West Virginia State Fair
Experience the heart of West Virginia at its annual State Fair, a vibrant celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
West Virginia State Fair
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the heart of West Virginia at its annual State Fair, a vibrant celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit.
"Had an amazing time, well worth the drive for the food, exhibits, and nostalgic atmosphere!"
🎟️ Pre-purchase Tickets
Save time and potentially money by buying admission and ride tickets online in advance.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be chaotic and costly ($10). Arrive early or consider carpooling to ease the process.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Agricultural Exhibits
Livestock Pavilions
Marvel at prize-winning livestock, adorable baby animals, and impressive produce. A true taste of West Virginia's heritage.
Midway Thrills
Carnival Midway
Experience classic carnival rides, from gentle spinners to thrilling coasters. Fun for all ages, but can be pricey.
Live Entertainment
Grandstand Stage
Catch popular musical acts and diverse performers. Check the schedule for concerts like Zach Bryan or Cody Johnson.
Local Flavors
Food Vendor Alley
Indulge in classic fair food, from deep-fried delights to sweet treats. A culinary adventure awaits!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to know before you go to the State Fair of West Virginia
🎟️ Pre-purchase Tickets
Save time and potentially money by buying admission and ride tickets online in advance.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be chaotic and costly ($10). Arrive early or consider carpooling to ease the process.
Lewisburg Renaissance Festival?
So how many people plan on going to the WV Renisance Festival in Lewisburgh?
💰 Budget Wisely
Food and rides can be expensive. Set a budget and prioritize your must-haves.
💧 Stay Hydrated
West Virginia summers can be hot and humid. Bring water bottles and stay refreshed.
Hidden gems in West Virginia?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Pre-purchase Tickets
Save time and potentially money by buying admission and ride tickets online in advance.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be chaotic and costly ($10). Arrive early or consider carpooling to ease the process.
💰 Budget Wisely
Food and rides can be expensive. Set a budget and prioritize your must-haves.
💧 Stay Hydrated
West Virginia summers can be hot and humid. Bring water bottles and stay refreshed.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort for a full day of fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally have a positive experience at the West Virginia State Fair, praising its nostalgic atmosphere, diverse food options, and agricultural exhibits. Some find the costs for parking, rides, and food to be high, and ride experiences can occasionally be inconsistent. Despite these drawbacks, many find it a worthwhile event for a fun-filled day.
"I had an amazing time at the State Fair of West Virginia and hope with all my heart that I can return next year. Well worth driving 2 hours there and 2 hours back for! Especially thankful for all of the amazing food (and SO many food vendors), the interesting agricultural displays and exhibits and the nostalgic atmosphere. Thank you for keeping the fair relatively affordable as well! So awesome to celebrate 100 years"
Tori Radday
"For those staying in town it's probably a blast, but we drove over 2 hours to go to the WV state fair, and outside of the normal congestion & paying $10 dollars for parking, you've got an admission price at the main entrance at $15 per person. There was 3 of us, so with parking thats $55 before you've even made it into the fair. If you are a carnival lover who has the money to spend.. you'll probably love it. Or, if the rides aren't your thing but you enjoy agriculture & livestock, live music, shows, live performers, etc you will have a blast. The food & drinks they're are ridiculously expensive as one can guess, but there's nothing that compares to carnival deep fried deliciousness. My family opted out of the wristband pass, as the selection of rides just wasn't worth it for us, but we did buy a ticket card for $55 + a fee and was able to ride 3 rides together.. one of which ( mediocre bucket spinner ride ) the operator seemed to have saw me freaking and purposely made our bucket seat spin 10x more and 10x harder than all the others around us. At one point I heard a man say " don't get dizzy now" and I swear it was the guy operating the ride. I may be wrong and maybe it was coincidence, but it felt off and intentional. Needless to say we were sick after all that and in addition to the heat & humidity and a long ride back home, we were ready to go. Was gonna grab a famous cinnamon roll but couldn't take anymore. Needed my cars AC 😂 probably won't go next year but I heard T-Pain concert was lit and I'm sure the night time atmosphere is more fun and a lot cooler."
Samantha
"I had so much fun at the WV State Fair! Livestock, check. Baby animals, check. Mini golf for the kids and kids at heart. So many exhibits to see! There are a lot of talented people in WV! I liked the variety of food vendors. I didn't make it to the midway, so can't comment on that. And CLEAN! Shout out to everyone who kept the grounds and facilities sparkling clean!
I also appreciated the discount admission specials that were offered this year, as well as being able to preorder admission and ride tickets."
Nancy B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The West Virginia State Fair is located in Lewisburg, WV. It's accessible by car via I-64. Many visitors drive from surrounding areas, with parking available on-site for a fee.
Public transportation options directly to the fairgrounds are limited. It's primarily a destination for those driving. Check local Lewisburg transit for any potential routes.
Interstate 64 is the primary highway for accessing Lewisburg and the fairgrounds. Exits will be clearly marked during the fair dates.
Yes, Lewisburg offers several hotels and lodging options for visitors. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the fair.
Arriving early in the day, especially on weekdays, can help you avoid the worst traffic congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but expect around $15 per person for general entry. Ride tickets or wristbands are separate costs. Pre-ordering can sometimes offer discounts.
Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase at the gate. However, buying online in advance might save you time and potentially money.
Look out for special discount admission days or pre-order specials. Some years offer discounts for seniors, military, or children.
The fair typically runs for about 10 days. Hours can vary daily, but generally, gates open in the morning and attractions run into the evening. Check the official schedule for exact times.
Concerts often require separate tickets in addition to general admission. Popular acts like Zach Bryan or Cody Johnson can sell out quickly.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The fair features a variety of carnival rides, from family-friendly options like carousels to thrill rides. Ride tickets or wristbands are available for purchase.
Expect a wide array of classic fair foods, including deep-fried items, sweets, and traditional favorites. Food vendors are plentiful but can be pricey.
Absolutely! The fair showcases livestock, poultry, dairy, and agricultural products, offering a glimpse into West Virginia's farming heritage.
Beyond concerts, you'll find live performers, shows, contests, and various exhibits throughout the fairgrounds.
Yes, the fair offers attractions for all ages, including rides, games, animal exhibits, and family entertainment.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere with shots of the midway lights at dusk, close-ups of prize-winning animals, and candid moments of fairgoers enjoying themselves.
Generally, personal cameras are allowed. However, check the fair's specific policies regarding professional equipment, especially for concerts.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Dusk and nighttime provide opportunities for capturing the illuminated midway.
Look for themed areas, unique food presentations, and the expressions of people on rides for memorable shots.
Use hashtags like #WVStateFair, #LewisburgWV, #WestVirginiaFair, and specific artist names if you attended a concert.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of a family visit, consider purchasing ride wristbands if your children plan on riding multiple attractions. Look for any family-specific entertainment or shows scheduled during your visit. Packing snacks and water can also help manage costs and keep little ones happy.
💰 Budget Travelers
Prioritize which attractions are most important to you. If rides are a must, a wristband might be cost-effective, but if you're more interested in exhibits and atmosphere, purchasing individual ride tickets or skipping rides altogether can save money. Bringing your own water bottles and perhaps some non-perishable snacks can also help reduce on-site spending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the West Virginia State Fair
When planning your trip, consider the fair's extensive schedule. From livestock competitions and craft exhibits to live music on the Grandstand Stage, there's something for everyone. Popular acts like Zach Bryan and Cody Johnson have graced the stage, drawing significant crowds. The fairgrounds themselves are expansive, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring all the attractions.
For those interested in specific events, like the Renaissance Festival mentioned in some discussions, it's crucial to check the fair's official calendar. While the main fair is a large event, smaller, themed festivals can also be part of the experience.
Foodie Adventures at the Fair
Many reviews highlight the sheer number of food vendors, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters can find something to satisfy their cravings. From sweet treats like cinnamon rolls to savory options, the fair offers a true culinary journey. It's recommended to explore the different food alleys to discover hidden gems and unique offerings.
While the food is a major draw, some visitors note the expense. It's a good idea to factor food costs into your overall budget for the day. Trying a few different items from various vendors can be a great way to experience the diverse flavors available.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit