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Each year, every state in the United States celebrates its local culture, commerce, and cuisine at state fairs, where all types of delicious foods are offered alongside many competitions and thrill rides.
Time-honored staples, like rides, games, and fried food, can be found no matter which state you visit. It’s all about family-friendly fun at the fairgrounds.
You can also be sure that there are always contests and competitions, attractions and amusement, carnivals and concessions, education and exhibitions, parades and live shows.
And no matter how you spend your time at the state fair, you’ll always walk away with some treasured memories that will last you a lifetime.
Many state fairs go back 150 years, showcasing the very best that their respective state’s ranchers, farmers, artists, and bakers have to offer. But which one is the best? It’s too hard to decide.
So we’ll let YOU do it! Be sure to leave us a comment when you’re finished reading to tell us which area has the BEST state fair.
Where: Tampa
When: February
The Sunshine State switches things up a bit by hosting its state fair in the wintertime, making it the first to kick off the season each year. And we get it…Could you imagine trying to navigate the crowds and Florida heat in the middle of August?
We wouldn’t be too happy about it either! All the fun is held in Tampa, and it attracts over half a million people each year. You can expect to see every possible barnyard animal, equestrian shows, and more than fun 110 rides.
By the way, among them is the largest traveling Ferris Wheel in North America, standing at 155 feet tall.
Foodies will love the delights offered, including a grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with BBQ pulled pork & mac n’ cheese and gelato nachos with Dutch stroopwafels instead of tortilla chips.
Where: Columbus
When: Late July to early August
This particular state fair is worth going to for the food alone! In past years, they served deep-fried tofu, pork butt tots, and the Extremely Ohio buckeye funnel cake! But it doesn’t stop there: You can get some deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese in ball form or On A Stick.
Another vendor has taken gummy worms, molded them into small burger patties, deep-fried them, obviously, and they serve them with Fruity Pebble cereal topping.
And move over Iowa! We know they’re very well known for their Butter Cow. But Ohio also has a fantastic one. It also has a Butter Furby and a Butter Apollo 11 Crew. The Ohio State Fair also features professional pogo stick athletes. So this is definitely a state fair where you won’t be bored!
Where: West Allis
When: August
The Wisconsin State Fair is soaked with over 170 years of tradition. It’s held every year in the suburb of West Allis, and the fair delivers all the usual attractions we’ve become accustomed to and love.
It has amusement park rides, live music, and many exhibits which display the best of the best in horticulture, agriculture, arts and crafts, culinary arts, and many other things.
What makes the Badger State’s fair so unique is its numerous marketplaces that are filled with many vendors who showcase their Wisconsin-made items.
Our country’s Dairyland also knows its way around the concession stands, which are well-known for their Original Cream Puff and deep-fried cheese curds, a state fair staple ever since 1924!
Where: Dallas
When: September to October
Over 2.5 million people are present each year in Dallas for its annual Big Tex, the country’s biggest state fair. We already know that everything is bigger in Texas, and this state fair goes to great lengths to show off the Lone Star State’s extraordinary flair.
As its signature skyline marker, the Texas Star Ferris Wheel delivers extensive views, rising above the concession stands and grandstands at a whopping 212 feet.
The state’s best magicians, musicians, and animal wranglers give it their all and put on around 100 live performances each day. There’s even a “Big Tex Choice Awards,” honoring the very finest in all that deliciously fried dining.
From Fried Thanksgiving Dinner to fried peaches and cream, this state fair proves ANYTHING can go into a deep fryer.
Where: Puyallup
When: September
As the largest fair in the Pacific Northwest area, this state fair in Puyallup shouldn’t be missed. For almost the entire month of September, tourists enjoy exhibitions and lots of entertainment, including rides and games, photography and art, and floral displays.
The musical and comedic performances are also a blast, and have you ever heard of draft horse driving? You can expect all f that at this incredible fair.
You can also see people carve giant pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns and see the adorable miniature animals in the Biggest Little Livestock Show. While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss the Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive, and then watch the Puyallup Rodeo.
No matter which of these state fairs you choose to attend, make sure you bring your camera along to snap some lasting memories with your loved ones!
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