The 15 best state fairs in America for food lovers

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The Des Moines Register describes this state fair as a buffet of extreme creations, from deep-fried peanut butter cups to exotic meats on sticks. The fair embraces culinary audacity, where lines stretch around stalls just to sample the latest viral twist.

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The Big Tex Choice Awards showcase the most daring and crowd‑pleasing fried inventions at the State Fair of Texas. Each year, chefs gamble with deep‑fried renditions of favorite foods, such as churro tacos, and brisket donuts, in front of judges and thousands of spectators. The Awards turn cooking into performance, and tasting into sport. 

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Andrew Zimmern highlights must‑try picks like “minne‑wheat” burgers, Juicy‑Lucy burgers, and the intoxicating aroma of Sweet Martha’s cookies baked fresh on site. Every booth tempts with a story: iconic classics, local spin, and a spirit of food experimentation.

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The OnMilwaukee guide highlights inventive dishes like the dill pickle pizza, fried banana bread bites, and brat‑rangoon tacos, each one fusing local flavors with wild fair flair. These standout morsels reflect Wisconsin’s love‑of‑dairy, culture of craft, and appetite for food‑innovation.

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At the 2025 Indiana State Fair, FOX59 spotlighted the Cookie Butter Coffee Float from Hook’s Drugstore Museum as a standout “Best Eat,” pairing dessert and caffeine in one indulgent sip. From unconventional floats to classic fair staples, the food scene leans bold, sugary, and unapologetically over-the-top. 

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According to Axios, the Illinois State Fair blends nostalgic staples with fresh flavor twists, offering everything from buttered corn and pork chop sandwiches to inventive desserts. The fair’s food culture evolves each year, but always pays homage to Midwestern roots.

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TripAdvisor’s Alaska State Fair Food Guide shares that food lovers encounter a mix of traditional and local fare, from salmon skewers to giant vegetables grown on site. The fair food here carries regional identity: many vendors source ingredients from Alaskan farms and fisheries, offering unique taste profiles you won’t find elsewhere. 

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The NC Eat & Play “Top Picks for NC State Fair Food” guide highlights favorites like fried green tomatoes, pulled pork mac & cheese, and shrimp po’boys. Each dish blends regional tradition with fair flair, capturing North Carolina’s culinary roots in a bite. Walking through the fair ground feels like traveling the state’s food map, one plate at a time.

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At the fair in Syracuse, food‑lovers will find a landscape of extreme treats, from deep‑fried Oreos to lobster rolls served in a pineapple. According to the state’s tourism board, “the No. 1 reason people come ... Food!” Each bite reflects a playful mix of tradition and daring creativity, turning the fairgrounds into a destination for adventurous eaters. 

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According to The Fair’s guide to Washington State Fair food, the offerings range from funnel cakes and corn dogs to maple bacon donuts and gourmet sliders. The menu blends comfort classics with playful new trends. Walking the fair becomes a taste journey rooted in Pacific Northwest sensibility.

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Arizona State Fair’s “For the Arizonan Foodies” page boasts dishes that embody desert and border flavors, from Sonoran hot dogs to cactus fries. The fair curates regional favorites that showcase Arizona’s culinary roots and innovation.

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It’s impossible to leave hungry, with cheesy Dorito fries, three kinds of funnel cake, and Death by Chocolate on the menu. Of course, you can’t forget the pulled pork and brisket, atop a small mountain of mac-n-tots. It’s what you might call Southern fried’s finest. 

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Interns at The Sacramento Bee sampled dozens of festival bites this year, spotlighting bold mashups like Thai street fries, Spam fries, Dubai chocolate cups, and poke bowls at the California State Fair. Rather than playing it safe, the fair pushes culinary boundaries, mixing global touches with classic fair indulgence.

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The Oklahoma State Fair turns eating into an experience, with a variety of dishes that celebrate both classic fair flavors and bold local innovations. From smoky BBQ to sweet fried treats, each bite tells a story of regional taste and creativity. Visitors can explore the fair’s diverse offerings while enjoying the festive atmosphere, making food as much a part of the adventure as the rides and exhibits.

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Ohio Magazine highlights must‑try items like deep‑fried avocado tacos and chocolate-dipped bacon, turning the fair into a full-flavored tour of novelty meets tradition. From corn dogs to creative spins on classic sweets, the culinary lineup mirrors Ohio’s mix of Midwestern staples and experimental flair.