When is the Oregon State Fair in Salem in 2026?

The Oregon State Fair returns to Salem, Oregon, Friday, August 28 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.

That means we're officially just ONE WEEK AWAY!

The fair returns to the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center with 11 days of carnival rides, fair food, animals, 4-H and FFA exhibits, competitions, shopping, family entertainment and a huge nightly concert lineup.

And 2026 has something extra: the fair is celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a new America 250 Live production featuring acrobatics, high-tech visuals, music, stunt performances and more.

If you're planning a trip to the fair this year, here's everything you need to know before you go.

Oregon State Fair 2026 Dates

📅 Friday, August 28 – Monday, September 7, 2026

📍 Oregon State Fair & Expo Center
2330 17th Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301

The Oregon State Fair has been a Salem tradition for generations and remains one of the biggest end-of-summer events in the Willamette Valley.

You can find the latest official information on the Oregon State Fair website.

What Are the Oregon State Fair Hours?

The 2026 hours vary depending on the day:

Friday, August 28 – Saturday, August 29:
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 30 – Thursday, September 3:
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6:
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Labor Day — Monday, September 7:
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Carnival rides begin operating at 11:00 a.m. each day.

Check current Oregon State Fair dates and hours

How Much Are Oregon State Fair Tickets in 2026?

If you're reading this when I publish it on August 21, there is a reason to buy your tickets quickly.

The current presale prices are:

• Adults ages 13–64: $10
• Children ages 6–12: $8
• Kids 5 and younger: FREE
• Seniors 65+: $3
• Family 4-Pack: $25 for two adults and two kids
• 11-Day Pass: $25 per person and non-transferable

Once the fair opens August 28, regular gate admission increases to $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 6–12. Seniors remain $3 and children 5 and younger remain free.

You can purchase official tickets through the Oregon State Fair ticket information page.

Important: The fair warns visitors to purchase tickets only through the official Oregon State Fair website or its authorized ticket provider, FunCard.

Want a Deal? Opening Day Admission Is Only $5

Here's one of the best deals this year:

Friday, August 28 — $5 Admission

General admission is just $5 on the first Friday of the Oregon State Fair.

If your schedule is flexible, opening day could be one of the cheapest ways to take the whole family.

There are several other discounts available throughout the fair too.

Seniors

Guests 65 and older can get admission for $3 every day.

Kids 5 & Under

Children age 5 and younger receive free fair admission with adult admission.

Heroes Day — Labor Day

On Labor Day, the fair offers free admission to active military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and teachers, along with their families.

Sunny Bite Day — September 2

Participating food vendors will offer $5 menu items from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See all current offers on the Oregon State Fair Deals & Discounts page.

The Carnival Is HUGE This Year

If your kids go straight for the rides, you'll probably want to plan plenty of time for the midway.

The 2026 Oregon State Fair carnival is expected to have 55 rides, including 12 new rides this year.

Rainier Amusements is bringing everything from classic family rides to major thrill rides, including the Giant Wheel, Rampage, Freak Out, Insomniac, Wave Swinger, Kamikaze and Super Shot.

2026 Carnival Wristband Prices

Presale unlimited ride wristbands are currently:

Monday–Friday: $45

Saturday–Sunday: $55

The wristband is valid for one person on one day and includes unlimited rides plus four games. Fair admission is separate.

If your kids plan to ride a LOT, the wristband may make more sense than purchasing individual ride tickets.

There's Also a New Medusa Thrill Ride

For the serious thrill seekers, there's also the Medusa.

This high-intensity attraction spins and tilts riders through rapid movements and requires a separate $10 ride ticket.

One important thing to know: Medusa is not included with an unlimited carnival wristband.

Riders must also be at least 54 inches tall.

America 250 Live Is New for the 2026 Oregon State Fair

One of the biggest new additions this year is America 250 Live.

To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the Oregon State Fair is bringing a Vegas-style, hour-long production to the Pavilion every day of the fair.

Expect:

• Aerialists and acrobatics
• High-wire and stunt performances
• Live music and choreography
• High-tech visuals
• Performers connected to America's Got Talent, Guinness World Records and other major productions
• A combination of history, technology, music and entertainment

And here's the best part:

America 250 Live is FREE with regular Oregon State Fair admission.

General admission seating is first come, first served. Paid VIP floor and suite seating options are also available.

From August 28 through September 6, the show is scheduled for 5:30–6:30 p.m.

On Labor Day, September 7, the show moves earlier to 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Learn more about America 250 Live

Oregon State Fair Concert Lineup 2026

This year's Columbia Bank Concert Series has a really diverse lineup.

Friday, August 28

Nate Smith

Saturday, August 29

Al Jardine of the Beach Boys + The Pet Sounds Band

This is an update from the originally announced lineup. The Beach Boys canceled their scheduled appearance, and Al Jardine + The Pet Sounds Band will perform instead. Existing Beach Boys tickets remain valid.

Sunday, August 30

Walker Hayes

Monday, August 31

BigXThaPlug

Tuesday, September 1

Clint Black

Wednesday, September 2

Ben Fuller

Thursday, September 3

All Time Low

Friday, September 4

Jo Dee Messina

Saturday, September 5

Uncle Kracker

Sunday, September 6

Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach

Monday, September 7

Weird Al Yankovic

Most concerts have doors at 6:30 p.m. and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Weird Al is the exception on Labor Day, with doors at 3:00 p.m. and showtime at 4:00 p.m.

See the full 2026 Oregon State Fair concert lineup and ticket information

Can You See an Oregon State Fair Concert Without Buying a Reserved Concert Ticket?

Potentially, yes.

The fair says L.B. Day Amphitheater concerts have a limited number of seats available free with paid fair admission, on a first-come, first-served basis while space lasts.

The number of free seats varies by show.

If there is a particular artist you really want to see, I wouldn't count on getting a free seat. A reserved concert ticket is the safer option.

Don't Skip the Animals, 4-H and FFA Exhibits

The Oregon State Fair isn't only about rides and concerts.

One of the things that makes a state fair different from a regular carnival is Oregon's agricultural side.

You'll find livestock competitions, 4-H and FFA programs, horses, poultry, rabbits and other animals throughout the fairgrounds.

The historic Poultry Building is home to small-animal competitions including poultry, pigeons, doves, rabbits and cavies.

Especially if you're bringing younger kids, I'd leave time to walk through the animal areas instead of spending the entire day at the carnival.

What About the Fair Food?

Let's be real—sometimes the food is half the reason to go.

Part of the fun of the Oregon State Fair is wandering around and finding something you would probably never order during your normal week.

Think classic fair staples, food trucks, desserts, fried foods, BBQ, sweet treats and all kinds of other vendors.

If you're trying to save a little money while still trying the food, remember Wednesday, September 2 is Sunny Bite Day, when participating vendors will have $5 items between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

How Much Is Parking at the Oregon State Fair?

Regular on-site parking for 2026 is:

Monday–Thursday, including Labor Day: $5 per vehicle

Friday–Sunday: $10 per vehicle

The fair also sells Parky Like a Rockstar premium parking for $20 per vehicle.

Want Free Parking?

There's another good local deal:

The Oregon State Fair says you can receive a free parking pass with a purchase at participating Oregon Wilco locations, while supplies last.

That could be especially handy if you're already making a stop at Wilco before the fair.

Can You Take Public Transportation to the Oregon State Fair?

Yes.

The fair lists free Park & Ride options and Cherriots service as alternatives to driving directly to the fairgrounds.

If you're trying to avoid parking traffic—especially on a concert night or weekend—this might be worth looking into.

See Oregon State Fair directions and transportation options.

A Few Tips If You're Taking Kids to the Oregon State Fair

If I'm taking kids, I like to think of the fair as an all-day adventure rather than trying to squeeze everything into a couple of hours.

A few things I'd bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Refillable water bottles if permitted under current fair rules
• A stroller or wagon for little kids if allowed
• A portable phone charger
• A light layer for the evening
• Hearing protection for younger kids around loud rides and concerts
• A plan for where you'll meet if anyone gets separated

The fair itself specifically recommends proper hearing protection for young ears around the carnival.

And because the fairgrounds are huge, don't feel like you need to do every single thing.

Pick your must-do activities first and build the day around those.

What Should You Do First at the Oregon State Fair?

If you're bringing kids, my personal order would probably be:

Animals → food → family attractions → carnival rides → America 250 Live → evening concert or one last walk through the fair.

Doing some of the indoor exhibits earlier can also be nice if it's a hot August afternoon.

If your entire family is there primarily for rides, though, head toward the carnival when rides start at 11 a.m. before the evening crowds grow.

Is the Oregon State Fair Worth Visiting?

I think the Oregon State Fair is one of those events that's worth doing at least once each summer if you live around Salem.

You can make completely different days out of it depending on who you're going with.

With younger kids: animals, family rides, food and exhibits.

With teenagers: carnival rides, games and concerts.

For a date night: fair food, America 250 Live, a concert and wandering the midway after dark.

With friends: food, drinks, thrill rides and one of the big headliners.

It also happens right here in Salem, which is one of those fun reminders that we don't always have to drive to Portland to find a major event.

More Summer Things to Do Around Salem & Keizer

If you're looking for more local summer activities, I've put together quite a few guides this year.

You may also want to read:

Ultimate Guide to the Marion County Fair 2026 — another great local fair guide with rides, food, animals and family activities.

Marion Berries Berry Pass 2026 — especially useful for families looking for things to do with kids through the end of summer. The 2026 Berry Pass also includes Oregon State Fair admission as one of its benefits.

Best Parks in Salem & Keizer, Oregon — perfect if you'd rather spend your next summer day outdoors exploring Minto-Brown, Riverfront Park, Keizer Rapids Park and other local favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Oregon State Fair

When does the Oregon State Fair start in 2026?

The Oregon State Fair opens Friday, August 28, 2026.

When does the Oregon State Fair end?

The final day is Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.

Where is the Oregon State Fair?

The fair takes place at the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center, 2330 17th Street NE in Salem, Oregon.

How much does Oregon State Fair admission cost?

Presale admission is currently $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–12, $3 for seniors and free for children 5 and younger. Regular fair-time admission increases to $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 6–12.

Is the Oregon State Fair free for kids?

Children 5 and younger are free with adult admission.

How much is parking?

Regular parking is $5 Monday through Thursday, including Labor Day, and $10 Friday through Sunday.

What time do Oregon State Fair carnival rides start?

Carnival rides begin at 11 a.m. daily.

Who is performing at the Oregon State Fair in 2026?

The concert lineup includes Nate Smith, Al Jardine of the Beach Boys + The Pet Sounds Band, Walker Hayes, BigXThaPlug, Clint Black, Ben Fuller, All Time Low, Jo Dee Messina, Uncle Kracker, Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach and Weird Al Yankovic.

Is America 250 Live included with admission?

Yes. General admission to America 250 Live is free with paid Oregon State Fair admission, with optional reserved VIP upgrades available.

See You at the Oregon State Fair!

The Oregon State Fair is one of those events that really feels like the unofficial end of summer here in Salem.

The glowing carnival rides, animals, concerts, ridiculous fair food, kids carrying stuffed animals twice their size—it all feels like part of the experience.

And this year, with 55 carnival rides, America 250 Live, 11 nights of major concerts and plenty of family activities, there's a lot to see.

The 2026 Oregon State Fair opens next Friday, August 28, and runs through Labor Day, September 7.

If you go, have fun—and maybe don't ride the craziest carnival ride immediately after eating the fair food. 🤍

And if you're thinking about moving to Salem, Keizer or somewhere else in the Willamette Valley, I'd love to be a resource.

Reach out anytime to see if I might be a good fit for you! You can check out my reviews or schedule a time to talk—no pressure, just information.

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