Don’t Miss These 10 Must-See Attractions at the New Jersey State Fair

As the tagline goes, there’s “always something going on” at the New Jersey State Fair-Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, from bull riding and monster truck shows to breathtaking stage performances.

It is the largest agricultural fair in the state of New Jersey. As you explore the fairgrounds, you will find hundreds of animals, over 70 food vendors, multiple museums with historical artifacts and local artwork, and numerous exhibits, shows and demonstrations.

There is so much to see, it is worth planning multiple days at the fair. Advance tickets are now available at a reduced rate until Thursday 1 August to save money.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best things to do at the fair:

1. Meet the farm animals

With six barns full of farm animals and a petting zoo where kids and adults alike can feed baby goats and alpacas, there are plenty of animals to meet at the fair. Families can also check out daily 4-H shows in the fair’s Agriculture Area to cheer on their favorite animals and see which one is “Best in Show.”

2. Gallop to the horse show

There are multiple horse shows every day. Here are a few exciting acts to look out for in the Horse Show Area:

• The Freestyle Costume Showmanship show will take place after opening night on Friday, August 2 at 7:00 PM and will feature horses and riders in costume.

• Barrel Racing is after 7pm on Saturday August 3rd

• The opening ceremony on Monday, August 5, will include a parade of horses and the Queen of the Fair.

• And for the dog lovers, the show’s “Canine King and Queen” will be announced on Thursday, August 8 after 7 p.m. In addition to seeing which dogs win the Canine King and Queen award, prizes will also be announced for the winners in the following subcategories: “Most Regal/True Diva,” “Most Daring and Bold,” “Most Bright and Energetic,” and “Most Stinkingly Cute.”

3. Encourage the Woodsman competition

Encourage locals to show off their strength and skill at the Woodsman Competition on Sunday, August 4. Teams of two will compete in a variety of contests: wood chopping, log rolling, sawing, axe throwing, chainsawing and log felling.

4. Enjoy the best fairground food

At the fair there are over 70 food stands selling delicious food. It will be hard to try them all…but nothing is impossible.

There’s something for everyone. You’ll find the classics: think fried dough, bloomin’ onion, hot dogs, turkey legs, sausage and peppers, fried Oreos, lemonade, ice cream…

And this year there will be some unique additions like lobster rolls, Belgian waffle ice cream rolls, bubble tea, specialty savory and dessert spring rolls and much more.

You can also support local nonprofits by picking up food from their stands. The Frankford Fire Department will be selling craft beer, and the 4-H Teen Council, The Branchville Rotary, and the Knights of Columbus will be serving a variety of food and drinks.

Visitors to the fair can take advantage of a special $5 food deal on Tuesday, August 6 from 12:00 to 22:00. Go to any of the booths displaying the fair’s Red Rooster and purchase food for $5.

Visitors to the fair can also show their love for their favorite vendor by voting for their favorite snacks, meals and desserts using the QR code at the vendor’s location. Winners will be announced on Saturday, August 10th.

5. Join the circus

“Come Join the Circus,” a family favorite, returns to the fair this year. Kids join ringleader Giovanni Anastasini to put on a real circus show, dressing up and performing tricks for the crowd. One kid even gets shot out of a cannon!

Experience the magic and join us daily at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM in the Family Entertainment Area to “Come Join the Circus.”

6. Listen and dance to live music

The Performing Arts Tent will be rocking every day of the fair. Check the schedule for the full list of performances, but here’s just a sample of the free entertainment you can take advantage of:

• Snake Oil Willie Band kicks off the party with classic rock on opening day, Friday August 2nd at 5:15pm. Later you can cheer on Battle of the Bands at 8pm.

• Join us for line dancing lessons on Sunday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. Then listen to live music from the Whiskey Crossing Country Blues Band.

• Come to the Doo-Wop 60’s Dance Party on Thursday, August 8 at 8pm.

• Join us on stage for karaoke at 2pm and then watch the talent show at 5pm on Saturday, August 10th.

7. Visit museums and art exhibitions

There is so much to see and learn at the fair. Each day you can walk through museums featuring antiques, Sussex County art and photography, local agricultural history and more. Like much of the fair’s entertainment, all exhibits and museums are included free with admission.

8. Go on the rides

And of course, carnival is back with countless attractions and games that will entertain both children and adults.

The fair is open every day of the fair, but there are special dates when fairgoers can take advantage of discounts. Opening day, Friday, August 2, is “Dollar Day” at the fair, where all rides cost $1 from 5 p.m. to closing.

Visitors to the fair can pay one price for unlimited ride wristbands on the following days in addition to the entrance fee:

• Monday 5 August from 12:00 to closing time

• Tuesday, August 6, from 12:00 to 18:00

• Wednesday 7 August from 12:00 to 18:00

• Thursday, August 8, 12:00-6:00pm, $25

9. Watch exciting performances

No matter what day or time you visit the fair, there is always an exciting performance to see.

Almost every show is free at the entrance. The only exceptions are Bull Riding, The Monster Truck Show, Demolition Derby (which is always sold out) and the Truck Pulls. All of these tickets are reasonably priced and can be purchased online now.

Here are some great shows you can see for free with a fair admission price:

• Duo Incendio is back this year by popular demand. Watch fire dancers juggle and perform acrobatics as they amaze audiences with their mesmerizing mastery of fire manipulation. Fairgoers can watch this 20-minute performance every night at 8:30pm on the terrace behind the Conservatory.

• K-9s in Flight amazes audiences with dogs jumping and soaring through the air, performing stunts and catching frisbees. Catch K-9s in Flight daily in the Family Entertainment Area at 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

• Johnny Rockett Cycle Circus is an action-packed BMX show, featuring “moto-maniacs” performing stunts on miniature BMX bikes. Watch the exciting shows in the Family Entertainment Area every day at 5:45pm and 9pm. On weekends there is an extra show at 3:30pm.

10. Watch and learn from live demonstrations

Entertainment and education go hand in hand at the fair. Children and adults can attend the following live demonstrations and exhibitions every day:

• Honeybee demonstrations throughout the day in Richard’s Building

• Bowl turning, felting and rope making demonstrations throughout the day in the farm area

• Milking cows twice a day in the milking parlor, where visitors to the fair can learn all about the milking process from cow to box from a local farming family

• Live, Freehand Custom Woodcarving in the Family Entertainment Area at 3:30pm and 7:30pm daily

Get ready for nine days of fun

The 2024 New Jersey State Fair-Sussex County Farm and Horse Show will take place Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 10.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sussexcountyfairgrounds.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate each day.