The Oregon State Fair opens Friday, Aug. 28, bringing 11 straight days of livestock shows, concerts and carnival rides back to the fairgrounds on 17th Street NE.
The fair runs Friday, Aug. 28 through Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day) at 2330 17th St. NE. Gates open at 10 a.m. daily. This year's edition features expanded agricultural exhibits, new attractions including highland cattle and an "Electric Drill Team," and a daily America 250 Live show marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
Oregon FFA participants will be on-site Aug. 26 through Aug. 31 with a packed schedule of livestock and agricultural competitions, alongside 4-H shows running throughout the fair.
The concert lineup at the L.B. Day Amphitheatre opens with country artist Nate Smith on Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Al Jardine of the Beach Boys and The Pet Sounds Band plays Aug. 29, replacing The Beach Boys after a cancellation; existing tickets remain valid.
Other acts include BigXThaPlug on Aug. 31, Walker Hayes, Clint Black, Ben Fuller, Jo Dee Messina, All Time Low and Uncle Kracker across the run. Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach plays Sept. 6, and "Weird Al" Yankovic with guest Puddles Pity Party closes the fair on Labor Day, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m.
Each concert offers a limited number of free seats with paid fair admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
A wildfire-prevention booth will also debut opening day. Keep Oregon Green and the Oregon Department of Forestry plan to give away 1,000 tow chain covers made from recycled fire hoses that prevent dragging chains from sparking roadside fires. The covers will be available while supplies last.
Tickets and hours
Presale admission is $10 for adults ages 13 to 64, $8 for children 6 to 12, $3 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children 5 and younger, according to That Oregon Life. A family four-pack costs $25. An 11-day pass is also $25. At the gate, prices rise to $12 for adults and $10 for children.
Carnival rides start at 11 a.m. The fair stays open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and on the Friday-through-Sunday stretch of Labor Day weekend.
The Oregon State Fair has been held in Salem since 1862, one year after its debut near Oregon City. It remains one of the state's largest annual community gatherings.
Upcoming community calendar
- Aug. 28–Sept. 7: Oregon State Fair, 2330 17th St. NE. Gates open 10 a.m. daily.
- Aug. 28: Nate Smith concert, L.B. Day Amphitheatre, 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 7: "Weird Al" Yankovic, L.B. Day Amphitheatre, 4 p.m. (fair closing day).
