From funnel cake to enormous pumpkins, state fairs celebrate some of America's biggest and best. These sprawling celebrations feature local agriculture, art, music, and of course, deep-fried delicacies. Whether you're rating butter sculptures, enjoying thrilling rides, or taking in a concert, state fairs offer something for everyone.

An expert panel nominated their top picks for state fairs, then readers voted to decide who gets the blue ribbons. These are the 10 best state fairs across the country.

No. 10: Ohio State Fair
Columbus, Ohio

Nearly one million people attend the 12-day Ohio State Fair every year. This summertime community event in Columbus has the typical fair action, as well as some unique features: a Lego train, camel rides, a massive tic-tac-toe game, a tattoo competition, and one of the world’s longest portable sky rides. Food is a central attraction here, with loads of different options, including multiple kinds of food on a stick. The fair has come a long way since it started in 1850 on about 10 acres of grass with cattle tied to a railing.

No. 9: Washington State Fair
Puyallup, Washington

The Washington State Fair is the biggest single annual event in the state, drawing more than a million people each year. The first fair took place in 1900, and now holds two annual events in the fall and spring. The fall fair comprises more than two weeks of food, famous entertainment, rides, competitive produce, wine-making and other exhibits.

No. 8: Florida State Fair
Tampa, Florida

Held each February in Tampa, the Florida State Fair brings together the best of the Sunshine State with a lively mix of agriculture, art, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy thrill rides, livestock competitions, cooking demos, and a sprawling midway packed with outrageous fair food. Known for its creative culinary offerings like deep-fried strawberry shortcake, the fair also features concerts, circus acts, and Florida-themed exhibits celebrating the state’s culture and history.

No. 7: Alaska State Fair
Palmer, Alaska

The Alaska State Fair may not be the oldest, but it has other claims to fame: its record-setting massive vegetables, stunning mountain location, colorful flower gardens, and unique Alaskan culture. At this summertime state fair, visitors can go on rides, watch horse shows, play carnival games, watch live performances, browse hundreds of food and non-food vendors, and look at various competitive exhibits. Alaska’s fair started in 1936 and is staged about 45 minutes north of Anchorage by car.

No. 6: Indiana State Fair
Indianapolis, Indiana

A proud Midwest tradition for over 160 years, the Indiana State Fair is a vibrant celebration of agriculture, innovation, and community. Held annually each summer in Indianapolis, the fair blends time-honored Hoosier traditions with fresh, can't-miss experiences. From nationally recognized concerts and award-winning food to hands-on exhibits and one of the largest midways in the country. With creative themes like the "Soundtrack of Summer," this family-friendly event showcases Indiana’s best in farming, food, entertainment, and fun. Whether you're a lifelong fairgoer or a first-time visitor, the Indiana State Fair offers something unforgettable for everyone.

No. 5: South Carolina State Fair
Columbia, South Carolina

Each October, the South Carolina State Fair lights up Columbia with a colorful blend of rides, food, and family-friendly fun. Fairgoers can enjoy everything from roller coasters and petting zoos to art exhibits and livestock shows. Known for its mix of traditional and quirky food — think fried cookie dough and turkey legs — the fair also hosts live music, games, and creative competitions that highlight local talent and agricultural pride.

No. 4: State Fair of Texas
Dallas, Texas

In true Texas style, the State Fair of Texas does it big each autumn. Every year, it draws millions of visitors for the car show, chili cook-off, shopping, agricultural expos, and other activities. Foodies can get creative with the deep fryer in the Big Tex Choice Awards, where in years past, fried beer or fried peaches and cream have taken the stage. The nonprofit fair started in 1886 as a way to celebrate Texas agriculture, community and education, and it still prioritizes that original purpose today.

No. 3: Wisconsin State Fair
West Allis, Wisconsin

Well into its second century, the Wisconsin State Fair features thousands of animals, educational exhibits, attractions, plants and flowers, and various competitions, from wine to meat to textiles to cheese. The fair also brings together hundreds of vendors each summer for shopping, more than two dozen games, and several thrilling rides. Live entertainment typically includes big-name headliners, and more than a million visitors come every year.

No. 2: Iowa State Fair
Des Moines, Iowa

Taking place each August, the Iowa State Fair is an iconic event and Iowa’s biggest celebration. It draws more than a million people every year to Des Moines and has earned its fair share of fame. This fair was the inspiration for the book "State Fair" by Phil Stong, as well as a Broadway musical and three movies — it's even on the National Register of Historic Places. Don't miss the giant cow sculpted from butter.

No. 1: Minnesota State Fair
St. Paul, Minnesota

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the region’s most widely attended activities, drawing nearly two million visitors every year. The fair is located on a 320-acre fairground and typically runs from late August into Labor Day. It’s one of the nation’s biggest fairs, employing 80 full-time employees and about 2,000 people during fair time, and it has enormous economic impact on the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.