Kansas State Fair 2024

The Kansas State Fair is an annual family entertainment event in Hutchinson, Kansas. The celebration of all things Kansas lasts for ten days in September after Labor Day. This fair draws about 335,000 attendees with its spectacular Midway and welcomes over 30,000 entries in various competitions and entertainment that includes national stars performing at the grandstand. Every year organizers do their best to make the fair even bigger and to offer more entertainment.

Fair Program

The fair features a jam-packed entertainment program that showcases local food, music, and art. It also provides lots of educational information about the state's history, culture, and people. Numerous exhibits, demonstrations, contests and livestock shows are all part of the program and free to explore at the fairgrounds.

Exhibits

Ranging from regular livestock exhibits to competitive displays, the Kansas State Fair has something for everyone. Walking through the venue, you'll have a chance to spot clothing & textile exhibits, professional art exhibits, and poultry, sheep, and other livestock exhibits. Equine events are especially beloved by the fairgoers and include the Draft Horse Show, Working Equitation Show, and Draft Horse Team Pull.

Contests

If you're feeling competitive or would like to witness some friendly rivalry, stop by any competitions taking place at the fair. The variety is astonishing: Butter Sculpture Competition, It's All About the Bread Competition, Best Tasting Tomato Contest, and Youth Favorite Cookies are just a few of many tournaments at the fair.

Other Attractions

The most-anticipated highlight of the fair is definitely the carnival, with its numerous thrilling midway rides. The venue is also filled to the brim with food vendors, who offer the most delicious snacks and beverages. On some days, the program even includes goat yoga in the morning, a great way to start the day.

Concerts & Performers

The grandstand is one of the most popular venues because every evening, it hosts music concerts, horse shows, barrel races, and many other activities. This year, you'll have a chance to groove to some of the best rock and country music performed by Wynonna Judd and Kimberly Perry, rockstars Broadway's Rock of Ages Band, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Goo Goo Dolls, and Oak Ridge Boys.

Other featured artists include Casting Crowns with Katy Nichole, La Alianza Nortena with Grupo Los de Chiwas, Let's Sing Taylor and The Wanderers tribute bands, and Pop Evil with Diamente.

Past Performers

The stage program has featured country music and rock stars such as Toby Keith, Theory of a Deadman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Old Dominion with Josh Turner, RaeLynn, Smash Mouth, Chevelle, Los Lonely Boys, Loverboy with Survivor, The Charlie Daniels Band, TobyMac, Andy Grammer with Rachel Platten, Gabriel Iglesias, Justin Moore with Clare Dunn, Crowder, Hairball, Jake Owen, and Three Days Grace.

Schedule & Hours

The hours of the fair vary, depending on the day. However, generally, the fairgrounds are open from 7:30-8 am until 9-10:30 pm. Some events begin as early as 7 am.

Location & Transportation

The Kansas State Fairgrounds is located at 23rd Avenue, between Main Street and Plum Street, covering 280 acres (113 ha) with more than 70 buildings. Hutchinson is situated about 52 miles (84 km) from Wichita, one of the closest cities, from which you can easily travel to the fairgrounds by driving on K-96 West or I-35 North highway.

Tickets & Admission

Admission to the fair is $7-10 for adults and $4-6 for seniors and children under 13 years old. Children five years old and younger have free admission. Military personnel and Kansas State employees can purchase discounted tickets, which cost $4. Midway wristband costs $30-35 and can be used on any seven days of the fair. Tickets to the concerts range from $30 to $500, depending on the artist and day of the fair.

History of Kansas State Fair

The first agricultural fair in Hutchinson was held in 1873 in a small stable on the corner of Sherman and Main Street, in Hutchinson, by the Reno County Agricultural Society. It wasn't until 1913 that the "Official" Kansas State Fair was held.