The Oregon State Fair opened Friday, Aug. 28, in Salem for an 11-day run through Labor Day.
The fair at 2330 17th St. NE brings livestock competitions, carnival rides, nightly concerts and a new daily tribute show celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, the Keizertimes reported.
The headline addition is America 250 Live, a free hourlong production featuring aerial performances, music and dance at 5:30 p.m. each day. A 2 p.m. matinee is scheduled for Labor Day, Sept. 7.
Nate Smith headlines the opening-night concert at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. The lineup runs nightly through Sept. 7, closing with Weird Al Yankovic on Labor Day.
Other acts include Al Jardine of the Beach Boys (Aug. 29), Walker Hayes (Aug. 30), Clint Black (Sept. 1), All Time Low (Sept. 3), Jo Dee Messina (Sept. 4) and Twisted Sister (Sept. 6), according to KGW.
Last year's fair drew 413,872 visitors, a 34% jump over 2024. Livestock entries have already topped 4,200 for 2026, up from 3,500 last year, according to Darrell Hansen, director of sales and agricultural departments.
"We understand that for most people, the state fair, and all fairs, are the only place they can interact with agriculture and livestock, and we need to take that opportunity to present our story," Hansen told the Rogue Valley Times in an Aug. 23 preview.
New agricultural attractions include Ridgeline Mountain Archers, a highland cattle exhibit, and draft horse and nightly "Electric Drill Team" shows.
The carnival adds four new rides from Rainier Amusements Midway, two geared toward children, plus a premium ride called The Medusa that requires an extra $10 ticket.
Salem Reporter photographer Brook Ferris documented the scene on Wednesday, Aug. 26, as animals settled into their pens.
Thirteen-year-old Katie Hartman was trimming her uncle's 10-month-old sheep, Sabada. Hartman has raised sheep since she was a young child and will show them during the fair.
What to know before you go:
- Dates: Friday, Aug. 28, through Monday, Sept. 7
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 28–29 and Sept. 4–6; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 30 through Sept. 3 and Sept. 7
- Gate admission (per Keizertimes): $12 adults (ages 13–64), $10 children (ages 6–12), $3 seniors (65 and older), free for children 5 and younger
- Passes: $25 for an 11-day pass; $25 one-day family pass (two adults, two children)
- Parking: $5 weekdays, $10 weekends
- Transit: Cherriots Routes 10, 13 and 20 serve the fairgrounds; Route 23 at Sunnyview and 17th is not available during the fair
- America 250 Live: 5:30 p.m. daily, free with admission; 2 p.m. matinee on Sept. 7
