🎡 Top U.S. State Fairs by Attendance
1. State Fair of Texas – Dallas, TX
📍 Fair Park | 🗓 Late Sept – Mid Oct
Average attendance: 2.2 – 2.5 million
🔹 Largest fair in the country by total number of visitors. Known for Big Tex, fried food innovations, and massive size.
2. Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, MN
📍 Falcon Heights | 🗓 12 days ending Labor Day
Average attendance: 1.9 – 2 million
🔹 The highest daily attendance of any U.S. fair. Famous for food-on-a-stick, livestock shows, and strong Midwestern tradition.
3. Iowa State Fair – Des Moines, IA
📍 Iowa State Fairgrounds | 🗓 Mid-August
Average attendance: 1.1 – 1.2 million
🔹 One of the oldest and most iconic, known for butter sculptures, big-name concerts, and deep agricultural roots.
4. Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI
📍 Near Milwaukee | 🗓 Early August
Average attendance: 1 million+
🔹 Known for cream puffs, livestock shows, and a family-friendly environment.
5(tie). North Carolina State Fair – Raleigh, NC
📍 NC State Fairgrounds | 🗓 Mid-October
Average attendance: 900,000 – 1 million
🔹 Offers a balance of tradition and innovation with deep-fried foods, rides, and agriculture.
5(tie). New York State Fair – Syracuse, NY
📍 NYS Fairgrounds | 🗓 Late August – Labor Day
Average attendance: 900,000 – 1 million
🔹 One of the oldest in the country, with a major emphasis on upstate agriculture and large-scale concerts.
7. Arizona State Fair – Phoenix, AZ
📍 Arizona State Fairgrounds | 🗓 October
Average attendance: 900,000+ (note: may vary in hot years)
🔹 Well-known for its urban location, entertainment, and multicultural flair.
8. Ohio State Fair – Columbus, OH
📍 Ohio Expo Center | 🗓 Late July – Early August
Average attendance: 800,000 – 950,000
🔹 Strong focus on agriculture, family activities, and education.
9. Tulsa State Fair – Tulsa, OK
📍 Expo Square | 🗓 Late September – Early October
Average attendance: 900,000+
🔹 Considered Oklahoma’s largest fair with strong entertainment and local food focus.
10. Indiana State Fair – Indianapolis, IN
📍 Indiana State Fairgrounds | 🗓 Late July – Mid August
Average attendance: ~850,000
🔹 Known for 4-H exhibits, creative food, and a big midway.
🏅 Honorable Mentions
- Colorado State Fair – Pueblo (~500,000)
- Kentucky State Fair – Louisville (~600,000)
- Missouri State Fair – Sedalia (~350,000–400,000)
- Washington State Fair – Puyallup (~1.1 million)* *(Over multiple events throughout the year)
The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) – Springfield, MA (~1.5 million)* *(Regional, not a single-state fair)