There is nothing quite like fair season in West Virginia. The smell of fresh funnel cakes, the sound of live music, barns filled with prize-winning animals, and the glow of carnival rides at sunset all signal the return of one of our state’s favorite traditions.
The 101st annual State Fair of West Virginia will take place August 13–22, 2026, at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg. With ten days of food, agriculture, entertainment, and family fun ahead, members of the GRES community have plenty to look forward to.
Something for Everyone
Whether you come for the rides, the food, or simply the chance to spend a summer day with friends and family, the fair offers something for visitors of every age.
Reithoffer Shows will once again fill the midway with carnival attractions ranging from gentle children’s rides to thrilling favorites such as the Zipper, Tornado, and Ring of Fire. Throughout the grounds, visitors can also enjoy livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, shopping, demonstrations, and entertainment included with gate admission.
Among this year’s free attractions are DockDogs’ high-flying canine competitions, the Fearless Flores Circus Thrill Show, dairy-themed magic from the Moogician, and daily glassblowing demonstrations by the Hot Glass Academy. The popular Draft Horse Pull will return on Friday, August 21.
A Taste of the Fair
Of course, no trip to the State Fair is complete without sampling the food.
Fairgoers can expect everything from classic corn dogs and freshly squeezed lemonade to deep-fried creations found only on the midway. Longtime favorites include Ben Ellen’s cinnamon-sugar cider doughnuts and homemade ice cream from Trudy’s Dairy World, both are part of State Fair tradition since the 1950s.
Visitors can also look for entries in the annual New Fair Food Contest, where vendors compete to introduce the most creative and delicious new offering of the year.
It may be wise to arrive hungry.
Ten Nights of Grandstand Entertainment
The 2026 Grandstand schedule features music for all music-lovers:
- August 13: Buckin’B Bull Ride
- August 14: Vincent Mason and Avery Anna
- August 15: Trace Adkins with special guest Aaron Tippin
- August 16: Sierra Ferrell with The Brudi Brothers
- August 17: CAIN and Leanna Crawford
- August 18: Shenandoah
- August 19: Ying Yang Twins and Paul Wall
- August 20: Dierks Bentley
- August 21: Gavin Adcock
- August 22: Stone Temple Pilots
Concert and Grandstand tickets should be purchased through the State Fair or Etix, its official ticketing partner.
Making the Most of Your Visit
The State Fairgrounds are located at 947 Maplewood Avenue in Lewisburg, approximately three miles south of Interstate 64’s Exit 169.
Children ages 10 and younger receive free gate admission every day. Discounted advance admission and ride passes are also available, while daily promotions include Dollar Day on August 18 and West Virginia Day on August 20. Visitors should review the fair’s current ticket information and daily specials before choosing a date.
Guests attending a Grandstand event should also note the fair’s bag policy. Bags larger than 5 by 9 inches must be clear, and oversized bags, coolers, and backpacks are not permitted. Additional details are available in the fair’s official Know Before You Go guide.
Celebrating the Best of West Virginia
Beyond the excitement of the midway, the State Fair is a celebration of the people, traditions, and agricultural heritage that make West Virginia special. It brings communities together, gives young exhibitors an opportunity to showcase months of hard work, and creates memories that families carry from one generation to the next.
We hope members of the GRES community will have an opportunity to experience this year’s fair. Pack your sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready for a memorable summer tradition in the heart of Greenbrier County.
For schedules, tickets, and the latest announcements, visit the State Fair of West Virginia website.