List of the Top 20 State Fairs in the U.S.

Going on a stroll through the fairgrounds at the annual state fair is a great way to relive fond childhood memories. Aside from the once-a-year opportunity to ride the Ferris wheel, fairgoers can also indulge in fried versions of practically any sweet treat imaginable, from cream puffs and Oreos to Twinkies and even sticks of butter. The food at fairs is the best, and there always seems to be a huge variety. It's likely that many American families have made it a yearly tradition to visit their local county fair because of the strangely perfect combination of funnel cake and carnival rides.

We've compiled a list of the top upcoming state fairs in the United States for the year 2022.

#1. The Saint Paul, Minnesota, State Fair. Paul

When: Aug 25, 2022 - Sept 5, 2022

According to average daily visitors, this fair is the largest in the United States. And they have a wide variety of animals, like llamas and alpacas, right there on the premises! This state fair, also known as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together," was named the best in the country by USA Today in 2015.

Two, Dallas is home to the State Fair of Texas.

When: Sept 30, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

Having taken place continuously since 1886, the Texas State Fair now attracts over 2,000,000 visitors annually. Big Tex, the giant cowboy sculpture, is a popular attraction at the fair, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. In between going on rides and eating delicious food, check out the horse shows or relax in the wine garden at the state fair.

Three, West Allis, Wisconsin, for the State Fair

When: Aug 3-13, 2022

You can take a ride down the popular 200-foot Huge slide; a carnival staple for the past half-century Visit the Original Cream Puff Pavilion while you're exploring the park's 200 acres.

Four, Des Moines, Iowa, home of the Iowa State Fair

When: Aug 11-21, 2022

Over a million people now attend the annual Iowa State Fair, which has been going strong since 1854. If you're looking for some excitement, head on over to the Thrill Zone and ride some exciting attractions. Enter a cooking contest, or the Bill Riley Talent Search.

Fifth Syracuse, New York's annual State Fair

When: August 24th through September 1st 5, 2022

With a history stretching back to 1841, the Great New York State Fair is one of the oldest and most prestigious fairs in the country. Attend the Taste NY Food Truck Competition, where 40 food trucks will vie for the title of "Most New York" by serving the most uniquely New York dishes. Aside from being the oldest state fair in the United States, this is the largest annual event in the entire state.

Sixth Annual Ohio State Fair, Columbus

Dates: July 27th - August 1st 7, 2022

The Ohio State Fair has been held annually since the 1850s to honor Ohioans and their wares. They have a lumberjack show and a children's educational exhibit called Little Farmers, both of which are truly one-of-a-kind. Fun activities include riding camels, exploring the butterfly garden, and watching the Human Cannonball Crusaders launch themselves 40 feet into the air.

7 - Phoenix, Arizona's State Fair

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When: Sept 23 - Oct 30, 2022

La Grande Wheel, the world's largest Ferris wheel, is located at this state fair. It's been going strong since before Arizona was even a state. More than a million people flock there annually to enjoy the seventy-five amusement rides and one hundred and ten food stands.

8 - Raleigh, NC's State Fair

When: Oct 13-23, 2022

This event is organized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, so in addition to the carnival rides and exhibits, there is a strong emphasis on the local farms in the area. The antique farm equipment on display at the museum is an interesting and instructive educational feature. There are also competitions for domestic rabbits, livestock, and poultry.

9. Tampa's Florida State Fair

When: Feb 10-21, 2022

An intriguing attraction at this one-of-a-kind state fair is the Midway Sky Eye, which claims to be the tallest mobile Ferris wheel in the United States. Visit Cracker County, Tampa's one and only living history museum, and step back in time to the nineteenth century with activities like a high dive show and fried food booths.

10. The Sacramento Fair and State Exposition

Dates: July 15th - 31st, 2022

Exposing the state of California's agriculture and manufacturing sectors, this 17-day festival also features a wide variety of culinary and entertainment options. Family-friendly activities such as rides, fireworks, and animal shows and competitions abound.

11 - The Kentucky State Fair, held in Louisville

When: Aug 18-28, 2022

The Kentucky Farmer and Field Heritage Center and the Future Farmers of America have exhibits at AgLand. The Oak Ridge Boys, John Michael Montgomery, Trace Adkins, and Lee Greenwood are just some of the great acts that have performed in previous years' Texas Roadhouse Concert Series lineups.

12 - The Indianapolis State Fair, Indiana

Dates: July 29 - August 1, 2022 21, 2022

In addition to the hot air balloon race and high school marching band competition, The Midway also features numerous rides and food vendors. Since the 1890s, this has been Indiana's biggest annual event.

In Hopkinton, Massachusetts, at the 13th annual Hopkinton State Fair

We're talking about the weekend of September 3-5, 2022.

Hopkinton, New Hampshire's State Fair has been celebrated for over a century. Shows of livestock, pulls, and a farmer's market are all part of the festivities. Demolition derbies and monster truck shows also sound fun.

The Big E of West Springfield, Number Fourteen

When: Sept 16 - Oct 2, 2022

The Massachusetts State Fair is the largest fair in New England and features concerts, parades, and every type of food imaginable. The Big E, which features exhibits from all six New England states, is consistently ranked as one of the country's five largest state fairs, earning it the nickname "New England's Great State Fair."

15. The Palmer, Alaska, State Fair

When: Aug 19 - Sept 5, 2022

Record-breaking giant vegetables, beautiful flower gardens, concerts by national acts like LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne, and cultural displays highlighting Alaskan and Native Alaskan traditions have all been staples of the Alaska State Fair since its inception in the 1930s.

The sixteenth annual Fryeburg Fair

When: Oct 2-9, 2022

The Blue Ribbon Classic Agricultural Fair has been running continuously since 1851 and is the largest state fair in Maine. Camping is available on-site, and there is a parade and pig scrambles.

Puyallup, Washington's State Fair, Number Seventeen

When: Sept 2-25, 2022

When it comes to tourist destinations, Washington has the nation's number one attraction. Visit the brand-new dinosaur exhibit, enjoy a livestock show of miniature animals, and take the kids on as many rides as they can handle at the carnival.

18th Annual State Fair of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City

When: Sept 15-25, 2022

Oklahoma hosts its annual state fair every September, and it draws nearly one million people each year. You won't forget it, thanks to the incredible horse shows and rodeos and the unforgettable performances you'll see.

19th Annual Pueblo, Colorado State Fair

When: Aug 26 - Sept 5, 2022

Every year for the past 150 years, Coloradans have flocked to the fairgrounds for the Colorado State Fair. They have a rodeo, a motorsports show, and a horse show at their fair. You can compete in anything from fine arts to small livestock.

The Salt Lake City, Utah, State Fair is the 20th in this list.

When: Sept 8-18, 2022

The fair is the largest and longest running event in Utah, and the fairgrounds are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, the Great American Duck Race, and the Wizards Challenge are just a few of the exciting events you can look forward to.

Read on for more of our picks for must-haves at music festivals.

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