the theme of "Rooted in Fun," will include all the favorite foods, rides, and competitions that the South Carolina State Fair is known for.

• Location: Palmer, AK
• Dates: August 21-September 7, 2026

If you're a fan of massive vegetables, beautiful flowers, and unique cultural exhibits, you'll love the Alaska State Fair. This event brings celebrities and musicians from all over the world. At the Alaska State Fair in 2026, the schedule includes appearances from Nick Offerman, Amy Grant, and The Beach Boys. Whether you come for the entertainment or the fresh seafood, there's something for everyone.

• Location: Raleigh, NC
• Dates: October 15-25, 2026

Every year, one million visitors come through Raleigh, NC, to visit the North Carolina State Fair. As the largest event in the state, it's no wonder that so many come from all over to experience the excitement. The North Carolina State Fair takes place on over 300 acres of land in Raleigh and includes live music, high-flying rides, and a variety of deep-fried favorites.

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Dates: July 29-August 9, 2026

What better way to celebrate the end of summer than a trip to the Ohio State Fair? This event is open for 12 days, starting at the end of July, and each day is chock full of fun and entertainment. From the life-sized butter cow sculpture to the camel rides, there's plenty to do and even more to eat.

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Dates: October 1-11, 2026

Held every year at the Expo Square, the Tulsa State Fair boasts live entertainment, plenty of rides, and deep-fried concoctions you can't find anywhere else. No fair is complete without fried foods, but the Tulsa State Fair has options like fried Kool-Aid and fried banana pudding. With a Mega Ride Pass, you can take advantage of all the fun rides at Tulsa's largest family event.

• Location: Oklahoma City, OK
• Dates: September 17-27, 2026

While most states have their own state fair, Oklahoma actually has two major state fairs worth visiting. Aside from the Tulsa State Fair, the Oklahoma State Fair is another one worth the trip. This event has it all — family-friendly entertainment, educational exhibits, a petting zoo, and mini golf.

• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Dates: July 17-August 2, 2026

Since 1854, the California State Fair has showcased some of the best aspects of Northern California. From the agricultural exhibits to the blue-ribbon quilts, there are plenty of reasons to take a trip to Sacramento for this annual fair. The California State Fair spans 17 days and features craft beer competitions, thrilling rides, and live concerts for the entire family.

• Location: Puyallup, WA
• Dates: September 4-27, 2026

There are many reasons to visit the beautiful state of Washington, but if you're into live music, fair food, and wine-making, give the Washington State Fair a try. This fair is the largest in the Pacific Northwest, attracting over a million guests each year. It's a great event for families with kids of all ages, whether you choose to spend time enjoying the concert series or hang out in SillyVille, the designated children's area with an enchanted castle, face painting, and other family-friendly activities.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Dates: October 1-November 1, 2026

Whether it's your first rodeo or not, you can fit right in at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix. This event is held at the historic Arizona Exposition & State Fairgrounds. If you're into music, check out this year's line-up for the Coliseum Concert Series. You can see performances from artists such as Becky G., Russell Dickerson, and The Offspring. Don't miss the fun fair foods while you're at it, including the Chamoy Pickle (a jumbo dill pickle wrapped in a Fruit Roll-Up) or the Double Trouble Cone, which includes two ice cream cones dipped in chocolate and caramel.

• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Dates: August 18-23, 2026

This year, the Indiana State Fair, "Always a Hit," celebrates baseball Hoosier style. But even if you come for the baseball, you'll stay for the food. At this annual event, you'll find tasty treats such as the Bananas Foster Cold Brew Float, Butter Dipped Ice Cream, and the Cookie Butter Biscoff Funnel Cake. There are plenty of rides, entertainment, and fun for the whole family at the Indiana State Fair.

• Location: Tampa, FL
• Dates: February 4-15, 2027

Even though most of the state fairs in the U.S. take place in late summer or early fall, the Florida State Fair takes place annually in February. If you've ever visited the Sunshine State, you know that the heat and humidity are persistent throughout the summer and fall months. February is a much more pleasant time to visit Florida, with slightly cooler temperatures and less precipitation. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy the food, fun, and agriculture at the Florida State Fair.

• Location: Des Moines, IA
• Dates: August 13-23, 2026

The Iowa State Fair is internationally acclaimed for a reason. This annual event is the largest one in the entire state and draws people from all over the country. The Iowa State Fair offers over 200 food stands, with new options being added each year. Whether you're there for the big slide, the corn dogs, or the livestock show, there's something for everyone.

• Location:
• Dates: September 25-October 18, 2026

There are many reasons to visit the State Fair of Texas, from the entertainment to the turkey legs. Local vendors at the fair offer all the Texas fair favorites — cotton candy, corny dogs, Sausage-on-a-Stick, and Frito Pie. The entire event takes place on the same property it has since the first event in 1886, which includes 277 acres of land. One of the most memorable parts is seeing Big Tex, the 55-foot mascot for the State Fair of Texas.

• Location: St. Paul, MN
• Dates: August 27-September 7, 2026

The Minnesota State Fair has consistently been named one of the top state fairs in the country. With nearly 2 million visitors in attendance every year, there's no shortage of things for the whole family to enjoy. Some of the highlights of this annual event are the giant slide, the Space Tower, and the local art exhibits. Of course, you can't miss the Princess Kay of the Milky Way event, where the latest winner of the Minnesota Dairy Princess Program is crowned (and then an artist sculpts the winner and the finalists into their own butter sculpture).