DOSWELL (August 8, 2025)—Where else can you see racing pigs, giant pumpkins, draft horses,
awe-inspiring acrobatics, live concerts and take a spin on thrilling rides—all at the same event?
The State Fair of Virginia is truly a one-of-a-kind event. And with this year’s theme ‘Real
Fun, Real Virginia,’ the fair combines countless amusements with enriching discoveries while
celebrating everything that makes the commonwealth special.
“Our goal is to be the region’s best family entertainment option while serving the mission of
telling Virginia’s story,” said Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director.
Exciting new attractions this year include a flying disc dog show where world-famous,
energetic K-9s perform jaw-dropping frisbee tricks; agriculture-themed miniature golf for all
ages; and a blacksmith championship. Additionally, new strolling acts, Shimmer Guy and stilt
walkers, will delight crowds throughout the fair.
Fairgoers can step into the wild and enjoy a rare, up-close encounter with Wolves of the
World—the nation’s only traveling wolf pack show—on Sept. 26 through Sept. 30. On Oct. 4
and 5, high-action, modified tractors will go head-to-head and make the ground shake during
tractor pulls hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Tractor Pullers Association.
Returning fan favorites include Triple Crown Circus’ dazzling performances; the popular
racing pigs of Rosaire’s Royal Racers; impressive sculptures by chainsaw artist Chad Gainey;
and the lively display of the Greenlee Draft Horse Hitch. Also returning are two exciting
evenings of Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Company on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.
The Farm Bureau Live Main Stage Concert Series will host an array of performances
throughout the fair’s run, including Dennis Lee’s variety show at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday
through Friday. Music fans can enjoy evening performances including Peter Noone of renowned
English rock band Herman’s Hermits on Sept. 26; Yacht Rock Schooner with ‘70s and ‘80s hits
on Sept. 27; and country powerhouse Tyler Braden on Sept. 28. On Sept. 29, country vocal
group, Chapel Hart, takes the stage followed by Virginia-based bluegrass artist Junior Sisk on
Sept. 30. New country music artist Drew Baldridge performs on Oct. 1; contemporary Christian
singer Katy Nichole on Oct. 2; and heavy metal band Quiet Riot on Oct. 3.
Rounding out the concert series are rock and disco group Australian Bee Gees on Oct. 4, and
Grammy Award-winning country band Diamond Rio on Oct. 5.
Full details for the
Main Stage Concert series can be found at
StateFairVa.org. All shows
begin at 7:30 p.m. and are included in the cost of fair admission. The stage will be under a tent
providing 9,500 square feet of covered space, and fairgoers may bring their own lawn chairs for
the concerts.
With one of the largest fair midways in the mid-Atlantic, the fair offers over 45 thrilling rides.
For guests who want to skip the lines, the fair is offering a $15 Fast Lane lanyard and wristband.
Valid for one day, the wristband lets fairgoers move straight to the front at designated yellow and
black checkerboard spaces, where a percentage of Fast Lane riders will board before those with
general admission tickets.
After taking a spin on rides, fairgoers can peruse the carefully curated creations of Virginia’s
skilled bakers, creators and makers. Winning entries will be displayed for countless arts, crafts
and culinary categories including cut flowers, fairy gardens, cakes, cookies, amigurumi crochet,
blown glass, hat burning and more.
Some contestants will even face off during live grilled cheese sandwich and milkshake
competitions on Sept. 28, and a Commonwealth Burger Battle on Oct. 5.
Although guests may not be able to sample the burgers, they can feast on fair classics like
funnel cakes and turkey legs alongside new treats, including chicken and waffles, and crepes.
And what would be the fair without showcasing Virginia’s largest industry? Fairgoers can
learn all about the commonwealth’s diverse agricultural landscape with milking demonstrations,
the Young MacDonald’s Farm exhibit, and equine and livestock exhibits.
The fair’s horticulture tent will showcase Virginia-grown crops, and visitors can discover if
any carefully cultivated gigantic produce will break records during the Giant Veggie Weigh-Off
at noon on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Also new this year is a Youth Career Exploration Day Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part
of the fair’s Educational Expo. Industries, companies and schools will connect with students and
fairgoers about career and educational opportunities in their fields.
The fair is offering a variety of ticket promotions and discounts, including a new Family Four
Pack for advanced sale Sept. 1-25; an all-week Fair Fan Pass; and discounts for children, seniors,
active-duty service members and veterans, and Farm Bureau members.
Online ticket sales begin Sept. 1.
Mark your calendar, and make it a fair to remember! For ticket and entertainment information,
visit
StateFairVa.org. Additional live updates can be found by following the fair on Facebook at
Facebook.com/StateFairVa and Instagram
@statefairva.
Visitors who purchase a ticket and wish to leave and re-enter the fair on the same day must
get a hand stamp from a gate attendant before exiting. No re-entry is permitted after 9 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday and after 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The 2025 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event
Park in Caroline County. Since 2013, the State Fair has awarded over $1 million in scholarships
to support youth education.
In 2024, the fair was among
150 diverse events that drew more than 545,235 visitors to The Meadow. The venue had an overall regional economic impact of $41.5 million.
Information is available at
StateFairVa.org.
Contact
Marlene Jolliffe, State Fair executive director, at 804-994-2802 or
Kathy Dixon,
Virginia Farm Bureau assistant director, print & online communications, at 804-290-1137.