The Oregon State Fair is held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem every August–September during Labor Day Weekend. It has been organized almost every year since 1862 and showcases Oregon crops, livestock, arts, and food. The fair has many food stands, vendors, competitions, racing, and concerts.

Oregon State Fair Entertainment

The highlight of the Oregon State Fair is the carnival, a fun and thrilling collection of rides and games. Six of the 48 rides—the Giant Wheel, the Arctic Blast, the Wave Swinger, the Drop Tower (Hi-Jacker), the Power Surge, and the Pharoah’s Furry—can really raise the hair on your arms.

Concert Seriese

Oregon State Fair invites all music lovers to enjoy evening concerts by one of country music’s best-loved artists Craig Morgan, reggae revolutionaries uniting humanity Steel Pulse, staples of the American songbook Goo Goo Dolls, grits & gravy Yung Gravy, blockbuster artist Ludacris, pop iconoclast Daya, legendary rock band Foreigner, along with winner of The Voice and Former Voice Contestants Huntley with special guest Jacquie Roar.

Hell on Hooves Rodeo (August 24, 2024)

On August 24, the Hell on Hooves Summer Showdown Tour will come to a thrilling conclusion, with cowboys and cowgirls from Oregon and Washington vying for the championship title. Entrance to the rodeo is free with fair tickets.

Jaripeo Espectacular (August 25, 2024)

Traditional Mexican bullriding will take place on August 25 at 2 pm. Top-level bulls and bull riders will show their excellent skills. Additionally, guests can enjoy dancing horses, live Mexican traditional jaripeo music, and many other fun activities suitable for all ages.

Motorsports Spectacular (August 31-September 1, 2024)

Massive monster trucks will perform jaw-dropping stunts on August 31 and September 1 at 2 pm. Admission is free, but space is limited.

Vip Small Car Demonstration Derby (September 2, 2024)

The Demonstration Derby promises a wild, intentionally crashing car spectacle with daring drivers battling it out. The event is included with fair admission.

Tickets

Pre-Sale Adult Admission is $10, Pre-Sale Child Admission—$8, Pre-Sale Senior Admission—$1, Family 4 Pack (2 adults and 2 kids)—$25. Kids ages 5 and under have free entrance.

Parking

Oregon State Fair parking is not free. General Parking Pre-sale costs $5, and Parky Like A Rockstar Parking costs $20.

Pet Policy

While pets are permitted on the Oregon State Fair's premises, organizers strongly advise visitors to prioritize the safety and comfort of all Fair attendees. Unless your pet serves as a service animal, organizers suggest leaving it at home.

Location

Concerts are held at the L. B. Day Amphitheatre, named for L. B. Day, an Oregon politician. There is also a venue for indoor events—Salem Armory Auditorium, located on a corner of the fairgrounds.

The fairgrounds are located next to the 200-year-old grove of Oregon White Oaks, where Oregon's original people, the Kalapuya, lived for many years. In the 19th century, the site became a camping place for farmers who arrived at the fair in wagons. Camping in the grove is still part of the fair experience.