There’s nothing more American than a good, old-fashioned fair. The Oklahoma State Fair and Tulsa State Fair, both founded before statehood, draw a combined millions of attendees annually.
This year, the family-friendly fun is in full swing. Get ready for agricultural competitions, musical performances, rides and plenty of mouthwatering dishes you can’t find anywhere else.
Oklahoma State Fair
“Eat, Ride, Repeat!” is this year’s theme at the Oklahoma State Fair, which returns Sept. 11–21. Each day is jam-packed with old favorites, from carnival rides to corn dogs, along with a few exciting new attractions.
“We’ve been a part of the fabric of the community for a long, long time,” says Scott Munz, executive vice president of marketing at the OKC Fair Park. “We take our responsibility very seriously and try to put on the best state fair possible for the people of Oklahoma.”
For the first time ever, the OG&E Coliseum, which opened in June, will host two performances in partnership with the Oklahoma State Fair: Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Dance and the PBR Teams Challenge Event with the Oklahoma Wildcatters. Tickets are required for both shows and include gate admission to the fair.
“This is the first time we’ve done any family entertainment there,” shares Munz. “We’re excited about it.”
Sandra Lee, a celebrity chef, will also pay a visit to the Oklahoma State Fair. She’ll serve as a judge in the Great TASTE of Fair food competition and as a guest speaker at the Think Pink for Women’s health symposium.
To increase accessibility, the Oklahoma State Fair will offer several discount days in recognition of veterans, first responders, senior citizens and more.
“For the amount of entertainment that we provide – the excitement, the thrills, the spills, the sights – nothing else matches,” says Munz.
For more information about what to expect, check out okstatefair.com.
Tulsa State Fair
As the city’s largest annual event, the Tulsa State Fair is pulling out all the stops this year, bringing together hundreds of shows, rides and competitions from Sept. 25-Oct. 5.
“A lot of families don’t get the opportunity to travel,” says Amanda Blair, vice president and chief operating officer at Tulsa’s Expo Square. “We are Green Country’s Disney World. We strive to be the best we can be … and elevate our product every year.”
In addition to classic rides like the Zipper and Himalaya, the fair is introducing a roller-skating rink in the SageNet Center for the first time. The Tulsa State Fair will don another new amenity this year – the Carousel Club, an exclusive lounge that will include a bar and live music.
Fair-goers will also get the chance to try out unlikely food combinations, including a salmon roll sundae, a grilled Nutella-and-marshmallow sandwich and Hot Cheeto corn-on-the cob.
“Come hungry,” advises Blair.
Drawing over an estimated 1.1 million people in 2024, the Tulsa State Fair has a massive impact on the local community. Last year, the fair awarded over $450,000 in scholarships to high school students and employed upwards of 700 people.
“Our team produces a high-quality, family-focused event every year,” says Blair. “We’re constantly making sure that we stay current by bringing in new attractions while staying true to our agricultural roots as well.”
See what else the Tulsa State Fair will have to offer at tulsastatefair.com.
Some Fair Advice
Whether you’re going to the fair once or every day of its run, be prepared with these tips from organizers:
• Plan your day ahead. Both the Oklahoma and Tulsa State Fairs offer a full list of their activities on their websites.
• Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather forecast before arriving. “The only time the fair goes into pause is if there’s lightning in the area,” explains Munz.
• Take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service. Both fairs have designated shuttle pick-up and drop-off areas, which can help fair-goers avoid high volume traffic and skip the hassle of parking.
• Always keep an eye on your children. Blair recommends that parents take a photo of their kids before arrival, in the event they get separated from the group. “Everyone always gets reunited, but it’s always good to have a current picture of them… that way we can give very specific details about what they’re wearing,” she explains.
• If you see something, say something. “Be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes open,” says Munz. “If you hear a noise, move away from it, and not towards it. We take safety and security very seriously.”
• Bring your friends and family for an all-around good time. “Some of the things that are happening in the world today are just crazy,” reflects Munz. “It’s nice to have a fun experience and see people enjoying themselves, forgetting some of their day-to-day worries by coming to the fair and seeing all that we have to offer.”
Featured photo credit: Drawing nearly one million guests in 2024, the Oklahoma State Fair is ready to produce another
family-friendly, high-quality event. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma State Fair
