The Oregon State Fair in Salem is expanding for its 160th edition, running eleven days from Friday, August 22, through Labor Day, September 1. After drawing about 400,000 visitors last year, organizers are spreading out to fill the entire fairgrounds property at 2330 17th Street NE, signaling a bold push to offer more attractions, vendors and family-centered activities.
What’s new and noteworthy this year
– Expanded footprint and vendor space: The fair is maximizing its 185 acres, with some exhibits and sections relocated to accommodate more vendors. The kiddy rides are now clustered at the north end near the taphouse in a kid- and family-focused area dubbed The Sunny Side, with Sunnyville also emphasizing entertainments for younger audiences.
– New shopping and vendor areas: A new commercial zone replaces the former Artisan’s Village behind Columbia Hall. The Sunflower Shops will host boutique, farmhouse, antique and handmade vendor offerings.
– More rides and new experiences: The fair adds twelve new carnival rides, bringing the total to 55. A presale wristband option offers unlimited rides, with pricing of a 125-ticket pack for $50, a weekday wristband for $45, and weekend wristbands for $55. Several new attractions are included with general admission, such as Roaring Riptides, an aerialist and acrobatics show featuring a 20,000-gallon pool with roller skating, drummers and fire dancers; Water’s Extreme Journey, a water-cycle themed maze; and a NASCAR Experience that lets attendees try a real race car modified for computer-simulated racing.
– Expanded entertainment options: The family fun camp area hosts daily baby-animal interactions, with barnyard races available to watch at no extra cost with general admission. The 4-H and Future Farmers of America events run throughout the weekend in the animal barns, with open-class livestock judging and horse shows scheduled from August 25 to September 1. Motor Mania returns to the Pavilion, featuring bike tricks, quad racing and a demolition derby; free to attend, with a $5 fast pass to skip lines.
– Music and multi-stage excitement: Four live music stages host a rotating lineup, with new acts appearing at the L.B. Amphitheater, including popular groups and artists. Dia de la Familia will showcase several Spanish-speaking bands on August 24 and August 31.
– Food renaissance: The fair adds about 30 new food vendors, bringing total options to roughly 90. Standout offerings include Spam fries, deep-fried Oreos, Marionberry sundaes and Korean corn dogs. To help attendees sample more items, the fair is piloting a “just a bite” program with smaller portions offered at lower prices, and on August 27, Sunny’s $3 Tasty Tour will feature vendor bites priced at $3, with at least 25 vendors participating.
Pricing and access
– Pre-sale tickets remain available: general admission for adults ages 13–64 is $10, children 6–12 are $8, seniors 65+ are $3, and a Family 4-Pack is $25. An 11-day, non-transferable pass is $25. At the gate, general admission rises to $12 for adults and $10 for children, with other prices remaining the same.
– Separate carnival pricing: Carnival tickets operate independently from general admission, and some premium attractions like bumper boats and a rock-climbing wall may require additional fees. A wristband provides unlimited rides for the duration of its validity.
What to plan for when you visit
– The expansion means more space, more vendors and more daily performances, so expect larger crowds at peak times. If you want to sample the new food options or ride the new attractions, buying pre-sale tickets or wristbands can streamline entry and access.
– Families will especially notice the reoriented layout: The Sunny Side and Sunnyville areas are designed with kids in mind, making it easier to catch shows like the Pirate’s Parrot Show and Barrel O’ Fun.
– Practical touches for attendees include the broader mix of free and premium experiences, including the extended petting farm and daily barnyard activities that pair well with 4-H and FFA events.
A note on impact and tone
This year’s fair is designed to maximize space and diversify attractions to attract more visitors and give local vendors a broader stage. The combination of expanded rides, a larger vendor footprint, multi-stage entertainment and a sizable food program points to a strong regional draw and a boost for the local economy during the fair season.
Summary
The Oregon State Fair’s 160th edition is expanding into the full fairgrounds footprint for an 11-day run from August 22 to September 1, bringing more rides (55 total), more vendors (including The Sunflower Shops) and more family-friendly entertainment. With 12 new carnival rides, three new major attractions included in general admission, a robust music lineup, and a broader food program, the fair aims to offer a richer, more varied experience for locals and visitors alike.
Optional improvements and extra value for readers
– Check the official fair schedule before you go to prioritize must-see shows, animal events and the NASCAR Experience, as times and venues may shift with the expanded layout.
– If you’re bringing kids, map out The Sunny Side and Sunnyville first to catch the kid-focused entertainment and avoid backtracking.
– Consider early-bird or presale tickets to maximize time and savings, especially for entry and ride options.
– Plan for a full day or two if you want to sample a broad range of food bites, with the new $3 bite tours as a guide to inexpensive options.
Overall, the fair’s expanded footprint and added attractions offer a broader, more inclusive experience for families and fairgoers while spotlighting local vendors and entertainers.