Oregon State Fair
Big names. Big acts. Big fun. Concerts at the Fair are a really big deal. Big name performers and hometown favorites perform live on stages. Small wonder every performance feels like the Big Show.
BIG SHOWS
See some of the biggest names in entertainment at the Oregon State Fair. From classic rock, country to contemporary artists. The Fair has something for everyone. Just remember that big tickets sell out fast!
OTHER SHOWS & CONCERTS
Every day of the Fair will feature outstanding live entertainment at our many stages!
ENTERTAINMENT
Concerts, magic shows, animal shows, wine-tasting, five stages of free entertainment, special musical events and more. Now that's entertainment.
ATTRACTIONS & DISPLAYS
See the bounty of Oregon's best at the State Fair's attractions and displays. From floral to fine art (and nearly everything in between), these displays offer hands-on demonstrations, presentations, seminars and, of course, plenty of eye candy.
CARNIVAL & RIDES
Experience the biggest and best rides at the State Fair carnival...by Funtastic Carnival. Pony rides, mechanical bull rides, the Big Sling and more!
FOOD & DRINK
From traditional Fair fare to fine wines to the best barbecue this side of - well - anywhere, the Oregon State Fair has more food and beverages than you can shake a corndog at.
Fair History
How Fairs Began - A World View
Fairs are descended from an ancient tradition originating in the gathering of tribes for the exchange of goods. The gathering places were considered to be holy - the gods would punish anyone caught fighting or cheating there. Phoenician caravans brought goods to Mecca as early as 1000 B.C. Egypt, Ireland and Greece were also home to some of the earliest fairs, which featured both religious ceremonies and trading opportunities. Fairs continued into the Middle Ages and in China, France, Russia and England, great trade fairs facilitated the exchange of European and Asian goods and information.
The first fair in the U.S. was sponsored by an agricultural society in Massachusetts and took place in 1816. Fairs soon began showing up in other areas of the country, and many of them centered around agriculture. The fairs developed for the purpose of exchanging goods, exchanging information, and making social contacts.
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