Carnival rides? Check. Prize-winning livestock? Check. Cotton candy? Check. Fried Oreos, candy bars, and more? Check, check, check!

As we collectively wave goodbye to summer, the 2026 Utah State Fair stands ready to usher in the fall from September 10–20, 2026. Whether you're a first-timer or it's an annual family tradition, this year's lineup promises rides, food, live entertainment, hands-on farm exhibits, and even a special celebration of America's 250th birthday. Here's everything you can see, do, and taste, plus how to plan your visit.

Girl holding a cotton candy animal and stuffing a big cloud of cotton candy into her mouth
Fair Food

Culinary Adventures and Classic Fair Food

The fair is synonymous with adventurous eating, and 2026 is no exception. From traditional favorites like turkey legs and cotton candy to inventive over-the-top eats, the food scene is set to be a highlight for anyone. Indulge in these culinary delights, but remember, moderation is key—unless we’re talking about funnel cakes.

Demolition derby cars crashing into each other with mud flying and filled stadium seats behind them.
Day of Wreckoning Demolition Derby

Live Entertainment for Every Age

This year’s entertainment lineup at the Utah State Fair is diverse, with performances ranging from local bands to national acts, ensuring there’s a musical genre to match everyone's taste. Beyond music, the fair offers a variety of live performances, including the crowd-favorite demolition derby and unique events like pig races—a must-see for all ages. Make sure you grab a schedule or check online as showtimes vary by day and stage.  Highlights include:

​On the Concert Stage:

  • Third Eye Blind
  • Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias

In the Arena:

  • Utah's Own PRCA Rodeo - on multiple nights throughout the fair
  • Day of "Wreck"oning Demolition Derby
  • "Monsters are Real" Monster Truck Show
Utah State Fair
Entertainment for All

Roaming the Grounds (included in your admission):

  • Extreme Lumberjacks - daring axe-throwing and timber-sports
  • ACES Flying Pig Races - the fair's most beloved (and funniest) competitors
  • Mobile Dairy Classroom - an up-close look at dairy farming
  • BOOM! and Wild West Fun Park - high-energy stunt and western-themed shows
  • The Amirrorcan Men - larger than life entertainers
Two small kids petting a tagged baby cow. One is wearing a red apron that says Barnyard Friends
Barnyard Friends

Get Down on the Farm

Agriculture is at the heart of the Utah State Fair, and there's no better way to experience it than up close.

Barnyard Friends is where "aww" meets "aha." Get face-to-face with baby animals — newborn lambs, goat kids, piglets, and calves — and learn what it takes to care for them, from bottle-feeding to brushing. Time your visit right, and you might even catch a chick hatching in real time.

Two small barns, one red, one blue and a sign that says Little Hands on the Farm
Barnyard Friends

Nearby, wander through The Barns to see hogs, beef cattle, goats, sheep, and their junior counterparts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the animals behind Utah's dairy, wool, and meat industries.

Little Hands on the Farm turns kids ages 2–10 into farmers for a day. They'll harvest a basket of goods: milk from the dairy barn, an apple from the orchard, an egg from the chicken coop, then "sell" their harvest at the Farmers Market and use their earnings to "shop" at the Grocery Store. It's hands-on, educational, and consistently one of the fair's most popular stops for families. Note: the exhibit closes at 8 p.m. nightly, so plan an earlier visit if this is on your list.

Group of young people looking at a cow sculpture made of butter that is behind glass
Students Visit the Butter Cow

See the Butter Cow

Young or old, everyone agrees: you can't leave the fair without seeing the incredible Butter Cow. Sculpted from 600–800 pounds of butter over roughly 80 hours, this is a Utah State Fair tradition dating back to 1989, and it can only be seen each year during the 11 days of the fair. You'll find it inside the Promontory Building alongside the Creative Arts exhibits. It's one of the most photographed stops on the fairgrounds, (because it is delightfully unique) so save room on your camera roll.

A crowd of people walking down the area between fair booths advertising fair food

Celebrate America 250

This year's fair carries some extra meaning: as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Utah State Fair is joining in with special America 250 programming throughout the grounds. Look for themed art, photography, crafts, and competitive exhibits inspired by American heritage, plus live entertainment including a "Tribute to the Troops" performance at the Gazebo Stage. Kids ages 2–17 can also take part in the Rock Challenge, a fun painted-rock contest tied to the celebration. It's a meaningful, only-this-year addition worth building into your visit.

Art sculpture of a turtle with other art around it. Each has a fair ribbon on it
Art Exhibits

Artistic Expressions

It isn't all just fun and games — it's also a celebration of Utah's artistic talents. From photography exhibits to live painting sessions and the America 250-themed creative arts entries (think leatherwork, metalwork, glasswork, and more), the fairgrounds serve as a canvas showcasing the creativity of local artists. It's a great opportunity to experience art in a dynamic, interactive setting — funnel cake included.

If you want to take home a piece of the Utah, the State Fair Gift Shop, tucked on the north side of the fair park, will feature a variety of local vendors and artisan's wares. 

Aerial view of fair tents and carnival rides including a ferris wheel with the Salt Lake skyline and Wasatch Mountains in the background

Planning Your Visit

As you prepare to join the festivities, a little planning goes a long way. Check ticket availability, find maps of the fairgrounds, and browse the full schedule of arena events, concerts, and grounds entertainment by visiting the official Utah State Fair website.