For more than a century, America’s state fairs have drawn visitors who want to walk the fairgrounds, cotton candy in hand. They come to partake in a cook-off, watch an equestrian show, bring the kids to a petting zoo, enjoy amusement rides, dance to live music or learn something new at an agricultural expo. And while many state fairs happen in summer, autumn is a great time to travel for a state fair and enjoy the cooler weather.
Here’s everything you need to know about three of America’s most famous fall state fairs, any of which could anchor your next getaway. We give you the rundown on each event and offer a list of nearby attractions and local eateries (after you’ve had your fill of deep-fried candy bars and pickles, of course).
The Big E
West Springfield, Massachusetts | Sept. 13–29, 2024
Photo © The Big E
West Springfield—in the heart of Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley in the western part of the state—is home to the Eastern States Exposition, which hosts the annual Big E—the collaborative effort of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont and Rhode Island, making it the largest event on the East Coast and the seventh largest in North America.
The fair is home to New England’s largest livestock show as well as A-rated championship horse shows. There are the requisite agricultural exhibits—think giant 1,000-pound pumpkins—and demonstrations that will teach you and your family everything from how dogs herd sheep to how bees make honey. You might even learn how alpaca wool is used to create textiles or how to milk a cow.
If you’re the competitive type, enter a skill-based contest. Submit your best jam or jelly, or join a cake decorating throw-down. Professionals can vie for the title of best cheesemaker, vintner or cider-maker, while kids enter 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions.
Daily parades and a circus are scheduled, and what would a New England state fair be without its midway? The Big E boasts more than 40 rides, including plenty of kid-friendly options. Live concerts are also a hallmark of the fair, and this year major artists such as Ludacris, America, Dustin Lynch and Umphrey’s McGee will perform on the main stage, while other stages will host dozens of performers including Chubby Checker, Lisa Loeb and Average White Band, all for free.
While you’re in the area, you can also check out Six Flags New England, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and The Zoo in Forest Park. When hunger strikes off the fairgrounds, head to Auntie Cathie’s Kitchen or Cal’s Wood-Fired Grill & Wine Bar.
NEA member travel benefits: The closest airport to Springfield is Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford. Find plane tickets on NEA Travel: Flights to earn travel dollars and then click on the Hotels page to see deals like an average of $152 a night at Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield/Downtown, MA for spacious rooms with free breakfast and WiFi included. For an average of $138 a night you can get a room at the Holiday Inn Express Springfield Downtown, an IHG Hotel, which also includes breakfast and has a pool and fitness center.
Plan your itinerary: Explore Western Mass | Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
State Fair of Texas
Dallas | Sept. 27–Oct. 20, 2024
Photo courtesy of the Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas
Truth be told, you could spend several days at this massive fair and still not do and see everything. How you tackle the myriad aspects of the fair depends on what interests you most. Those traveling with kids will gravitate to Big Tex’s Farmyard and the Children’s Health Barnyard, both of which give little ones the opportunity to get close to and learn about a variety of farm animals, including pudgy piglets, just-hatched chicks and cute calves.
The fair offers all of the traditional pastimes such as livestock and equine shows as well as car displays (both new and classic), the midway and concerts. Want to return home with some Lone Star State bragging rights? Enter the chili, barbecue or Dutch oven cook-offs.
At night, adults and children love the Starlight Parade where lavishly decorated floats and costumed characters are awash in light. The festivities lead up to the Illumination Sensation, when the Esplanade’s reflecting pool is the center of an entertainment spectacular that’s composed of dancing water, lasers, fireworks and liquid-fire fountains.
The 277-acre fairground is home to so much more than the annual State Fair of Texas. The compound, which dates to 1886, is a National Historic Landmark and is also where to find the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens, the African American Museum of Dallas, the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial and more.
And, while you’re in Dallas you can also check out Dallas Zoo and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. As for food beyond the fair, stop by Hypnotic Donuts for doughnuts and chicken biscuits, Rodeo Goat for juicy burgers and Pecan Lodge for barbecue.
NEA member travel benefits: Visit NEA Travel: Flights to find flights into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Then, check out NEA Travel: Hotels to find incredible deals on accommodations like the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel for an average of $78 per night. Rooms are contemporary and there’s a pool and fitness center. Or, for an average of $118 per night, you can get a room at the Fairmont Dallas, which has luxe rooms and an outdoor pool.
Plan your itinerary: Visit Dallas | Travel Texas
Arizona State Fair
Sept. 20–Oct. 27, 2024
Photo courtesy of the Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is first and foremost for music lovers. This annual gathering goes back some 130 years—before Arizona was even a state—and has hosted some of the world’s most famous musicians. Elvis played here as did the Rolling Stones. This year brings Big Time Rush and the All American Rejects, among others. The best part about the concerts? Tickets are just $25 and include admission to the fair.
Of course, there’s so much more to this annual gathering than just music. You can enjoy a rodeo, petting zoo, car races and BMX stunt shows. There are livestock demonstrations and 4-H exhibits as well as an impressive Agricultural Center featuring today’s innovations in farming. Beyond those activities you’ll find the midway with diversions such as a Ferris wheel, roller coasters and bumper cars.
Whatever you do, make sure you arrive to the fair with an empty stomach so you can sample oddities like beer-battered bacon and spaghetti ice cream.
While you’re in Phoenix, you can also check out the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and the Heard Museum, which showcases Native American art, or get outside and hike around Camelback Mountain. When you need a break from those crazy fair foods, visit Rusconi’s American Kitchen, Fry Bread House, Valentine, or for something quick and cheap, El Caprichoso Sonoran Hot Dogs for one of the city’s signature fast foods.
NEA member travel benefits: Flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are bookable via NEA Travel: Flights, where you can earn travel dollars. Find the perfect hotel at a great price on NEA Travel: Hotels. For an average of $121 a night you can get a room at SpringHill Suites Phoenix North, where breakfast is included. If you want to be downtown, the Hotel San Carlos - Downtown Convention Center is an average of $155 a night. There is a third-floor sundeck with a pool.
Plan your itinerary: Visit Phoenix | Visit Arizona
