Northeast State Fairs

Every summer, people in the Northeast eagerly anticipate local fairs. However, there are fairs, and then there are state fairs, which are often worth a road trip. From the rolling fields of Vermont to the bustling midway in Syracuse, state fairs across the Northeast are a living celebration of the region’s heritage. Each fair is a reminder that agriculture still beats at the heart of our communities, offering a rare chance to see, taste, and experience traditions that have been handed down for generations.

Farmers, crafters, and artisans

A visit to a state fair is a step into a slice of regional identity. There’s no better time or place to see a showcase of all the local food, crafts, entertainment, and celebrate the farmers and artisans who make it all possible, right alongside the bustle of innovation and ingenuity.

A great tradition to bid farewell to one season and welcome another

State fairs are celebrations at the crossroads of past and present, marking a seasonal turning point between long summer days and the golden days of autumn and harvest season, and a great way to make lifetime memories.

Big on personality

Whether you go for the butter sculpture in New York, the Avenue of States at The Big E in Massachusetts, or the harness racing in Maine, you’re joining a timeless ritual that connects us to our land, our history, and each other.

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Connecticut

Top Attractions:

• Prize-winning livestock and agricultural displays
• Giant pumpkins and farm produce competitions
• Thrilling carnival rides and midway games
• Petting zoo and kid-friendly exhibits
• Youth contests in arts, baking, and crafts
• Artisan vendors and handmade goods
• Live music and community performances on multiple stages
• Classic fair food favorites like apple fritters and fried dough
  

Why Attend:
The Durham Fair is one of New England’s largest agricultural fairs and a Connecticut tradition dating back to 1916. For four days, visitors of all ages enjoy animals, produce displays, rides, and live entertainment. Children can meet farm animals and take part in youth contests, while farmers proudly showcase their best crops and livestock. Veterans and seniors are honored with special days, and families can take advantage of kid-friendly programming.

Ample parking is available at satellite lots with continuous shuttle service, and multiple handicap-accessible parking areas ensure everyone can enjoy the fairgrounds. With community exhibits, artisan shopping, and thousands of volunteers creating a warm, neighborly atmosphere, the Durham Fair is the perfect way to welcome autumn.

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Maine

Bangor State Fair

When:
Late July – Early August | August 1 – 10, 2025 (dates vary annually)

Where:
Bass Park, Bangor, ME

Website:
bangorfair.org

Schedule of Events:
Bangor State Fair Schedule

Top Attractions:

• Large midway with thrill rides and family rides
• 4-H livestock barns and agricultural exhibits
• Horse and ox pulling contests
• Demolition derby and motorsport events
• Live entertainment and concerts
• Fireworks displays
• Local food vendors, from fair classics to Maine specialties
• Family contests and kid-friendly activities

Why Attend:
Dating back to the 1840s, the Bangor State Fair is one of Maine’s longest-running summer traditions. Held at Bass Park, it offers a full 10 days of entertainment, agriculture, and community fun. Families can enjoy a bustling midway, agricultural showcases, and evening concerts, while motorsport fans flock to the demolition derby and pulling contests.

The fairgrounds feature ample on-site parking, accessible shuttle options, and handicap parking areas to make the experience welcoming for everyone. From fireworks and live music to livestock shows and local fair foods, the Bangor State Fair is a must-see event that captures the excitement of a true Maine summer.

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Skowhegan State Fair

When:
Mid–August | August 7 – 16, 2025 (dates vary annually)

Where:
Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan, ME

Website:
skowheganstatefair.com

Schedule of Events:
Skowhegan Fair Schedule

Top Attractions:

• Historic fairgrounds (founded 1818, the nation’s oldest continuously running agricultural fair)
• Livestock and draft horse pulling contests
• Midway rides, games, and family attractions
• Tractor pulls, truck pulls, and demolition derby
• Agricultural and craft exhibits
• Harness racing (a Maine fair tradition)
• Live entertainment and music
• Maine’s signature fair foods, including lobster rolls and blueberry treats

Why Attend:
The Skowhegan State Fair, dating back to 1818, is the oldest continuously running agricultural fair in the U.S. and a proud showcase of Maine’s heritage. Visitors can experience thrilling horse pulls, tractor pulls, and harness racing alongside family-friendly rides and agricultural exhibits.

The fairgrounds are equipped with ample parking, shuttle access, and handicap accommodations to make the visit comfortable for all. From livestock competitions to blueberry pie and lobster rolls, the fair brings together the flavors and traditions of Maine in a lively summer celebration that honors both the state’s farming roots and its community spirit.

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Massachusetts

The Big E – Eastern States Exposition

When:
Mid–Late September | September 12 – 28, 2025

Where:
Eastern States Exposition Grounds, West Springfield, MA

Website:
thebige.com

Schedule of Events:
Big E Schedule

Top Attractions:

• One fair for all! The Big E is hosted in Massachusetts, but represents all New England States
• Avenue of States – One-third-scale replicas of each New England state’s capital building, featuring local foods and exhibits
• Local favorites like The Big E Cream Puff, and a Maine baked potato draw lines every year from those who know
• Daily parades, complete with floats, marching bands, and giant balloons
• Major concerts at the Big E Arena and free music on multiple stages
• The Craft Common and Farm-A-Rama agricultural center
• Livestock shows and horse competitions
• Midway rides and games
• Storrowton Village Museum – a recreated 19th-century New England village
• Too many to list, the Big E is massive
  

Why Attend:
Known as “New England’s Great State Fair,” the Big E is the largest fair in the Northeast and the only multi-state fair in the nation. Since 1916, it has brought together the best of all six New England states for 17 days of food, farming, music, and fun. Families can enjoy thrilling rides, parades, and kid-friendly exhibits, while farmers and artisans showcase livestock, produce, and handmade goods. Veterans, seniors, and families are recognized with special programs and discount days.

Getting there is easy with on-site parking, shuttle buses, and multiple handicap-accessible lots ensuring smooth access. With its mix of cultural showcases, agricultural pride, and unforgettable fair food, the Big E is more than a fair—it’s an essential New England experience.

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New Hampshire

Hopkinton State Fair

When:
Labor Day Weekend | August 29 – September 1 (dates vary annually)

Where:
Hopkinton Fairgrounds, Contoocook (Hopkinton), NH

Website:
hsfair.org

Top Attractions:

• Thrilling Midway rides for all ages
• Grandstand Demolition Derby action
• Live music and community performances
• World-famous Disc Dogs shows
• Traditional 4‑H and FFA livestock exhibits
• Home-baked goods and agricultural competitions
• Craft and artisan vendor booths
• Classic fair food and concession favorites
  

Why Attend:
The Hopkinton State Fair, New Hampshire’s largest fair since 1915, is a beloved Labor Day Weekend tradition. Families can enjoy exciting rides, competitions, and live entertainment—including the popular Demolition Derby and Disc Dogs shows. Farmers and 4‑H/FFA participants present livestock and baked goods competitions that celebrate the region’s proud agricultural heritage. With generous exhibit variety, local artisans, and delicious concessions, the fair captures the heart of New England community spirit. Accessible amenities and a warm atmosphere make it ideal for fairgoers of all ages.

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New York

New York State Fair

When:
Late August through Labor Day | August 21 – September 1, 2025

Where:
NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY

Website:
nysfair.ny.gov

Schedule of Events:
Great NY State Fair Schedule

Top Attractions:

• Agricultural competitions, including giant pumpkins, horses, and cattle
• Dairy Cow Birthing Center with live calf births daily
• Taste NY Pavilion featuring local wines, cheeses, and farm products
• Annual Butter Sculpture made from 800+ pounds of butter
• Enormous Sand Sculpture inside the Expo Center
• One of the Northeast’s largest midways with rides for all ages
• Free daily concerts at Chevy Court and Suburban Park
• Cultural showcases and artisan vendors from across the state
  

Why Attend:
The Great New York State Fair, one of the nation’s oldest and largest, has been delighting visitors since 1841. Over 13 days, Syracuse becomes the hub of New York’s best agriculture, entertainment, and food. Families can explore rides and exhibits, farmers present prize-winning animals and crops, and veterans and seniors are honored with special recognition and discounted admission.

Visitors can enjoy New York classics like Gianelli sausage and maple treats, or explore modern farm-to-fork cuisine. The fairgrounds offer ample parking, convenient shuttle service, and multiple handicap-accessible lots for ease of access. With unique traditions and a full schedule of nonstop entertainment, the Great New York State Fair is a must-see celebration of everything New York has to offer.

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Rhode Island

Washington County Fair

When:
Early September | August 12 – 16

Where:
Washington County Fairgrounds, Richmond, RI

Website:
washingtoncountyfair-ri.com

Top Attractions:

• Livestock shows
• 4‑H & FFA competitors
• Midway rides and games for all ages
• High‑energy Tractor & Truck Pulls
• Stage ’67 music and entertainment
• Family games, contests, and tug-of-war
• Delicious fair-style food and concessions

Why Attend:
Rhode Island’s Washington County Fair is a five-day family-friendly celebration of rural life and community entertainment. Visitors can ride the midway, cheer on tractor and truck pulls, and enjoy livestock exhibitions from 4‑H and FFA participants. Musical performances, classic fair contests like tug-of-war, and mouthwatering concessions round out the experience. Designed with families in mind—from thrill-seekers to tradition-lovers—it’s both welcoming and spirited, embodying the charm of local fair-going fun.

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Vermont

Vermont State Fair

When:
Late August | August 12 – 16, 2025 (dates vary annually)

Where:
Vermont State Fairgrounds, Rutland, VT

Website:
vermontstatefair.org

Schedule of Events:
Vermont State Fair Schedule

Top Attractions:

• Agricultural exhibits featuring Vermont’s dairy heritage
• Midway rides and games for all ages
• 4-H and FFA livestock shows
• Demolition Derby and motorsport events
• Local artisan crafts and farm-fresh goods
• Free live music and entertainment
• Classic fair food, including maple-inspired treats
• Family contests and kid-friendly activities

Why Attend:
First held in 1846, the Vermont State Fair is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the U.S. Set in the heart of Rutland, it celebrates Vermont’s rich farming tradition and community spirit. Families can enjoy midway rides, youth contests, and hands-on exhibits. Farmers and 4-H participants showcase prize-winning livestock and agricultural displays, while motorsport fans flock to the popular Demolition Derby.

Guests will find easy parking with shuttle service, as well as handicap-accessible areas for convenience. With its blend of old-fashioned charm, local food (don’t miss the maple specialties), and community pride, the Vermont State Fair is a cherished Green Mountain tradition.

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