State fairs, originally held to celebrate the harvest, have grown into enormously popular annual events. For couples on a budget and last-minute vacationers, state fairs offer great, affordable dining and entertainment close to home.

Food

A bounty of edibles fresh-picked from the farm, ethnic delights, and other unique temptations await those with an appetite for something different at state fairs. At the Minnesota State Fair, you can choose from dozens of different foods-on-a-stick. Moreover, regional specialties reign supreme at these events. For instance, to determine who makes the finest cheese in Wisconsin, attendees can attend competitions featuring colby, cheddar, and other local varieties.

At the Vermont State Fair, observe how maple syrup is made and indulge in maple cotton candy and maple donuts. Additionally, at the California State Fair, visitors can sip on blue-ribbon wines.

Animals

Animal lovers flock to the livestock exhibits at state fairs, where they can see cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and other farm animals up close. These animals are often nurtured by 4-H club members throughout the year. Horse shows and dog agility demonstrations are particularly appealing, drawing in animal enthusiasts. Those with a penchant for speed can enjoy the excitement of grandstand racing and demolition derbies featured at the fairs.

Crafts

Craft aficionados will appreciate state fairs’ demonstrations showcasing needlework, dress-making, and stained-glass making. Award-winners in canning, baking, and cake decorating present their skills to onlookers. Furthermore, visitors can find various craftspeople and vendors offering everything from hand-pieced quilts to innovative creations at these fairs.

Games and Rides

As night falls, the midway lights up the grounds. The towering Ferris wheel affords an eagle’s-eye view of the fair’s bustling activity, while the carousel creates a spectacular blur of colors and sounds, particularly during fireworks displays. Visitors of all ages gravitate towards games where oversized and fuzzy prizes await the champions of ring-tossing and balloon-popping contests. (Tip: If you are determined to walk away with a larger-than-life stuffed animal, consider buying it outright, as it could be more economical than “winning” it.)

Music

Expect to see well-known names in show business gracing the state fair circuit, with ticket prices remaining comparatively low, allowing for an enjoyable experience.

Traditions

Old-fashioned country pleasures like fiddling, square dancing, hog-calling, and hay rides are staples at many state fairs. Fairs are also prime locations for enjoying country music, standing out as some of the best venues outside of the Grand Ole Opry.

Across America, good times abound at state fairs. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply want to enjoy the festivities, make sure to set aside time to visit a state fair.

Here are some upcoming state fairs to consider:

• Alabama National Fair
  October 4 – 14, 2019
• Alaska State Fair
  August 22 – September 2, 2019
• Arkansas State Fair
  October 11 – 20, 2019
• Arizona State Fair
  October 4 – 27, 2019 (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
• California State Fair
  July 12 – July 28, 2019
• Colorado State Fair
  August 23 – September 2, 2019
• Connecticut Fairs
  Multiple Dates
• Delaware State Fair
  July 18 – 27, 2019
• Florida State Fair
  February 6 – 17, 2020
• Georgia National Fair
  October 3 – 13, 2019
• Idaho State Fair
  August 16 – 25, 2019
• Illinois State Fair
  August 8 – 18, 2019
• Indiana State Fair
  August 2 – 18, 2019
• Iowa State Fair
  August 8 – 18, 2019
• Kansas State Fair
  September 6 – 15, 2019
• Kentucky State Fair
  August 15 – 25, 2019
• Louisiana State Fair
  October 24 – November 3, 2019
• Maine State Fair
  August 8 – 17, 2019 Skohegan
  July 25 – August 3, 2019 Bangor
• Maryland State Fair
  August 22 – September 2, 2019
• Massachusetts State Fair
  September 13 – 29, 2019
• Michigan State Fair (Upper Peninsula)
  August 12 – 18, 2019
• Minnesota State Fair
  August 22 – September 2, 2019
• Mississippi State Fair
  October 2 – 14, 2019
• Missouri State Fair
  August 8 – 18, 2019
• Montana State Fair
  July 26 – August 3, 2019
• Nebraska State Fair
  August 23 – September 2, 2019
• New Hampshire State Fair
  August 30 – September 2, 2019
• New Jersey State Fair
  August 2 – 11, 2019
• New Mexico State Fair
  September 5 – 15, 2019
• New York State Fair
  August 21 – September 2, 2019
• North Carolina State Fair
  October 17 – 27, 2019
• North Dakota State Fair
  July 19 – 27, 2019
• Ohio State Fair
  July 24 – August 4, 2019
• Oklahoma State Fair
  September 12 – 22, 2019
• Oregon State Fair
  August 23 – September 2, 2019
• Pennsylvania Fairs
  Multiple Dates & Locations, 2019
• South Carolina State Fair
  October 9 – 20, 2019
• South Dakota State Fair
  August 29 – September 3, 2019
• Tennessee State Fair
  September 6 – 15, 2019
• Texas State Fair
  September 27 – October 20, 2019
• Utah State Fair
  September 5 – 15, 2019
• Vermont State Fair
  August 13 – 17, 2019
• Virginia State Fair
  September 27 – October 6, 2019
• Washington State Fair
  August 30 – September 22, 2019 (closed Tuesdays and September 4)
• West Virginia State Fair
  August 8 – 17, 2019
• Wisconsin State Fair
  August 1 – 11, 2019
• Wyoming State Fair
  August 13 – 17, 2019