The Most Popular Fair on Earth, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the fair you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:36
Every year, countless fairs around the globe bring joy, excitement, and unique experiences to millions of people. From thrilling rides and challenging games to educational exhibitions and indulgent foods, these events capture the hearts of all ages. A ranking of the most popular fairs can serve as an invaluable guide for those looking to experience the best of what these festive gatherings have to offer.
By voting for your favorite fair, you contribute to a live ranking that reflects the preferences and enthusiasms of a global community. This dynamic list not only helps new attendees decide which fair might be worth visiting but also celebrates the diversity and creativity inherent in these spectacular events. Your participation shapes the list, ensuring it remains accurate and up-to-date.
What Is the Most Popular Fair on Earth?
-
158votesThis annual beer festival held in Munich, Germany is the largest folk festival in the world, attracting over 6 million people each year.Oktoberfest is an annual beer festival held in Munich, Germany. It is considered the world's largest Volksfest (beer festival and funfair) attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. The event takes place in Theresienwiese, a large open space in the heart of Munich, and typically lasts for 16 days, starting in late September and ending in the first week of October. The festival originated in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, and evolved into an annual event loved by locals and tourists alike.
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Duration: 16 days
- Attendance: Millions of visitors
- Start Date: Late September
- End Date: First week of October
-
236votesThis festival, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, is known for its extravagant parades, parties, and costumes, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.Mardi Gras is a vibrant and exhilarating carnival celebration that takes place in various parts of the world. Originating from France, Mardi Gras, which translates to 'Fat Tuesday', marks the culmination of the Carnival season and is known for its festive parades, colorful costumes, and lively street parties.
- Location: Mardi Gras is celebrated in several cities worldwide, including New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Sydney, and Port of Spain.
- Date: Mardi Gras occurs on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which varies each year but typically falls between February and March.
- Carnival Season: Mardi Gras is the climax of the Carnival season, which begins on Epiphany (January 6) and lasts until Ash Wednesday.
- Parades: Colorful and elaborate parades are a central part of Mardi Gras, featuring ornate floats, marching bands, and various themed krewes.
- Costumes: Participants often wear vibrant and extravagant costumes, masks, and accessories, allowing for self-expression and anonymity.
Mardi Gras in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular event
-
322votesThis annual festival in Brazil is known for its colorful parades, samba dancing, and lively street parties, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.The Carnival of Rio de Janeiro is a world-renowned festival held annually in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world, attracting millions of visitors from all over the globe. The main highlight of the carnival is the Samba Parade, where different samba schools compete with elaborate floats, costumes, and performances in a colorful and energetic procession at the Sambadrome. The carnival also hosts numerous street parties, known as blocos, where people gather to dance, sing, and celebrate. It is a vibrant and exhilarating celebration of music, dance, and Brazilian culture.
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Frequency: Annual
- Duration: 5 days
- Year of inception: 1723
- Main event: Samba Parade
-
413votes
Mang9 · CC BY-SA 3.0This fair, held annually in Dallas, is known for its fried food creations, livestock shows, and carnival rides, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.The State Fair of Texas is an annual event that takes place in Dallas, Texas, United States. It is considered to be one of the largest and most renowned state fairs in the country. The fair showcases a variety of attractions, entertainment, food, and exhibits, offering a unique experience for visitors of all ages.- Duration: The fair typically runs for 24 consecutive days during the months of September and October.
- Attendance: The fair boasts an average annual attendance of over 2.5 million visitors.
- Size: The fair covers a vast area of approximately 277 acres (112 hectares).
- Food: It is known for offering a wide variety of unique, deep-fried, and flavorful food options, including famous dishes like corn dogs and deep-fried butter.
- Livestock Show: The fair hosts one of the largest and prestigious livestock shows in the country, attracting participants from all over Texas.
-
56votesThis annual fair, held in Syracuse, New York, is known for its agricultural exhibits, live music, and food vendors, attracting over 1 million visitors each year.The Great New York State Fair is one of the most popular fairs on Earth. It is an annual event that takes place in Syracuse, New York, USA. The fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, entertainment, and education. Visitors from all over the world gather to experience the thrilling rides, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy a wide range of activities and exhibits.
- Location: Syracuse, New York, USA
- Frequency: Annual
- Duration: 12 days
- Attendance: Over one million visitors
- Exhibits: Over 26,000 exhibits featuring agriculture, animals, arts, crafts, and more
-
612votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainCalgary Stampede
Guy WeadickThis annual rodeo and festival, held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is known for its bull riding, chuckwagon races, and live music, attracting over 1 million visitors each year.The Calgary Stampede is an annual event held in Calgary, Canada, considered to be the most popular fair on Earth. It is a combination of a rodeo, exhibition, and festival that celebrates the heritage and culture of the western Canadian province of Alberta.- Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Year started: 1912
- Duration: 10 days
- Attendance: over 1 million visitors annually
- Activities: rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, live music concerts, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides
Calgary Stampede in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Rodeo
-
715votes
Pattymooney · CC BY-SA 3.0San Diego County Fair
San Diego County FairgroundsThis annual fair, held in Del Mar, California, is known for its theme park rides, live music, and food vendors, attracting over 1 million visitors each year.The San Diego County Fair is one of the most popular and highly anticipated fairs on Earth. It is an annual event held in Del Mar, California, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The fair showcases a wide range of attractions, entertainment, exhibits, and delicious food, making it a memorable experience for people of all ages.- Educational Programs: Provides educational exhibits and programs focused on agriculture, ecology, and conservation
- Fireworks: Spectacular firework displays are scheduled throughout the fair
- Location: Del Mar, California
- Duration: Several weeks, typically in June and July
- Attendance: Over 1 million visitors annually
-
89votesThis annual agricultural show, held in Melbourne, Australia, is known for its animal exhibits, carnival rides, and food vendors, attracting over 700,000 visitors each year.The Royal Melbourne Show is one of the most popular fairs on Earth, held annually in Melbourne, Australia. It is a large-scale event that showcases a wide range of attractions, entertainment, agriculture, and activities for people of all ages.
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Frequency: Annual
- Duration: Usually spans over 11 days
- Attendance: Over 450,000 visitors annually
- Attractions: Livestock shows, carnival rides, art and craft exhibitions, food stalls, live music, fireworks, showbags, and more
-
97votesThis annual fair, held in Toronto, Canada, is known for its livestock exhibits, horse shows, and agricultural competitions, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year.The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is a highly anticipated annual fair that showcases the agricultural heritage and accomplishments of Canada. It is considered the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event in the world, attracting visitors from across the globe. The fair celebrates the best in Canadian agriculture, providing a platform for farmers, breeders, and exhibitors to showcase their animals, products, and expertise.
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Duration: 10 days
- Year of Inception: 1922
- Exhibitors: Over 3000
- Attendance: Over 300,000 visitors
-
102votesThis annual fair, held in St. Paul, is known for its food-on-a-stick, live music, and carnival rides, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.The Minnesota State Fair is an annual event held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is one of the largest and most popular fairs in the country, attracting millions of visitors every year. The fairgrounds cover an area of 322 acres, providing a vibrant and diverse experience for people of all ages. The fair offers a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, concerts, amusement rides, agricultural displays, contests, shopping, and a vast variety of food options. It is known for its deep-fried delicacies, including cheese curds and pronto pups. The Minnesota State Fair was first held in 1859 and has since grown to become an iconic tradition in the state. The event is organized by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society.
- Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
- Size: 322 acres
- Frequency: Annual
- Attendance: Millions of visitors
- Activities: Live entertainment, concerts, amusement rides, agricultural displays, contests, shopping, food options
Missing your favorite fair?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular fair
-
AttendanceThe number of visitors attending the fair is an essential factor in determining its popularity. A higher number of visitors means greater popularity and wider reach.
-
Impacts on EconomyThe economic benefits generated by the fair, such as increased tourism and business opportunities, can indicate its popularity and success.
-
DurationThe length of the fair plays a role in determining its popularity as it affects the potential number of people who can attend and the likelihood of visitors returning multiple times.
-
Media CoverageThe amount of coverage a fair receives in local, national, and international media can signify its popularity and widespread appeal.
-
Cultural and Historical SignificanceFairs that carry a rich cultural or historical significance are often considered popular and attract a broader audience.
-
Diversity of AttractionsA fair that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors, such as live performances, rides, exhibitions, and food and drink, is more likely to be considered popular and appealing to a broader audience.
-
Reputation and PrestigeThe reputation of the fair and the prestige associated with it also plays an essential role in determining its popularity. A highly-regarded fair is likely to attract more visitors and have a broader appeal.
-
Safety and SecurityThe safety measures and security protocols in place at the fair can also contribute to its popularity. Visitors are more likely to attend a fair that ensures their safety and well-being.
-
AccessibilityThe ease of access to the fair location, including transportation options and parking availability, can impact its popularity.
-
Environmental and Social SustainabilityFairs that adhere to sustainable practices and benefit the local community are more likely to be popular and widely attended.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular fair on Earth. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fairy is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1813 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fairy once every 24 hours. The rank of each fairy is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular fair on earth
Fairgrounds are a staple of many cultures, with hundreds of fairs held around the world each year. These events are known for their lively atmosphere, filled with rides, games, and food. From small town gatherings to massive international events, fairs are a beloved tradition that draws in crowds of all ages.
But which fair is the most popular of them all? The answer is not so simple, as it depends on how you measure popularity. Some fairs are known for their size and scale, while others are famous for their unique cultural offerings. Regardless of the criteria, one thing is certain: fairs are a celebration of life, unity, and the joy of being human.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
