Last Updated on September 15, 2023, 10:28 AM | Published: September 15, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Fair is in full swing with its theme of “Place to be in ‘23,” and the fairgrounds are packed with food, rides, entertainment, and every fair favorite.
The fair kicked off Thursday, September 14 at the OKC Fairgrounds and runs through the 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Each year, fairgoers experience that indescribable feeling when they walk into the Oklahoma State Fair, where the sound of carnival music serves as a backdrop for a Karaoke Elvis, the smell of funnel cakes fills the air, and twinkling lights and massive stuffed animals hang from carnival stands.
This Oklahoma tradition has been around for over 100 years, showcasing the state’s agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce.
Scott Munz, executive vice president of marketing and sales for the Oklahoma State Fair, said this year is the most full the schedule has ever been with new attractions, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
“We’re very proud of what we do here,” Munz said. “We have so much to offer. This is really the place to be this year because it will be like we’ve never seen, and we’re just excited.”
Fair food, carnival rides, and classic fair attractions
When people think of the fair, it’s impossible not to think of the food. For anyone looking for a particular type of food or just wanting to survey the options, a map of food vendors is available online, split into categories like “Deep Fried,” “Savory,” and “Sweets.” Guests can also quench their thirst with Root Beer, lemonade, and so much more.
There are a total of 22 new food vendors for this year including “A Latte Love Coffee House,” “B-Rays BBQ,” “Gram’s Sweet Treats,” “Waffle Chix,” and many others featuring everything from apple pie to pizza on a stick.
Munz has been attending the fair for decades, and his personal favorite fair food is the Polish Sausage from Netterfields.
The carnival opens at 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with all kinds of carnival games like balloon popping, basketball, strength competitions, and more. Guests can also test their adrenaline with heart-pounding rides like the Mega Drop, or witness an incredible view from the Ferris wheel.
Amanda, a fairgoer attending with her family, was cheering on her daughter as she won a large stuffed Pikachu at her favorite water gun racing game in the carnival.
“We love the fair,” Amanda said. “We go every year with the kids and just play games and have great food.”
“Agtropolis” gives an in-depth look into Oklahoma’s agriculture industry and is one of many animal-centered attractions. Guests can also view the newest baby animals like newly hatched chicks and baby goats on the block at the Barnyard Birthing Center, in the Oklahoma Expo Hall.
On the Expo Hall Lawn, the iconic petting zoo offers an opportunity for guests of all ages to connect with the animals and even hitch a ride on a horse.
The Oklahoma Frontier Experience is an interactive discovery zone with shows, demonstrations, and activities that will take fairgoers back in time to the Wild West.
Reggie Delarm of East Knoll Pottery is from Connecticut and has been doing pottery for 53 years, traveling to fairs for over 20. She’s known as the “miniature potter,” and she teaches fairgoers about types of clay and the art of pottery. Her booth is found in the Oklahoma Frontier Experience right next to the felt hat-making and rope-making booth and alongside Ferdinand the Bull (who is, indeed, a real-life bull).
This year, the Oklahoma State Fair debuted the Opening Day Scavenger Hunt, which offered a chance for fairgoers to win season passes by finding clues on the Circle Stage.
Indoor activities and events
One thing on fairgoers’ minds is the potential for storms. Thursday came with some light sprinkles, and the forecast predicts more scattered rain, but the cooler weather was welcomed compared to last year’s extreme heat during the fair.
State Fair employees are keeping an eye on the weather and will take action in case of lightning or other severe weather, Munz said. As for the rain, he recommends that fairgoers opt for parking that is not on grassy areas, if possible, to avoid getting caught in the mud.
“We’ll try to keep people as safe as possible,” Munz said. “Oklahomans are pretty tolerant of weather changes in general, and we’ve got plenty of things to do inside.”
Indeed, the indoor attractions draw quite a crowd at the fair. Indoor activities include the Auto Show in the Pavillion, which also features an array of cars and an 18-hole mini-golf course. The Creative Arts Building features pottery, metal-sculpting, and creative arts of all kinds from Oklahoma artists. And, the Modern Living Building features an opportunity to engage your brain and your body at the “Hands-On” Spot with activities like life-size chess, pickleball, jumbo puzzles, and more.
There are also plenty of opportunities to shop indoors at the fair. Vickie Wallace is from Texas and comes up every year for the state fair to sell her gourmet dog treats. She’s just one of many vendors with indoor booths in the Centennial Building.
“We always have a great time at this fair…always,” Wallace said. “Everyone is just so friendly.”
This year also welcomes the new “Kids Korner” in the Bennett Event Center: an interactive area for kids to learn how to cook, dig up dinosaur bones, or find their inner architect, free with gate admission.
Disney On Ice is also presenting Frozen and Encanto in the Jim Norick Arena from September 14-19. Hoofs & Horns, a rodeo spectacular, will be taking place in the Jim Norick Arena on Sept. 22 and 23. Tickets for these events are available at the Fairgrounds box office located outside Gate 6 or by calling 405-948-6800. Other special events and activities include the Sunday church service at the Oklahoma Frontier Experience, the school band competition on September 18, a goat milking experience on September 19, and so much more. A full list of activities is available online, as is a list of events.
There are a couple of main stages for performances through the fair, one of which is the Entertainment Stage in the Entertainment Plaza, featuring GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Stokley on Sept 15, Foreigner vocalist Lour Gramm on September 16, and more artists spanning across genres.
Photo -*7693, 7704 American Idol star Alex Miller takes on the Entertainment Stage on opening night.
Other performances include the brand new Laser Light Extravaganza in the Circle Stage Picnic Area and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show on the Bandshell Lawn. All shows are available to view online, including a martial arts presentation and pig races.
Special deals and ticket information
Guests can obtain tickets at a discounted rate on “Thrifty Thursdays,” when tickets are only $8 for all ages with the Little Book of Big Deals for $3 and all-day access to rides for $25. Monday, September 18 is Military Monday when all active duty and retired military personnel and their spouses have free admission. Wednesday, Sept. 20 is Senior Day with free admission for senior citizens age 55+. And Thursday, Sept. 21 is College Day with $5 admission for college students.
The box office is also open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to purchase tickets at the gate. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger. Same-day re-entry is allowed with a ticket stub and a hand stamp.
The Oklahoma State Fair curates a coupon book, featuring more than $250 in savings on food, attractions, and shopping.
The “Little Book of BIG DEALS” is available to purchase outside the ticket booths, at the OKC Fairgrounds Box Office, at any information booths, and at the Made in Oklahoma Store – located in the Bennett Event Center. More information about what’s included in this year’s coupon booklet is available online.
Free and $10 parking is available both north and south of their fairgrounds, accessible from NW 10th St. May Ave., and Reno Ave. More information about parking is available online.
Wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers, and wagons are available for rent just outside the “SuperBarn” between Gates 1 and 2 and at Gate 9. The fair also offers a free tram inside the fairgrounds, operating daily, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In addition to other accommodations, there will also be a sensory-friendly time on the final Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., when guests can enjoy a less over-stimulating environment that will be less bright and noisy. Service animals are also allowed, and sign interpreters will be accessible.
As cooler weather and rainy skies welcome the turning of the seasons, the true mark of fall in Oklahoma has arrived with the opening of the Oklahoma State Fair, running 10 days with no shortage of food and entertainment, open for all to enjoy.
Zoe Travers has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks. She is also Oklahoma City’s most enthusiastic connoisseur of cheese danishes.
