During the summer months, enjoy annual fairs in the Northwest states and Alaska, celebrating agriculture and unique culture as well as amusement with carnivals, concerts.

Discover the state fairs of the Northwest states and Alaska, where culture is celebrated with amusement and entertainment. Check out the dates and locations listed below for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska.

Oregon

Oregon State Fair – Salem, Oregon

August 22nd – September 1st

With a theme like “It’s Like a Magical Enchanted Land. Except Real”, the 2008 Oregon State Fair is sure to be fun and exciting. Located in Salem, Oregon’s capital city, fair-goers attend from across the state. Fair attractions include carnival rides, food booths, concerts & shows, an artisan’s village, sports and recreation area, and a garden district. Participants walk through livestock barns, viewing cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and horses. Oregon State Park employees provide education opportunities on natural resources. Kids enjoy games and learning exhibits in Familyville.

Washington

Central Washington State Fair – Yakima, Washington

September 26th – October 5th

Considered the home of Washington’s only “State Fair”, the Central Washington Fair Association hosts the annual “state fair” from September 26th through October 5th this year. With carnival rides, midway games, wine shop and garden, entertainment stage, concerts and agricultural exhibits, the fair has something for everyone. Celebrating 115 years, the Central Washington State Fair’s theme is “Celebrate What’s Great!” The State Fair Park is home to the SunDome, hosting sports events, concerts and rodeo throughout the year.

Idaho

Western Idaho Fair – Boise, Idaho

August 15th – 24th

Eastern Idaho State Fair – Blackfoot, Idaho

August 30th – September 6th

The state of Idaho conducts two fairs: the Western Idaho Fair and the Eastern Idaho State Fair. The Western Idaho Fair, held in Idaho’s capital city, Boise, runs in mid-August. With a theme, “Play Your Heart Out”, the fair will amuse fairgoers with rides, games, special events and concerts.

The Eastern Idaho State Fair is “Your Ticket to Fun!” The 2008 event also aims to provide amusement with rides and games, fair food, a rodeo, demolition derby and tractor pull. Join concertgoers for fun with musical headliners, comedy acts and other entertaining shows.

Wyoming

Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo – Douglas, Wyoming

August 9th – 16th

The 96th annual Wyoming State Fair is held in Douglas, Wyoming from August 9th through August 16th. This year the theme is “Rides, Ribbons & Rodeo”. Hosting the 2008 Mustang Challenge during the fair dates, visitors can watch as horse trainers present their skills. Fair events include a parade, carnival games, demolition derby, livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, PRCA rodeo, and ranch horse competition. An amusing performance of Pigs n’ Mud Wrestling is sure to get a few laughs!

Montana

Montana State Fair – Great Falls, Montana

July 25th – August 3rd

Acclaimed as the “#1 Tourism Event in Montana, the Montana State Fair in Great Falls, runs from July 25th through August 3rd. Filled with entertaining events such as concerts, livestock shows, horse races, food, pro rodeo, art exhibits and more, the fair is truly a place of interest. The fair hosts Montana’s largest rodeo: the Big Sky Pro-Rodeo Roundup.

Alaska

Alaska State Fair – Palmer, Alaska

August 21st – September 1st

“Celebrating Statehood” is the theme of the Alaska State Fair this year, as Alaska celebrates its 50th Anniversary of Statehood. Located 45 miles north of Anchorage in Palmer, the Alaska State Fair brings an average of 300,000 visitors to the Matanuska Valley. Celebrating agriculture, exhibits include arts and crafts, homebrew and winemaking, livestock, quilting and food.

For more information on Northwest celebrations and festivals, read the article: Northwest Autumn Festivals.