Which of America's 10 massive state fairs should you visit first?

Which of America's 10 massive state fairs should you visit first?

Delicious treats, prize-winning livestock, neon-lit midways, and the roar of a big crowd: few things are as quintessentially American as the state fair. Originally conceived in the 19th century as a way to promote agriculture and bring rural communities together, these events have evolved into massive, multi-week spectacles that draw millions of visitors each year. While almost every state has its own celebration, a select few have grown into entertainment beasts. Here is a deep dive into the 10 biggest and most iconic state fairs in the United States.

State Fair of Texas

Image: albertoadan

Everything is bigger in Texas, and its state fair is no exception. Held at the historic Fair Park in Dallas, this event typically runs for a staggering 24 days, making it the longest-running state fair in the country.

The fair is famous for its "Texas-sized" food competition, where vendors showcase outrageous deep-fried creations like fried butter or fried bubblegum. It also hosts the Red River Showdown, the iconic college football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma. The undisputed face of the fair? Big Tex, a 55-foot-tall talking cowboy statue that greets visitors with a booming "Howdy, folks!"

Minnesota State Fair

Image: Brooke Balentine

Known affectionately as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together," this fair consistently rivals Texas for the highest total attendance, often surpassing 2 million visitors. Unlike Texas, which lasts nearly a month, Minnesota welcomes its crowds for 12 days, ending on Labor Day.

The Minnesota State Fair is a foodie’s paradise, legendary for its "food on a stick" culture, where you can find everything from alligator to salad on a stick. Cultural highlights include the Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculptures, in which a royal figure is carved from 90-pound blocks of butter in a refrigerated rotating booth.

The Big E

Image: Boston Public Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Formally known as the Eastern States Exposition, this fair is unique because it represents all six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

"The Big E" is held in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The highlight of the fair is the Avenue of States, which features life-sized replicas of the six original statehouses. Inside each building, visitors can sample the signature foods and crafts of that state, such as Maine lobster rolls or Vermont maple syrup. It is a massive regional celebration that brings the distinct flavors of the Northeast together in one sprawling fairground.

Arizona State Fair

Image: Denisse Leon

While many fairs take place in the heat of summer, the Arizona State Fair waits for the desert to cool down, typically running from late September through October. Since its inception in 1905, it has grown into one of the most attended events in the Southwest.

The fair is known for its high-energy concert series and massive midway. Because of Phoenix’s central location and large population, the fair serves as a major cultural hub, blending traditional agricultural competitions with modern, high-tech exhibits and extreme carnival rides.

Tulsa State Fair

Image: Josh Turner

The Tulsa State Fair is a massive 11-day event that draws more than a million people annually. Its slogan, "11 Days of Awesome," reflects its focus on family entertainment and high-end carnival attractions.

One of the fair’s most recognizable features is the Golden Driller, a 76-foot-tall statue of an oil worker that stands outside Expo Square. The fair is particularly well regarded for its livestock shows and its massive indoor exhibit space, which provides a welcome reprieve from the Oklahoma sun.

Wisconsin State Fair

Image: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Located just outside Milwaukee, the Wisconsin State Fair is a celebration of all things dairy. It is perhaps best known for its world-famous Cream Puffs, which have been a staple of the fair since 1924. The fair sells hundreds of thousands of these pastries every year.

The Wisconsin State Fair also prides itself on its "Agricultural Oasis," where visitors can get up close with farm animals and learn about the state's massive dairy industry. It’s a perfect blend of a traditional agricultural show and a modern urban festival.

Washington State Fair

Image: Xavier McLaren

Formerly known as the Puyallup Fair, this event is the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Its catchy jingle, "Do the Puyallup," is a staple of regional culture. The fair is split into two events: a smaller spring fair and the massive 20-day celebration held each September.

A visit to the Washington State Fair isn't complete without a Fisher Scone, a warm, fluffy biscuit served with raspberry jam and whipped butter. The fair also features a major professional rodeo, drawing some of the best riders in the country to compete under the shadow of Mount Rainier.

North Carolina State Fair

Image: Circe Denyer

The North Carolina State Fair is the largest annual event in the state and a major draw for the Southeast. It features impressive displays of North Carolina-grown produce, including giant pumpkins and watermelons that often weigh hundreds of pounds.

The fair is also a hub for unique Southern food. In recent years, it has gained internet fame for its deep-fried innovations, ranging from deep-fried Jell-O to Krispy Kreme burger sliders. It’s a place where Southern hospitality meets carnival charm.

Oklahoma State Fair

Image: Matt Benson

While Tulsa has its own massive event, the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City is the official state-sanctioned celebration. It is known for having one of the best midways in the country, featuring a staggering array of rides and games.

The OKC fairgrounds are unique for their extensive equestrian facilities, often hosting world-class horse shows alongside standard fair festivities. It also features indoor shopping and Made in Oklahoma products, making it a major economic driver for the region.

Iowa State Fair

Image: jackmac34

If you want to see the "soul" of the American heartland, the Iowa State Fair is the place to go. It is perhaps the most famous fair in the country for political reasons; every four years, presidential candidates flock to the "Political Soapbox" to court voters over pork chops on a stick.

Beyond politics, the fair is also the setting for the classic novel and film State Fair. Its most famous attraction is the Butter Cow, a tradition that dates back to 1911. Sculptors use roughly 600 pounds of salted butter to create a life-sized bovine masterpiece that remains a symbol of Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage.