Okla State Fair kicks off with new attractions, fan favorites

-- What to know about this year’s State Fair of Oklahoma in OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY — In the fall, while college football and pumpkin patches are top of mind, many Oklahomans see the Oklahoma State Fair as the true sign of the season. From September 12 to 22, the fairgrounds will buzz with vibrant celebrations. Gates open daily at 10 AM, welcoming visitors with carnival music, funnel cake aromas, dazzling lights, and attractions.

fair
Guests enjoy the giant swings at the carnival, which offers games, roller coasters, and fun for all ages. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Since 1907, the fair has been a backdrop for cherished memories, from date nights to petting zoo visits to youth showing a year’s work with an FFA or 4-H project. 

This year’s “Let’s Go Again” theme celebrates the blend of tradition and innovation, inviting everyone to revisit and enjoy both classic and new experiences.

“We try to maintain a degree of familiarity, but we also like to offer up new things,” Scott Munz, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Oklahoma State Fair, told Free Press.

He emphasized that the fair is for everyone, including multi-generational families.

“You may have come with your parents, and now you’re going to bring your kids, and that could be three generations here,” Munz told Free Press. 

fair
People from across a broad cross-section of Oklahoma arrive at the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair on Sept. 13 in OKC (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Eugene and Annabel, who didn’t share their last name, have attended the fair for over a decade, now visit with their daughter Gianna, and focus on her interests. Eugene praised the fair’s lasting appeal for kids. 

“It’s such a nice place for a family,” Eugene told Free Press. “It’s perfect actually.”

This year’s fair theme invites both new and returning visitors to explore its evolving attractions and traditions. 

New highlights include OK!toberfest, with German food, drinks, and performances, the “Stinkin’ Sentra” contest, the Bison Encounter, Wine & Palette classes, Planetarium stargazing, and the Crackin’ Corn Comedy Show. New attractions feature the Great American Living Carousel with Welsh ponies, Pretty Bird Paradise aviary, an inflatable corn maze, and the Skylines Esports Tournament. All exhibits can be found on the State Fair website. 

The food

A hallmark of the fair is its diverse, inventive food, from classic turkey legs to fried Oreos and cheesecake on a stick. 

This year, over 40 new vendors offer mouthwatering options, including FryDay Concessions’ Nashville Hot Chicken Donut Sandwich, featuring spicy Cajun-fried chicken on a glazed donut with creamy coleslaw.

fair
A fair guest eating a turkey leg on opening night at the Fair (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Other must-tries include candied watermelon on a stick, a waffle nacho sundae, and a smoked PB&J (pork, brisket, and jalapeño sausage). 

Adventurous eaters might enjoy a deep-fried Doritos pickle or Fruity Pebbles Korean corn dog. 

The fair offers drinks like classic lemonade, craft beers, Boba tea, root beer, pickle lemonade, and frozen cocktails with gummy worms.

Excited by the lively atmosphere and tempting food stands, Fair attendee Daemon York chose curly fries as their favorite. 

“You can’t go wrong with all the cool choices,” York told us. 

fair
Fair Attendees Daemon York and Delvilyn Thompson enjoy curly fries at The Patio while also taking in live music. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

For those eager to explore these offerings, the Food Finder tab on the fair’s website helps locate and map out food. 

Planning your trip to the Fair

Public attractions at the Oklahoma State Fair open daily at 10 AM, with livestock and equestrian events starting earlier; the gates near the barns can be used for early access. Exhibition buildings close at 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, while outdoor vendors stay open an extra 30 minutes. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-11, and free for kids under 5.

fair
Guests enjoy the lively atmosphere of opening night at the fair (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Special discount days include:

  • Tinker Federal Credit Union Thrifty Thursdays: $8 admission for everyone
  • College Day: Students with a valid I.D. enter for $5
  • Military Monday: Free admission for active-duty military and veterans
  • Taste of the Fair Tuesday: $4 for entry, $4 food items, and $4 Sky Eye Wheel rides 

The “Little Book of BIG DEALS” offers over $250 in savings and is available at ticket booths, the OKC Fairgrounds Box Office, info booths, or the Made in Oklahoma Store. 

Parking includes free spots for early arrivals and paid options near the gates. New this year are a specialized restroom trailer, a calming room in the Arts Annex, and a sensory-friendly event on September 22. More information to plan a trip to the fair is on the Oklahoma State Fair website

Safety at the Fair, new policies

Following a 2023 shooting incident at the fair, in which a 17-year-old shot another young person, officials are increasing patrols and imposing a curfew for minors after the incident. It has resulted in this year’s fair emphasizing safety.

“Safety and security is a high priority for us here,” Munz told Free Press. “The individual who fired the gun last year was caught before leaving the grounds.”

In response to the incident, the fair has introduced a new youth attendance policy – after 5 PM minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone aged 25 or older. Adults can supervise up to five minors and must stay on the grounds. 

Unaccompanied minors will be sent to the Safety Center, except for official tour groups.

fair
Police patrol the fair after the sun goes down on opening night. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

The fair has enhanced security with state-of-the-art scanners at the gates, around 800 cameras, increased security personnel, and tighter perimeter patrols.

Munz stressed the importance of public vigilance and urged guests to use the “see something, say something” approach, with signs encouraging reports of suspicious activity. 

Kim, a fairgoer, praised the fair’s safety and ambiance, noting it is well-lit and comfortably uncrowded after dark.

“I feel really safe,” Kim told Free Press. “I don’t feel uncomfortable.”

Fan-favorite attractions — carnival thrills, livestock encounters, and more

The carnival is a fair highlight with classic rides like the carousel and Tilt-A-Whirl. 

Weekdays start at noon and weekends at 11 AM, featuring games like balloon popping and basketball. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the Mega Drop and 155-foot Sky Eye Wheel for fair views. Advance armbands offer unlimited rides at a discount, and Fast Lane passes speed up access.

The Oklahoma Frontier Experience, open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, immerses visitors in Wild West history with interactive shows and activities, including Wild West gunfight stunts at Tumbleweed Crossing.

fair
Tumbleweed Crossing performers entertain a crowd at the Oklahoma Frontier Experience. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

This year, Jenni Kelli from Rockwood, Tennessee, is new to the state fair and is showcasing 100% beeswax candle-making with the Frontier Experience, where visitors can also try making their own candles.

The fair offers a range of competitions, from the Arm Wrestling Classic and baking contests to cultural exhibits like student art and the Spirit of Oklahoma Exhibit. 

New this year are the Reading is Sweet Contest, a beeswax competition, and a crafts contest for those with neurocognitive disorders.

fair
Judges taste, score, and rank chocolate treats at the Choctacular Spectacular as fairgoers watch, eager to see who wins. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

The Stinkin’ Sentra Giveaway returns to Centennial Lawn, challenging contestants to live inside a car for a chance to win it, with daily activities live-streamed, adding a nostalgic yet modern twist.

“It’s a fun, nostalgic twist on an old favorite, with a modern and stinky update,” Scott said. 

Participants must stay in the car, manage food waste, and take a 15-minute break every three hours. With three meals provided daily, only three of four contestants remained by the end of the first day. 

“Three meals a day, that’s the best thing to do with the fair,” Brian Richmond, one of the Stinkin’ Sentra participants, told us. 

fair
In the historic main show barn, youth show their beef projects that have taken a year to complete. (file, 2022, B.DICKERSON/Okla City Free Press)

Livestock lovers can visit the various youth livestock competitions, the Barnyard Birthing Center to see baby chicks and goats, check out Clydesdales in the Super Barn, and interact with animals at the Great American Petting Farm, which also offers horseback rides. 

New attractions include the Bison Experience and the Equine Empowerment Horse Show, while “Agtropolis” offers insights into Oklahoma’s agriculture.

fair
Crowds cheer at Centennial Plaza during the pig races, one of the many livestock-centered events at the fair and a favorite of fair-goers for decades. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Fair entertainment — A spectrum of excitement

The Oklahoma State Fair offers diverse events for all ages, including live entertainment, interactive shows, and musical acts.

The Oklahoma State Fair features a rich musical lineup, with local artists like Robert Bodette, Rick Smith, and Kenna at The Patio. 

The Bandshell hosts jazz, blues, hip-hop, and rock from 11 AM to 10:30 PM.

On September 16, the Band Day Parade Competition showcases high school and junior high bands.

The Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage presents free concerts with acts like Niko Moon, Hinder, and various tribute performances.

fair
Shalyen performs at the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage on opening night at the Fair (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

The new OK!toberfest features German beers, wines, bratwurst, contests, and live bands, including one from Munich. 

Families can enjoy pirate-themed performances with puppies at The Captain’s Canines, see the RAM 2500 Power Wagon in action with RAMINATOR, and watch martial arts demos at Martial Arts LIVE! 

Runa Pacha Wind Rhythms offers soothing Inca and Navajo music, while the Laser Light Extravaganza dazzles with nightly shows.

fair
Musicians and dancers perform at the new OK!tober Fest tent. (ZOE.ELROD/Okla City Free Press)

Plus, Disney On Ice: Magic in the Stars, running September 12 to 16 at the Jim Norick Arena features figure skating with characters from Frozen II, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Asha, hosted by Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald.

“It gives families a little bit of everything that keeps everybody in their family interested,” Munz told Free Press about the Disney on Ice show. 

Opening night at the Oklahoma State Fair was lively, with families, friends, and couples enjoying the festivities. With 10 more days to go, the fair promises more opportunities for memorable experiences.


Author Profile

Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.