The Best State Fairs Happening Each Summer (And What to Eat at Each)

The summer months are an exciting time. Not only are sandy shores packed with beachgoers, amusement parks and waterparks are open, and outdoor festivals and concerts are in full swing, but it's also the start of state fair season. State fairs have a long history in the U.S., with some dating back nearly 200 years. While many started out as a way to promote agriculture within communities, with farmers sharing techniques and livestock demonstrations, they have transformed into cultural celebrations rooted in tradition over the years.

In modern times, state fairs are hubs of entertainment, featuring live concerts and talent shows, competitions, amusement rides, games, and so much more. Not only that, but the food at state fairs has become a huge draw to visitors, from classics like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and deep-fried candy bars to modern gastronomic creations, including donut burgers and hot beef sundaes, as well as pie, chocolate-covered bacon, or fried pickles on a stick. From food to fun, here are the best state fairs to attend this summer.

1. Minnesota State Fair (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

• Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN
• Dates: Aug. 27 - Sept. 7, 2026
• Must-try foods: While there are typically 1,600 different foods available, the most famous Minnesota State Fair foods include roasted sweet corn, Pronto Pups, Sweet Martha's Cookies (served in a bucket), Fresh French Fries, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds, and Minneapple Pies

Perhaps the best-known state fair in the country is the Minnesota State Fair, drawing nearly 2 million visitors, not just from the state but from across the country and around the world. This historic state fair started in 1855 as a local agricultural fair, and became a full-fledged state fair in 1859. Referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” this 12-day festival is among the most popular state fairs worth visiting in the country.

From the Midway to the Kidway, families can find thrilling amusement rides and games for all ages. Over 900 free live music concerts and shows are available with your ticket, plus you can watch all sorts of competitions, including local high school marching bands, 4-H livestock, and amateur talent. And don't miss the variety of livestock and other animals, such as alpacas, llamas, and birds of prey.

Visit the Minnesota State Fair website for a schedule of events and competitions, a list of food vendors, and to purchase tickets.

2. Ohio State Fair (Columbus, Ohio)

• Location: Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH
• Dates: July 29 - Aug. 9, 2026
• Must-try foods: Deep-Fried Buckeyes, Thanksgiving Sundae, Donut Cheeseburger, Schmidt's Bratwurst (a classic!), and Deep-Fried, Bacon-Wrapped Oreos

Since 1850, the Ohio State Fair has drawn crowds that have only grown over the years. Today, nearly 1 million people attend this regional, family-friendly event, filled with traditions such as the annual Butter Cow display inside the Dairy Products Building, riding the Skyglider, having the animatronic Smokey Bear greet you by name, and trying all of the fun and exciting Ohio State Fair food! Speaking of food, on Thursdays during the event, each vendor will offer a $3 signature menu item — an affordable option for those who love trying the unique fair foods.

Visit the Ohio State Fair website for tickets, concerts, and daily schedules.

3. Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, Iowa)

• Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
• Dates: Aug. 13-23, 2026
• Must-try foods: Barksdale State Fair Cookies in a cup or a bucket, Pork Chop on a Stick, Deep-Fried Cheese Curds, and Hot Beef Sundae

One of the top state fairs in the USA is in Iowa. It began in 1854 and is one of the oldest agricultural expos in the country. Today, it draws nearly 1.2 million people to the fairgrounds to enjoy a wide range of attractions and activities, including rides on the Giant Slide, Ye Olde Mill, and the Sky Rider, photos of the annual Butter Cow, and attending a concert at the Grandstand.

Of course, the main event at the Iowa State Fair is the food. Not only will traditional foods and 50 foods on a stick be available, but new items will also be introduced. In 2025, the Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll by Winn & Sara's Kitchen won "People's Choice Best New Food," with The Scotcheroo Shake, Three Little Pigs ham ball trio, Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket on a Stick, and Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese among the semifinalists. One can only wonder what new delightful fair cuisine will be introduced this year!

Visit the Iowa State Fair website for the Grandstand lineup, free entertainment schedule, food vendors, livestock schedules, and to purchase tickets.

4. Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis, Wisconsin)

• Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th St, West Allis, WI
• Dates: Aug. 6-16, 2026
• Must-try foods: The classic Original Cream Puffs, which have been sold at the fair since 1924, as well as Deep-Fried Cheese Curds, corn on the cob, and a variety of foods on a stick

When the Wisconsin State Fair made its debut in 1851, it was held along the Rock River in Janesville, and traveled to other towns and cities each year until it settled in West Allis in 1892. This year marks 175 years of celebrating the state's agricultural roots and communities with family-friendly fun and activities, plus some of the best fair food you can imagine.

Each year, the Wisconsin State Fair food lineup gets bigger, better, and more creative! In 2025, more than 100 foods were added to the list of delicious fair foods, including the Dubai Funnel Cake from Sweet Factory, and this year promises more creative concoctions. Check the Wisconsin State Fair's website in July for the release of the 2026 New Foods List.

5. Illinois State Fair (Springfield, Illinois)

• Location: Illinois State Fairground, Illinois State Fairground, 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL
• Dates: Aug. 13-23, 2026
• Must-try foods: The Horseshoe, Vose's Corn Dogs, Funnel Cakes, Lemonade Shake-Ups, and Pork Chop on a stick

From live country and rock music on the Grandstand, livestock barns, and 4-H animals to the thrilling rides at Carnival Midway, witnessing competitive events, and viewing the annual 500-pound Butter Cow, there is so much to experience at the Illinois State Fair. Of course, food is as much of a draw to one of the Midwest's best state fairs, with exciting culinary creations added to the list each year.

The Illinois State Fairground is located along Route 66 in Springfield, making it a great road trip stop for those planning a road trip for the Mother Road's centennial year. Vendors can also take part in the annual Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food Contest, competing in categories like Best Sweet Treat, Best Savory Food, Notable Newcomer, Best Specialty Item, and People's Choice (where fairgoers vote for the winner). The ultimate winner, however, will be crowned Golden Abe's Grand Champion; last year's winner was Scoop DuJour for its Ice Cream Horseshoe. Visit the Illinois State Fair website for details.

6. Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, Indiana)

• Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN
• Dates: Aug. 7-23, 2026
• Must-try foods: Milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream from the Dairy Bar, a tradition since 1941, as well as other fair favorites, including Garbage Burgers, pork sliders, elephant ears, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos

The Indiana State Fair is an exciting event for state residents, and nearly 850,000 people flock to the fairgrounds each year. Fairgoers can participate in or watch baton twirling, youth talent, street dance, mullet, and Indiana Brewers' Cup competitions, sing and dance along to live music at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, and take a ride over Main Street on the Ball State Skyride. Step back in time to the 1800s at the Pioneer Village, enjoy some family time at the Meijer Family Fun Park, and, perhaps most exciting of all, try a variety of foods you can't find anywhere else but here.

Each year, food vendors participate in Taste of the Fair presented by Pepsi. Last year's Taste of the Fair Winner was the Cinnamon Toast Cookie Butter Pretzel Bites by Wilsons Concessions. Who will win this year? Visit the Indiana State Fair website to buy tickets and plan your visit.

7. Kentucky State Fair (Louisville, Kentucky)

• Location: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY
• Dates: Aug. 20-30, 2026
• Must-try foods: Deep-Fried Derby Pie, Ribeye Sandwich, roasted corn on the cob, Bourbon ice cream, and Grater Taters

For over 120 years, the Kentucky State Fair has been a traditional event for residents, rooted in agriculture like other state fairs. But today, it offers so much more than agricultural events to the more than 600,000 people who attend the fair each year.

Visitors are invited to enjoy 11 days of music, competitions, shopping, indulging in fair food, and a whole lot more. This year also marks America's 250th birthday, and the fair will feature special displays and events to celebrate.

8. Alaska State Fair (Palmer, Alaska)

• Location: Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK
• Dates: Aug. 21 - Sept. 7, 2026
• Must-try foods: Denali Cream Puffs, Deep-Fried Peaches, salmon quesadillas, reindeer sausage dogs, and mini donuts

Even the Last Frontier has a state fair, drawing nearly 390,000 visitors annually to the fairgrounds in Palmer, with snow-capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. Among the highlights at the Alaska State Fair are thrilling carnival rides; farm exhibits, including livestock, flowers, and beekeeping; contests, including the Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Pie Contest, and Sourdough Bread Contest; and an exciting concert lineup. On the schedule to perform this year are Megadeth, Modest Mouse, and even Nick Offerman.

Dozens of booths and food trucks will be on-site to find your favorite fair foods and discover new additions. From kettle corn and corn dogs to the decadent Dole Whip, crepes, and BBQ, there's something for everyone. Visit the Alaska State Fair website for tickets and this year's list of food vendors.

9. The Big E (West Springfield, Massachusetts)

• Location: Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA
• Dates: Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, 2026
• Must-try foods: The Big E Cream Puff, BBQ Sundae, Craz-E Burger on Krispy Kreme donut in lieu of a bun, and Deep-Fried Whoopie Pie

With dates set at the very end of summer through early fall, The Big E is the fourth largest state fair in the country and the largest on the East Coast. There are so many things to experience at this Massachusetts state fair that you may want to come multiple days. Due to West Springfield's sister-city connection to Dingle, Ireland, fairgoers may be interested in the Dingle Peninsula Showcase at the International Plaza, with a halfway-to-St. Patrick's Day celebration Sept. 18-20.

There will also be a New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, acrobatics during the daily Circus Spectacular shows, and line dancing and country music at Dolly’s Honky Tonk. Another popular attraction is the Giant Slide, a 135-foot-long giant yellow slide that's been a fair staple since 1969. And then there are the rides and games on the Midway, shopping, a history museum, and so much more.

And don't worry, there are plenty of fair treats at The Big E. Between deep-fried goodies to classics to over-the-top creations you've never seen before, it's a great time to indulge in foods you can only find here. Visit The Big E website for tickets and the 2026 food lineup.

10. North Carolina Mountain State Fair (Fletcher, North Carolina)

• Location: WNC Agricultural Center, 761 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher, NC
• Dates: Sept. 11-20, 2026
• Must-try foods: Krispy Kreme Burger, deep-fried Oreos, candy apples, funnel cakes, and apple dumplings

Held at the WNC Agricultural Center near Asheville, the NC Mountain State Fair is a celebration of agriculture, art, and community in western North Carolina. Throughout the 10-day event, fairgoers can witness or participate in a variety of cooking, gardening, and talent contests, check out livestock on display, see a horse show, ride over 40 rides, and play games at the Midway. Fair food, of course, is an integral part of this state fair as well, with plenty of classics, including corn dogs and funnel cakes, plus unique creations like fried sushi and ribbon fries. Visit the WNC Agricultural Center website for more information on the NC Mountain State Fair.

There are so many exciting summer state fairs this year featuring unique and historic traditions, competitions, concerts, entertainment, rides, games, and delectable treats from fried candy bars, corn dogs, and funnel cakes to creative foods including hot beef sundaes, donut burgers, and fried PB&J. Between state fairs and summer festivals in the USA, there's always something to do during the season.