Packed with colorful carnival rides, fun competitions, live music, and agricultural shows, the state fair – a beloved American tradition – offers spectacle like no other. But for many attendees, the unrivaled pleasure lies in exploring the array of irresistible foods. From iconic funnel cakes to weird-and-wacky creations like fried butter or pickle-topped pizza, this annual extravaganza is worth traveling for. So, to help you out, we've mapped out all the must-try dishes from every corner of the country.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best state fair foods from every US state – from Alabama to Wyoming, and everywhere in between. 

​Our selection is based on popularity, historical importance, awards and accolades, and genuine reviews. They're also regularly checked and updated.

Whether you're exploring Alabama's official State Fair in Birmingham, the historical National Fair in Montgomery, or the celebrated National Peanut Festival – yes, there's a festival solely dedicated to peanuts – your experience wouldn't be complete without sampling a quintessential Southern delight: boiled peanuts. Although they appear simple, these salty treats are surprisingly soft and juicy. Plus, there's always the option to turn up the heat with peanuts boiled in a spicy, tongue-tingling hot sauce.

Hot dogs are a familiar sight at state fairs nationwide, but in Alaska they serve a memorable take on the classic sausage in a bun. These weiners are anything but average, featuring added reindeer. Less gamey than anticipated, the reindeer introduces a rich flavor profile with subtle smoky nuances and a tender texture. Topped with the obligatory caramelized onions and nestled snugly into a bun, it's the ideal snack to power you through a day of walking around the fair.

Soft, pillowy, thick, and bubbly, fry bread steals the show at the Arizona State Fair, often drawing the longest lines. You're guaranteed to find a variation that suits your tastes – whether it's the essential Indian tacos, modern imaginative dishes like cheesesteak-topped fry bread, or, for the sweet of teeth, sprinkled with sugar. The tasty treat is ubiquitous in Native American cuisine, particularly in Arizona – the Diné (Navajo) made the first fry bread more than 150 years ago, after the Long Walk.

Vibrant state capital Little Rock is the bustling hub for the annual state fair. With a staggering half a million visitors, this lively event is a highlight for locals and tourists alike. We recommend making a beeline for the hillbilly fries: crispy French fries piled high with sloppy spoonfuls of shredded barbecue pork, oozing mac 'n' cheese, sizzling grilled onions and peppers, and even more cheese – because, why not?

Sweltering hot days under the California sun call for a sweet refresher, and what fits the bill better than a serving of creamy Dole Whip? With fruity flavors like strawberry, tropical mango, zesty lemon, and the iconic pineapple, there's something for everyone. Since the soft-serve is vegan and gluten-free, no cravings will be left unsatisfied – and the California State Fair lasts 17 days, so there's ample chance to grab some.

Colorado State Fair puts local food front and center, with diverse stalls championing farmers, ranchers, and chefs creating. Despite the array of options, the standout favorite is the legendary Pueblo slopper. As the moniker suggests, the slopper makes for notoriously messy eating; expect a juicy, open-faced cheeseburger covered in savory green chili, punchy onions, and melty shredded cheese. The dish has achieved icon status, with the state fair running a World Slopper Eating Championship.

While this small state may lack an independent fair, The Big E – an epic gathering spanning all six New England states – is an affair you can't overlook. Each day represents a different state or area, showcasing its uniquely delicious gems. And when it's Connecticut's turn to shine, head straight for The Dough House and get your hands on the legendary Original Big Donut, a sugary treat the company claims has satisfied fairgoers for more than 70 years.

Say goodbye to the sausage and hello to the scrapple, a Delaware special with a true cult following. If you can't get enough of umami-packed meat, you'll enjoy this memorable twist on a breakfast patty, which features pork scraps and trimmings mixed with seasonings and cornmeal, shaped into a loaf, and fried. Served between two slices of rustic white bread, it's crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a rich herbal flavor likened to pâté.

Is any excursion to the state fair complete without funnel cake? We say no. Although you'll find funnel cakes at every state fair nationwide, Florida State Fair's food vendors have mastered the art, serving treats that are delicately crispy and irresistibly sweet. While you can grab almost any flavor imaginable, citrus is the only way to go when visiting the Sunshine State. Among the creations you might find is this tart lemonade-flavored funnel cake, finished with powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles.

Korean BBQ fries might not be the first food you expect to find at the Georgia State Fair. Nonetheless, these flavor-packed fries recently clinched the top spot for savory foods, and it's easy to see why. Crispy skin-on fries provide the perfect canvas for generous portions of succulent Korean BBQ-marinated meats and tangy kimchi. A drizzle of spicy mayo rounds the plate off with a hint of creaminess.

Hawaii's state fair pre-dates its 1959 incorporation into the United States, starting out as a trade fair in the 1930s. Today, it's a huge annual hoopla in Honolulu. As you take in the mesmerizing hula hālaus dance performances, the thing to order is a poke bowl. You'll find plenty of choices of how to top that sticky rice, from avocado and tuna to limu (bitter seaweed).

There are a million and one ways to enjoy the humble potato, but this ranks as one of the best. Tornado potatoes (cleverly shortened here to tortatoes) may not be a full meal, but they are the definitive fairground snack. Living up to its reputation for fantastic spuds, Idaho's state fair boasts the best – including mouth-wateringly crunchy and golden ribbon-cut potatoes doused in a garlicky truffle aioli and rich Parmesan shavings.

If you want to discover what pure indulgence tastes like, look no further than the Illinois State Fair and the walking deep-fried horseshoe, a specialty from Springfield, Illinois. Picture this: melt-in-the-mouth, intensely savory seared ground beef (or chicken), paired with piping-hot fries and drenched in a salty beer cheese sauce – all snugly wrapped in a soft wheat tortilla. Then, the enormous wrap is deep-fried until golden and lavishly coated with more melty sauce in front of your eyes.

A base of crispy, slightly chewy, thin-crust pizza is just the beginning. Chefs spread a creamy, herby dill and ranch sauce onto the dough, then top that with gooey mozzarella cheese, sour dill pickles, and a final scattering of fresh, zesty dill. While it may sound divisive, the pickle pizza at the Indiana State Fair was named the event's best food offering in a public vote in 2022. So, if you're a fan of unconventional food pairings (or positively smitten with pickles), give this one a whirl.

At state fairs, one thing's for sure: deep-fried delights steal the show. And Iowa's State Fair, held right in the capital of Des Moines, takes it to a whole new level. To illustrate this point, look no further than deep-fried bacon brisket mac 'n' cheese grilled cheese. Yes, you heard that right. It's a mouthful (in more ways than one), featuring layers of oozing bacon and brisket-loaded mac 'n' cheese, all sandwiched between slices of bacon and Cheddar-enriched bread. Who's in?

Pronto Pups aren't native to Kansas (the story goes they were first served from a hot dog stand in Rockaway Beach, Oregon in the 1930s), but the state fair here has adopted the historic fairground treat wholeheartedly. Aside from the distinctively painted huts peddling the goodies, you'll also find the Kansas State Fair has a prominent Pronto Pup eating contest. However, don't mention corn dogs – the difference between the two is a matter of much contention, with the main difference being that Pronto Pups omit sugar in the fluffy batter.

KFC might be Kentucky's most famed export but, within the region, it's all about the pork chop sandwich, a Kentucky State Fair forte. Many patrons head to the fair solely to dig their chops into the no-frills sandwich – but why? The dish appears plain, often without any garnishes or condiments. However, just one bite into the half-inch-thick grilled pork chop, brined in a piquant, peppery sauce and crammed into a white bun, provides all the answers: it's simply delicious.

You'll have no issues finding deep-fried desserts and treats at any state fair, from slices of battered cheesecake to Twinkie bars. However, one reigns supreme with its decadent chocolate cookies and sweet, gooey cream in a rich, crispy pancake-like batter: deep-fried Oreos. Once crowned with powdered sugar and whipped cream, this Louisiana State Fair treat is the sweetest way to end your day, especially when shared with friends or family.

Maine red snapper may share the same name as a fish but, from the vibrant red casing that snaps when you bite into it, the characteristic umami-rich meatiness of hot dogs, and a liberally buttered top-cut bun, this is pure beef and pork sausage. Given that red snapper is barbecued year-round across the state, there's debate about whether it strictly qualifies as fair food. Demand at the Big E (a mega state fair of all six New England states) speaks volumes, so the verdict appears to be a resounding yes.

Given Maryland's expansive coastline showcasing the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it's no surprise the standout fare at the Maryland State Fair is seafood based. This choice merges two enduringly sought-after appetizers, and it seems only fitting for one of them to be a Maryland superstar: zesty, herby, crab meat-filled fritters. The other? Bubbly, crispy egg rolls. The resulting crab cake egg rolls won the accolade of best savory new food item at the 2023 MALLET competition.

We'd be remiss if we didn't recommend trying the lobster rolls at New England's mega state fair, the Big E. Found in multiple buildings, these droolworthy buns – brimming with tender shredded lobster, creamy mayonnaise, and a citrusy dressing – capture the essence of everything inviting about New England cuisine. State-specific stalls within the fair prepare things differently; the Massachusetts version, for example, is loaded high with buttery shredded lobster meat, providing a surprising texture contrast to traditional large chunks.

Are you in the camp that knows and loves elephant ears, or are you one of many to have never tried (or perhaps even heard of) the treat? If it's the former, we apologize for awakening your cravings – and if it's the latter, you need to plan a visit to the Michigan State Fair to discover what you've been missing all your life. Despite the quirky title, the delicacy is surprisingly simple, consisting of a fried sweet dough dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Considering the constant stream of visitors, it's no surprise that fairground fare tends to be unpretentious, designed to satisfy large crowds quickly. So stumbling upon a customizable dessert, like this hidden gem at the Minnesota State Fair, is like striking gold. Inspired by the renowned, locally made Pearson's candy bars, these chocolate-dipped salted nut rolls have a chewy nougat center coated in caramel. Take your pick from myriad nuts for the coating, then dip them in chocolate.

Have you even been to the state fair if you didn't eat something on a stick? Over the years, the list of fairground food has expanded to include increasingly outrageous items like Fat Elvis on-a-stick (a peanut butter cup in banana batter, with bacon) and gator on a stick. Penn's Fish House, a firm favorite at the Mississippi State Fair, keeps things simple with battered chicken pieces threaded onto a stick. The no-gimmick eats have earned the stall returning customers and rave reviews. 

Here's a fun fact about the University of Missouri: It's famous for producing ice cream. Culinary students, researching the subject since the 1920s, achieved a breakthrough in 1989 with distinctive tiger-stripe ice cream – a nod to the university colors and mascot. Students still handle production, creating stripes by swirling golden vanilla and dark Dutch chocolate. As you can imagine, the tempting treat is a coveted and crowd-pleasing choice at the Missouri State Fair.

In any other context, the word Viking might conjure images of a Scandinavian warrior. At the Montana State Fair, however, it has a distinct and wildly delicious connotation. Here, the term refers to Swedish meatballs with a difference; these are mammoth (about the size of a small potato), battered, and skewered on a stick, ready to dip in mustard or ketchup. For many, grabbing a Viking is a treasured tradition, as the original booth has been running for more than 50 years.

Struggling to decide between sweet and savory? No need. You'll love this unique offering from Pig in a Bag, which blends the best of both worlds at the Nebraska State Fair. Owner Mickey Hatcher spent two years developing the recipe, and his hard work paid off – it clinched the top spot in the New and Unique Food Contest's sweet category in 2023. Expect layers of peach-infused cake, brown sugar peach chunks, tangy cheesecake topping, caramel sauce, and smoky bacon pieces. 

Las Vegas may draw crowds to Nevada but don't overlook the charms of the state capital, Carson City. Bordered by the scenic Lake Tahoe, it hosts an annual state fair that promises family-friendly entertainment, diverse vendors, and flavorsome cuisine. While you explore the fair, it's obligatory to nibble on corn dogs – piping hot from the fryer, of course. After all, when have juicy weiners coated in honey-sweet, fluffy cornmeal batter ever disappointed? This is a beloved classic for a reason.

Warm, cakey, dense, and dusted in aromatic cinnamon sugar, there's nothing quite like New Hampshire–style apple cider donuts. Known worldwide for its heirloom apples, the picturesque state has made an enterprise of small-batch cideries – and what better use for the fruity beverage than irresistible fall-spiced donuts? For a taste of heaven, grab a bag from the aptly named Pat's Cider Donuts, a business that's been selling at New England's multi-state fair, the Big E, for generations. 

Everything's more fun at the fair – including the food. While plain salted popcorn might satisfy on any other given day, for the New Jersey State Fair, it has to be vendor Jeff's signature bags of vibrant rainbow kettle corn. Bountiful bags crammed with buttery, sugary, and nutty toasted corn are ideal for the whole family, especially between traditional carnival games. There's always space for kettle corn, even after helping yourself to other delights.

The Midwest and Canada often receive credit for putting cheese curds on the map, but the New Mexico State Fair has found a way to make the treat its own. Mixed into the standard light and crispy batter are divinely sweet, spicy, and smoky New Mexican green chiles, adding intrigue to the tiny morsels of squeaky-fresh young Cheddar.

New York pizza slices are legendary around the world, but the New York State Fair offers a very different pizza-ish treat. Villa Pizze Fritte has become an unmissable pitstop at the annual fair. The purple-fronted concession sells two-foot-long strips of freshly fried, sugary dough, proudly declaring it a 'Syracuse icon.' The family recipe is a sensation, with lines from 9am to 11pm a frequent sight. 

Why should only meat lovers get to enjoy the traditional range of fairground 'on a stick' foods? Oak City Fish and Chips (which started as a food truck in 2016 before opening two permanent locations and a concession stand at the North Carolina State Fair) is switching things up by offering unbelievably crunchy, deep-fried jumbo shrimp. Squeeze lemon over each portion to add a burst of citrus, or boost the meal with a side of chunky seasoned fries.

Bite into a Minneapple Pie and you'll discover deep-fried pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar encasing juicy, gently spiced apple slices. The dish is bathed in tart pure apple syrup and served alongside two scoops of ice cream: floral vanilla and luxurious cinnamon. Messy, extravagant, and all you could want in a dessert, the fruity treat was dreamt up by Greek immigrant Andy Atsidakos around a decade ago.

It only makes sense that Buckeyes, Ohio's most iconic candy – named for their resemblance to Ohio's state tree – are the stars of the state fair food scene here. Except these are deep-fried, revealing three layers of deliciousness: the crisp golden batter, rich and melty chocolate, and toothsome peanut butter fudge in the center. Combining peanut butter and chocolate isn't revolutionary, but nobody can deny it has a mass appeal that'll have you dreaming about the treat for days to come. 

Just as you thought there were no more delectable yet eccentric hot dogs to sink your teeth into, the Oklahoma State Fair surprises you with the award-winning honey pepper bacon dog from The Express Food Truck. It's been voted the top food at the fair each year since 2020, and customers keep coming back for more; no wonder, with a quarter-pound 100% beef frank, honey mustard sauce, and sweet and spicy honey pepper bacon, all smothered in buttery melted Monterey Jack cheese.

Charcuterie boards may not be regular fairground food, but expect the unexpected at the Oregon State Fair – where a light grazing board is ideal for the scorching August heat. Nibble on sharp cheese married with sweet, fruity jam and cured cold cuts, plus salty olives, dried fruits, roasted nuts, and crackers ready to spread with herbaceous cheese. Got a sweet tooth? Opt for the sweet version with brownie bites, berries, and cookies alongside ganache dipping sauce.

Pennsylvania is one of few US States without a state fair. Nevertheless, the area isn't without fairs – more than 100 – with the largest, the York State Fair, claiming to be 'America's First Fair,' dating back to 1765. One thing's for sure: no matter where you go, you'll find a Philly cheesesteak. Thin strips of ribeye or top round steak piled into a hoagie roll, topped with a blanket of molten provolone cheese, makes for a simple yet satisfying hand-held meal.

Fried butter is the ultimate 'don't knock it until you try it' experience. Despite potentially achieving the challenging status of unhealthiest food at the fair, this offbeat invention is surprisingly palatable, earning it cult status. The batter is sweet and doughy, while the softened butter is creamy, rich, and subtly salty, creating a French toast–like affair. If you're brave enough, head to the Rhode Island area of the Big E (New England's multi-state fair) to sample the fairground special.

Humongous turkey legs are pretty much obligatory for visitors to the South Carolina State Fair. The super-sized turkey legs are roasted over smoky hickory wood, then wrapped with deliciously fatty, maple-glazed bacon, emitting an aroma so tempting you can follow your nose to the concession booth. It's served bone-in (for easy holding), feels delightfully rustic, and packs in the protein.

Did you know that, according to the US Department of Agriculture, there are almost five times as many cattle in South Dakota as there are people? The Midwestern state is smitten with beef – and, at the state fair, the Cattlemen’s Association sells more than 1,000 of its acclaimed smoked beef sandwiches daily. The locally raised, spice-rubbed red meat is roasted over a hickory wood grill for hours before being sliced and tucked between soft buns. 

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are coated in a shatteringly crisp panko crumb, fried until sizzling and golden, then laden with tender pulled chicken, black beans, salty cotija cheese, street corn, fresh cilantro, and whipped avocado dip. Dubbed the los papas locas, this plate from Tennessee Tatercakes is guaranteed to disappear quickly. Arrive early at the combined Tennessee State Fair and Wilson County Fair to avoid disappointment, and dive fork first into the marvelously messy medley.

The State Fair of Texas is one of the largest in the US, and is responsible for innovating many of the dishes considered cornerstones of state fair cuisine. Set to become a staunch classic is the prize-winning bourbon banana caramel sopapillas; picture cinnamon sugar–dusted sopapillas dressed with caramel banana sauce, candied pecans, crunchy Nilla wafers, sweetened mascarpone cheese, and bourbon maple syrup. Did someone say yum?

If you've had your eye on one of these seemingly outlandish sweet and savory sandwiches for a while, run to the Utah State Fair. Anticipate the best state fair donuts – doughy, sugary, and glazed – cut in half, then stuffed with succulent cheeseburger patties, lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and, if you're feeling extra excessive, fried bacon. It's sticky, it's meaty, it's saccharine, and it's certainly not to be missed. 

Nothing says Vermont quite like maple, and at the Vermont State Fair, that can only mean one thing: the maple creemee. The traditional sweet treat from the majestic Green Mountain State sits between soft-serve and conventional ice cream, with 100% pure maple syrup drizzled into the smooth dairy base for a hint of caramel and toffee. A crispy waffle cone perfectly complements the nutty, crunchy flavors.

Although many state fair vendors travel countrywide, taking their goodies on the road with them, soybean donuts are a Virginia exclusive. Pelican Joe's Donuts – the enterprise behind the sweet, fluffy indulgences – is a passion project initiated by a couple who dreamed of maintaining the legacy of Virginia State Fair's original soybean donuts, after they learned the original company was ceasing operations. Two decades later, the donuts are firmly re-established as beloved fairground fare. 

Fisher Scones debuted at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup in the summer of 1915. Today, you can find the scones – notably made with provincial flour and ingredients – at the same booth, attracting the same crowds. Slathered with whipped butter plus local thick and fruity raspberry jam, not only are they extraordinarily enticing, but eating a Fisher Scone is like taking a bite of history.

Scroll through the West Virginia State Fair's socials and, amid the selfies, you'll find countless shots that put Son's-Sational Cinnamon Rolls centerstage. These are no ordinary cinnamon buns; they're freshly baked on-site daily, infused with sweet and citrusy cinnamon flavor and aroma, and generously coated in a luscious drip glaze. Indulging in just one is enough to satisfy your cravings for the entire day, and it's no wonder the family has thrived in the carnival foods business for three generations.

Despite a consistently impressive showing, only one option at the Wisconsin State Fair made sense to mention here: cream puffs. The Wisconsin Baker's Association has been baking the ambrosial pastry for around 100 years and, in 2011, set the record for the world's largest cream puff (weighing just under 126lb/57kg). Even the standard affair is almost intimidatingly large, but polishing off the light, puffy choux pastry, filled with airy, sweetened whipped cream and dredged in powdered sugar, is no hardship.

Meat is the main attraction of the Wyoming State Fair, both in the form of time-honored agricultural shows and the selection of concessions. The adage 'keep it simple' rings true here, as the food is humble and honest; grab a beef burger with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, where the meat does all the talking. Locally raised and grass-fed, the meat's freshness and quality are evidenced in the tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture of every bite. 

Now discover the bucket-list food experiences in every US state