Midways and Deep-Fried Everything: America’s State Fairs and Their Iconic Foods Gabby Teaman July 5, 2024 Food & Drink, Interests, Top US Destinations Is there anything that defines the summer season more than a state fair? Thrilling rides, fun carnival games, and live music entertain millions all around the U.S. State fairs are a celebration of community, culture, and the best each state has to offer. From heart-pounding attractions to impressive agricultural displays, there’s something for everyone. Of course, let’s not forget about the food. State fairs are a culinary adventure, offering a diverse array of classic and inventive treats that reflect regional flavors and traditions. Whether you’re indulging in deep-fried delights or sampling new international fare, the food is a highlight that keeps folks coming back year after year. We’ve gathered some of the top state fairs across the country, showcasing their distinctive attractions and mouth-watering foods that you won’t want to miss. Get ready to dive into the full fair experience! The State Fair of Texas — Dallas, Texas The granddaddy of them all, the The State Fair of Texas is an event like no other, and takes place each year at the end of September in Dallas. The fair features livestock shows, auto shows, and an impressive array of live music performances on multiple stages. One distinctive feature of the Texas State Fair is the iconic Big Tex, a 55-foot-tall cowboy figure that has been welcoming visitors since 1952. The fair also hosts events like the State Fair Classic football game and the daily Starlight Parade. Of course, the Texas fair is renowned for its fantastic food options. Like everything in Texas, the food is big here. The main draw is the fried food; proving that Texans can fry just about anything: deep-fried butter, deep-fried Oreos, deep-fried Twinkies, fried beer, deep-fried Coke, deep-fried cheesecake, fried PB&J sandwich, deep-fried bacon, fried pickles, fried avocado, deep-fried jambalaya, and fried s’mores. And of course, there’s the classic and signature Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dogs. You’ll also find other classic faves such as turkey legs and funnel cakes. Of course, no trip to the Texas State Fair is complete without indulging in mouth-watering barbecue. The famous Texas fried burnt end bomb served with a side of raspberry chipotle barbecue sauce takes barbecue to the next level. Minnesota State Fair — St. Paul, Minnesota Deep-Fried Cheese Curds by Tim Wilson licensed under CC by 2.0 The Minnesota State Fair is a feast for the senses. The fair is held in St. Paul from mid-August to Labor Day weekend, and features thrilling rides, including the Giant Slide and the Space Tower, which offers panoramic views of the fairgrounds. Animal lovers can enjoy livestock competitions, horse shows, and the Miracle of Birth Center, where they can witness the birth of farm animals. The daily parade, live music performances on multiple stages, and the nightly fireworks show add to the vibrant atmosphere, making the Minnesota State Fair a must-visit event that celebrates the best of the state’s culture and community. In terms of food, the fair goes big on local flavors with items like cheese curds — including fried cheese curds and cheese curd tacos — as well as walleye fish rolls. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s classic caramel apples, strawberry rhubarb crisp, and Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar cookies served by the bucket. Many of the food booths are located alongside live entertainment, giving you the complete fair experience as you nosh on your goodies. , a great excuse to get away for a food tour. Iowa State Fair — Des Moines, Iowa Funnel Cake Just down the road from St. Paul in Des Moines (well, over 250 miles down the road, but still…), you’ll find the Iowa State Fair, typically held in the middle of August. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, thrilling rides, livestock shows, and various competitions, including the famous butter sculpture contest. One distinctive feature of the Iowa State Fair is the life-sized butter cow sculpture, an annual tradition that has been delighting visitors since 1911. This impressive creation is made entirely of butter and draws crowds who marvel at its intricate details There’s also no shortage of amazing food at one of the largest state fairs in the country. Popular choices include the apple eggrolls, the shrimp corn dogs, the bacon brisket bomb, and the funnel cake on a stick. In fact, there are over 60 varieties of food on a stick offered at the Iowa State Fair! One of the most popular snacks is the Barksdale’s State Fair Cookie – a delicious, choc0latey family recipe. The Fair also prides itself on its many value-priced items. It’s never been easier and cheaper to take the family out for a day of fun — and lots of eating. California State Fair — Sacramento, California Even the most discerning foodies will find something to love at the California State Fair. Held in the state capital of Sacramento in July, this fair offers a rich tapestry of attractions and activities that make it a highlight of the summer season. Visitors can enjoy rides, carnival games, live music, and exhibits that showcase California’s diverse agricultural and cultural heritage. The fair also features livestock shows, art displays, and educational exhibits, making it a fun and enriching experience for the whole family. One distinguishing element of the California State Fair is its emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The fairgrounds feature green initiatives such as recycling programs and energy-efficient installations, reflecting California’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Of course, food is a major draw, and the California State Fair offers a smorgasbord of options ranging from traditional fried fair food to the more nouveau, healthy California fare. Visit during the special Taste of the Fair hours for great deals on a variety of popular food items. The fair also boasts tons of international food options, allowing visitors to travel the world through Greek fare, Thai cuisine, authentic Mexican food, and much more. New York State Fair — Syracuse, New York Syracuse is the place to be this summer — especially at the New York State Fair. This fair offers the typical mix of agricultural and entertainment attractions and activities that cater to all ages and interests. Of course, the food is a major highlight. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous meat sundae, a savory “sundae” stuffed with layers of roast beef, mashed potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Other fun items to put on your bucket list include chicken on sticks, deep-fried alligator, wine slushies, and gourmet stuffed burgers. For dessert, try the milky bun, a quirky treat best described as an ice cream sandwich encased in a glazed donut. Florida State Fair — Tampa, Florida Most state fairs are held during the summer months. But if you find yourself craving some fair fare in February, head on down to the Florida State Fair in Tampa. After all, the moderate weather this time of the year in the Sunshine State is the perfect time for a fair-related fun fest. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Oreo cookie cinnamon bun. Or, nosh on some apple fries topped with a mix of crispy bacon, Ghirardelli caramel, and peanut butter powder. If that’s not enough, chow down on some banana cream pie funnel cake. For something more savory, check out the bacon waffle cheeseburger, the vegan bang bang tacos, the turkey legs, French fries loaded with pickles and ranch, and fried Spam grilled cheese. You May Also Like: Come Hither, Good Traveler, and Have Ye Olde Fun at These U.S. Renaissance Fairs Alaska State Fair — Palmer, Alaska Alaskan Crab Beat the heat this summer with a trip to Palmer for the Alaska State Fair. This family-friendly event is held in August with the scenic state of Alaska providing a lovely backdrop for all of the fun. It’s no surprise to learn that some of the most popular items include tons of fresh seafood. Chow down on juicy scallops, shrimp, crab cakes, and crab bisque. Not a fan of seafood? No worries. You can still dine on Cajun cooking, Denali cream puffs, Hawaiian shaved ice, fresh soft pretzels, and much, much more. A trip to this fair is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors while still enjoying classic summer fun. FAQs: Q: What should I wear to a state fair? A: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing. Consider the weather; a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for sunny days, while a light jacket might be useful for cooler evenings. Q: Are state fairs family-friendly? A: Yes, state fairs typically offer a wide range of activities for all ages, including rides, games, live entertainment, and kid-friendly food options. Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks? A: Policies vary by fair, but many allow you to bring in small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Check the specific fair’s rules on their website before you go. Q: Are pets allowed at state fairs? A: Most state fairs do not allow pets, with the exception of service animals. Some fairs may have specific pet-friendly events or areas, so it’s best to check ahead. Q: Is parking available at state fairs? A: Yes, most state fairs offer parking options, though it can sometimes be limited or come with a fee. Consider arriving early or using public transportation if available. Q: What payment methods are accepted at food booths? A: Many food booths at state fairs accept cash and credit/debit cards. Some fairs might also use a ticket system or offer prepaid food passes. Check the fair’s website for details. Q: Are there any discounts or special offers for admission or food? A: Yes, many state fairs offer discounted admission on certain days, family packages, or special food deals. Look for promotions on the fair’s official website or social media pages. Did we leave any of your favorite state fairs off our list? Tell us in the comments section below!
