(DOSWELL, Sept. 22, 2025)—Splurging is encouraged at the State Fair of Virginia, whether shopping for handcrafted artisan gifts, or devouring an array of deep-fried delicacies. During this year’s State Fair of Virginia, Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event Park, guests will find some of the state’s most talented artisans selling their wares. Shop until you drop, and then refuel with delectable options from dozens of food vendors onsite.
For the second year, the State Fair is collaborating with the Heart of Virginia Artisans to showcase unique, high-quality handmade wares that reflect the state’s creative crafters. Handmade creations include pottery, jewelry, décor, stained glass, wood carvings and more. The market will be held across from the historic Meadow Hall almost every day from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. The market will be closed only on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“The Artisan Market was a great success last year,” said Melody Hill, The Meadow’s manager of vendor sales. “So that has been extended to almost every day of the fair! You can get some shopping done just in time for the holidays.”
Inside the Farm Bureau Center fairgoers will still find their favorite vendors selling the popular “penny” candy, jewelry, toys, lamps, bags, clothes and more. The Farm Bureau Center is open daily throughout the fair from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
All part of this year’s theme “Real Fun, Real Virginia,” longtime outdoor vendors include a caricature artist, Stafford Nursery and James River Equipment.
Guests hankering for funnel cakes, cheesy nachos, turkey legs and elephant ears can find those, plus gluten-free and vegan options.
New food vendors are joining the lineup in 2025.
“We have a great new sweet-and-savory crêpe vendor called G3 Concessions, along with a new donut stand Big G’s, Pita Pit and Chicken and Waffles,” Hill said.
G3 Concessions’ paper-thin crêpes are freshly spun and filled with mouthwatering toppings, with combinations like sweet crème with berries or Nutella with strawberry and banana. Big G’s offers classic glazed donuts, along with powdered and cinnamon sugar varieties. Pita Pit features fresh salads and shish kebabs. At Chicken and Waffles, fairgoers can enjoy the sweet heat of a jalapeño waffle.
Fans can follow the State Fair’s Facebook page and vote for their favorite new fair food as part of the Flavor of the Fair contest. Fork’et Me Not won in 2024 with their Hurricane Fries, topped with mac and cheese, fried chicken and a special sauce.
For a taste of classic fair comfort food, try Pelican Joe’s miniature donuts—cooked hot and fresh to order. Pelican Joe’s can be found in the Meadow Pavilion, where guests can browse a variety of honey from around the state and Virginia’s Finest branded products.
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.
Reporters and Editors: You’ll find a photo library on our website for easy access to images to accompany your fair coverage. Visit StateFairVa.org/p/about/media.
Media: Contact Hill at 804-994-2830; or Kathy Dixon, VFBF communications, at 804-370-3055