Great American State Fair opens in DC with flyovers, Ferris wheel for America 250

Summer's here, and that means Americans are marking their calendars for state fair season.

On Thursday, the Great American State Fair kicks off on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a massive event that officials describe as a "modern-day World's Fair," according to its website.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature more than 150 exhibits representing all states and U.S. territories — as well as a gigantic Ferris wheel.

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Attendees can explore state pavilions and industry displays while enjoying family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, live musical performances and military ensembles, according to its website, as well as daily cultural programming and aerial flyovers.

For those outside the Beltway, some of the nation's most iconic state fairs offer their own blend of food, entertainment and local traditions.

Here's a look at standout fairs from six regions of the country as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

The Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast, describes itself as the fourth-largest fair in North America.

The event "offers a diverse and vibrant experience to visitors from throughout the country," according to its website.

"Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England — and beyond — has to offer," the website says.

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"Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities, from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more."

The fair runs in West Springfield, Massachusetts, from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, 2026.

The North Carolina State Fair is held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

The fair, which is also an agricultural exposition, is a long-running tradition that began in 1853.

Tar Heel State officials say that last year's state fair attracted 946,811 attendees.

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"The fair creates an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value, with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights," the event's website reads.

The North Carolina State Fair takes place from Oct. 15 to Oct. 25, 2026.

The Minnesota State Fair's website describes the event as "one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region."

The event is held in the city of Falcon Heights near St. Paul and often attracts up to two million visitors per year.

"What began in 1855 as a territorial fair to highlight agriculture and encourage farming in the region became the Minnesota State Fair in 1859, a year after Minnesota was granted statehood," the website says.

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"The State Fair’s mission is to educate and involve our guests by providing a world-class showcase that is innovative, entertaining and fun," the website says.

The Minnesota State Fair takes place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7 this year.

The State Fair of Texas is held annually at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, and runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18 this year.

"Since its establishment in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has promoted Texas agriculture, education and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment," the state fair's website reads.

"At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest."

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Texas officials say the fair "serves not only as an annual celebration, but as a unique destination that brings people from all walks of life together to create lifelong memories."

The fair is perhaps best known for Big Tex, its iconic 55-foot-tall cowboy mascot, and its ever-expanding lineup of deep-fried foods.

The California State Fair takes place from July 17 to Aug. 2, 2026.

This year's fair promises "rides, live concerts [and] strolling performing acts," according to its website.

The fair also features a Commercial Wine Competition, where wineries showcase some of California's top vintages, as well as agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions and live entertainment.

Food offerings include classic fair staples such as funnel cakes, corn dogs and barbecue, along with California-inspired fare like fish tacos and poke bowls.

Held annually in Grand Island, Nebraska, the Nebraska State Fair is one of the premier agricultural events in the Great Plains.

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The fair features concerts, carnival rides, food vendors and family-friendly attractions, as well as livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits.

According to the fair's website, visitors can catch a variety of free entertainment this year, including performances by country vocal group Home Free, Christian artist Phil Wickham and disco legends KC & The Sunshine Band.

The fair will run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7, 2026.