If you’re looking for great entertainment, fun for the entire family, and insert-your-favorite-food-here on a stick, nothing beats a state fair. If you’re also looking for a great place to park your RV, here’s a list of state fairs to consider:
State Fair of Texas – Big Tex is one of the longest-running fairs, open from September 25-October 18, 2020. Main stage concerts are included with your admission, and you can enjoy current chart-toppers and retro cover bands! In the center of the fairgrounds is the famed Cotton Bowl Stadium, and college football fans can attend games on Saturdays during the fair.
Great New York State Fair – The oldest state fair in the country will run August 21-September 7, 2020. Foodies will want to check out the Taste NY Food Truck Competition, with over 40 trucks serving up goodies to sample! Located in Syracuse, there are 5 stages full of entertainment (a lot of shows are free!), and the RV parking is conveniently located on the grounds.
Minnesota State Fair – Known for its delicious and varied food offerings, this fair runs from August 27-September 7, 2020. Located in the heart of the Twin Cities, the grounds boast beautiful gardens and art deco architecture. This year’s grandstand entertainment lineup includes the Doobie Brothers and Tim McGraw, with more acts yet to be announced. Check out the car show, the motorcycle races, and the Shrine Circus performances, in addition to all the exhibits and demonstrations! Online reservations for the campgrounds start May 28.
Ohio State Fair – July 29-August 9, 2020 This fair is unique in that within the fairgrounds is the 8-acre Natural Resources Park. After you’ve seen the exhibits, you can escape the crowds and go kayaking or fishing. Check out the butterfly house and the lumberjack events, too! This is also one of the best fairs for RV camping in the US!
Kentucky State Fair – August 20-30, 2020 If you’re into equestrian activities, this is the fair for you, as it draws participants and viewers from across the globe for the World’s Championship Horse Show. Known for its fantastic food offerings and bluegrass music, not to mention the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, you’re going to love the Kentucky State Fair located in Louisville.
We thought it would sound biased, by including our home state fair, but an internet search confirmed our opinion! Iowa State Fair – August 13-23, 2020 This fair inspired the book and Broadway musical “State Fair”, and over a million people flock to Des Moines every August. The grandstand shows are terrific, and this year’s line-up does not disappoint with Keith Urban, Styx, Sam Hunt, and Chris Stapleton. This family-friendly event offers fun for all ages, and is listed in the travel book “1000 Places To See Before You Die”! The campground has over 2,300 sites with water and electricity, including 734 with sewer hook-ups, and is known for the sense of community campers feel making friends with their camping neighbors.
Now that you’re all excited to attend these fairs, please be advised…like most popular destinations, the RV spots are often booked well in advance. Good luck and we’ll see you at the fair!