The Most Popular State Fair, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the state fair you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:36
State fairs have long been a cherished tradition, showcasing the best of local food, entertainment, and craftsmanship. Each year, people flock to these events, each with its own flavor and attractions. The thrill of a state fair lies not just in the giant Ferris wheels and cotton candy, but in the spirit of community and celebration that permeates the air. However, with so many to choose from, deciding which state fair to visit can often be overwhelming.
That's where the value of ranking comes in. By casting votes for your favorite state fairs, you contribute to a broader consensus on which ones stand out. This isn't just about competition; it's about sharing experiences and recommendations that help everyone make the most of the fair season. Whether it's the allure of innovative rides, unique food offerings, or exceptional live music, your vote helps identify the brightest stars in the galaxy of state fairs.
What Is the Most Popular State Fair?
-
156votesThe Minnesota State Fair attracts over 2 million visitors each year, making it the largest state fair in the United States. It offers a wide variety of attractions including concerts, livestock exhibits, and unique foods.The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and most popular state fairs in the United States. It takes place annually in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, over the course of 12 days from late August through Labor Day. The fairgrounds cover a massive 320 acres, attracting millions of visitors each year.
- Attendance: Over 2 million visitors each year
- Dates: Late August through Labor Day, 12-day duration
- Location: Falcon Heights, Minnesota
- Size: 320 acres
- Exhibits: Thousands of exhibits showcasing agriculture, art, culture, and technology
-
227votes
Mang9 · CC BY-SA 3.0Texas State Fair
The State Fair of TexasThe Texas State Fair is known for its iconic Big Tex statue and offers a wide variety of attractions including a large midway, live music, and auto shows. It also hosts the annual Red River Rivalry college football game.The Texas State Fair is one of the most popular state fairs in the United States. It is an annual event held in Dallas, Texas, showcasing the best of Texan culture, entertainment, and agriculture.- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Duration: 24 days
- Attendance: Over 2.5 million visitors annually
- Year of Inception: 1886
- Size: 277 acres
-
322votes
Iowahwyman of English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the country, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. It is known for its butter cow sculpture and offers a variety of attractions including concerts, livestock exhibits, and unique foods.The Iowa State Fair is one of the most popular annual state fairs in the United States. Held in Des Moines, Iowa, it is a multi-day event that celebrates the state's agriculture, industry, and culture. The fair showcases a wide range of attractions, entertainment, food, and exhibitions, making it an exciting and fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.- Location: Des Moines, Iowa
- Duration: 11 days
- Year of inception: 1854
- Number of attendees: Approximately 1 million
- Exhibits: Over 600 exhibitors
-
421votes
Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0The Wisconsin State Fair is known for its cream puffs, cheese curds, and deep-fried foods. It offers a variety of attractions including concerts, livestock exhibits, and a large midway.The Wisconsin State Fair is an annual state fair held in West Allis, Wisconsin, United States. It is one of the most popular and iconic state fairs in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year. The fair showcases a wide range of agricultural, commercial, and entertainment exhibits, offering fun-filled experiences for people of all ages.- Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
- Duration: 11 days
- Year of First Fair: 1851
- Attendance (Average): 1,000,000+
- Exhibit Categories: Agriculture, Horticulture, Livestock, Arts and Crafts, Food and Beverage, Commercial Products, Entertainment
-
512votesThe Indiana State Fair is known for its deep-fried foods, livestock exhibits, and concerts. It also hosts a variety of competitions including the Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant.The Indiana State Fair is an annual event held in Indianapolis, Indiana that showcases the state's rich agricultural heritage and offers a wide range of entertainment and attractions for attendees of all ages. With a history dating back to 1852, it has become one of the most popular state fairs in the United States.
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Duration: Around 17 days
- Dates: August–September
- Attendance: Approximately 900,000 visitors annually
- Exhibits: Livestock shows, agricultural displays, arts and crafts, culinary competitions, and more
-
612votesThe Ohio State Fair is known for its butter cow sculpture, unique foods, and concerts. It also hosts a variety of competitions including the Ohio State Fair Queen Pageant.The Ohio State Fair is an annual event that celebrates agriculture, entertainment, and diversity in the state of Ohio. It is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Duration: Approximately 12 days
- Year of Inception: 1850
- Attendance: Over 900,000 visitors annually
- Livestock Shows: Over 1,000 competitions
-
79votesThe North Carolina State Fair is known for its agricultural exhibits, deep-fried foods, and live music. It also hosts a variety of competitions including the North Carolina State Fair Queen Pageant.The North Carolina State Fair is an annual event held in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is one of the most popular state fairs in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. The fair features a wide variety of attractions, including agricultural exhibits, live music performances, rides, games, and numerous food vendors offering traditional fair foods.
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Duration: Usually runs for 11 days in October
- Attendance: Millions of visitors annually
- Exhibits: Wide range of agricultural exhibits and demonstrations
- Live Entertainment: Daily concerts and performances by renowned artists
-
810votesThe Illinois State Fair is known for its unique foods, livestock exhibits, and concerts. It also hosts a variety of competitions including the Illinois State Fair Queen Pageant.The Illinois State Fair is one of the most popular state fairs in the United States, attracting visitors from all over the country. It is an annual event held in the state capital, Springfield, and offers a wide range of entertainment, agricultural exhibits, competitions, and delicious food.
- Location: Springfield, Illinois
- Frequency: Annual
- Duration: 10-12 days
- Year Started: 1853
- Attendance: Over 500,000 visitors
-
99votesThe Georgia State Fair is known for its carnival rides, live music, and unique foods. It also hosts a variety of competitions including the Georgia State Fair Queen Pageant.The Georgia State Fair is an annual event held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is a massive fair showcasing the culture, traditions, and agriculture of the state. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including exhilarating rides, live music performances, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, and entertaining shows. The fair offers fun and exciting activities for people of all ages and is a must-visit event for locals and tourists alike.
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Frequency: Annual
- Duration: Multiple days (typically 11-12 days)
- Rides: Wide range of exhilarating rides
- Music: Live music performances from various genres
-
106votes
Marine 69-71 · CC BY-SA 4.0The Arizona State Fair is known for its carnival rides, deep-fried foods, and concerts. It also hosts a variety of competitions including the Arizona State Fair Queen Pageant.The Arizona State Fair is an annual event held in Phoenix, Arizona, showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of the state. It is a significant gathering for locals as well as visitors from around the country. The fair stands as a celebration of Arizona's rich heritage, with various attractions, entertainment, and activities for all ages.- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Duration: Usually runs for several weeks in October
- Attendance: Attracts an average of over one million visitors annually
- History: First held in 1905
- Event Highlights: Concerts, live performances, livestock shows, rodeo, carnival rides, exhibits, contests, and food vendors
Missing your favorite state fair?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular state fair
-
AttendanceThe number of visitors the fair attracts each year is a good indicator of its popularity.
-
LocationFairs situated in areas with higher population densities and accessible transport tend to attract more visitors.
-
Attractions/EntertainmentThe variety and quality of entertainment and attractions, such as concerts, carnival rides, games, and exhibits can significantly impact a fair's popularity.
-
TraditionThe history and tradition of the fair can play a significant role in its popularity, especially among local residents.
-
FoodThe variety and quality of food, especially unique and exotic food offerings, can be a significant attraction.
-
AffordabilityThe cost of admission, food, and other activities can affect the fair's popularity.
-
WeatherWeather conditions during the fair can influence attendance and willingness to participate in outdoor activities.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular state fair. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Fair is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1829 views
- 173 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Fair once every 24 hours. The rank of each Fair is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular state fair
The state fair is an annual event that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the culture, tradition, and agriculture of their home state. This beloved tradition has been around for over a century, and it continues to draw crowds of all ages to enjoy the food, entertainment, and attractions.
Each state fair is unique, with its own special features and attractions that reflect the character and personality of the state. From the famous butter sculptures at the Iowa State Fair to the deep-fried Oreos at the Texas State Fair, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
With so many state fairs to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. That's why we've put together a list of the most popular state fairs, based on our users' votes and rankings. Whether you're a seasoned fair-goer or a first-timer, these state fairs are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
