The Tulsa State Fair stands as a cherished tradition in Oklahoma, bringing together families and friends for an 11-day extravaganza of entertainment, education, and excitement. Held annually on the fourth Thursday after Labor Day, the 2025 fair will run from September 25 to October 5, offering a diverse array of attractions for visitors of all ages.
This historic event celebrates Oklahoma’s rich heritage while providing modern entertainment options. Fairgoers can explore exhibits showcasing local agriculture, enjoy thrilling midway rides, and indulge in classic fair foods. The fair grounds come alive with live music performances, livestock shows, and interactive educational displays.
The Tulsa State Fair has evolved over the years, but its core values of family, community, and fun remain unchanged. With its mix of time-honored traditions and new attractions, the fair continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, cementing its place as Tulsa’s largest family event and a highlight of Oklahoma’s cultural calendar.
Overview of the Tulsa State Fair
The Tulsa State Fair is a major annual event held at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It takes place over 11 days, starting on the fourth Thursday after Labor Day.
With roots dating back to 1903, the fair has evolved from a small county event into one of the premier state fairs in the United States. It attracts an estimated attendance of hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The fair offers a wide range of attractions and activities for all ages. These include:
- Livestock shows and competitions
- Carnival rides and games
- Food vendors offering local and fair favorites
- Live entertainment and concerts
- Educational exhibits and demonstrations
- Art and craft displays
One of the fair’s key features is the SageNet Center, a multi-purpose arena that hosts various events during the fair and throughout the year.
The Tulsa State Fair aims to provide both educational experiences and entertainment for families. It celebrates Oklahoma’s agricultural heritage while showcasing modern innovations and technologies.
Visitors can enjoy traditional fair activities like the Oklahoma State Fiddling Championships and the Miss Tulsa State Fair Pageant. The fair also offers special promotions and ticket packages to make the experience more accessible to all.
Entertainment and Performances
The Tulsa State Fair offers a diverse array of entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy live music concerts and captivating special acts throughout the 11-day event.
Concerts
The Oklahoma Stage hosts free concerts with paid gate admission. Popular country and rock artists perform nightly, drawing large crowds. Past performers include Warren Zeiders, James Robert Webb, and Jameson Rodgers.
The fair announced its 2024 lineup, promising an “epic” selection of artists. VIP tickets are available for purchase, offering fans a chance to get closer to their favorite performers.
The fairgrounds also host the 51st Oklahoma State Fiddling Championships, showcasing local musical talent.
Special Acts
Beyond musical performances, the Tulsa State Fair features a variety of special acts. Carnival rides and midway attractions provide thrills for all ages.
Live entertainment includes roving performers, magicians, and acrobats scattered throughout the fairgrounds. These acts create a festive atmosphere and offer surprise moments of delight for fairgoers.
The fair occasionally hosts touring shows like Disney on Ice, bringing beloved characters to life through skillful skating performances.
Animal shows, educational demonstrations, and interactive exhibits round out the entertainment offerings, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Exhibits and Attractions
The Tulsa State Fair offers a diverse array of exhibits and attractions. From agricultural showcases to educational displays, visitors can explore and learn while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Agricultural Exhibits
The fair’s agricultural exhibits highlight Oklahoma’s farming heritage. Livestock shows feature prize-winning cattle, sheep, and swine. Visitors can witness judging competitions and interact with farmers. The poultry barn houses various breeds of chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Crop displays showcase the state’s agricultural bounty. Visitors can marvel at giant pumpkins and award-winning produce. The horticulture building features stunning floral arrangements and gardening demonstrations.
4-H and FFA youth present their projects, demonstrating skills in animal husbandry and crop cultivation. These exhibits provide a unique opportunity to see the next generation of farmers in action.
Educational Features
The fair’s educational attractions offer engaging learning experiences. The Oklahoma Museum of History’s mobile exhibit brings state history to life with artifacts and interactive displays.
Science and technology exhibits allow visitors to participate in hands-on experiments. Robotics demonstrations showcase cutting-edge innovations.
Art displays feature works by local artists and students. Craft demonstrations teach traditional skills like quilting and woodworking.
The “Farm to You” exhibit educates visitors about food production and nutrition. Cooking demonstrations highlight healthy recipes using locally sourced ingredients.
Guest Services and Amenities
The Tulsa State Fair provides essential services to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Free maps help guests navigate the fairgrounds, while dedicated security personnel maintain a secure environment throughout the event.
Map Distribution
Free maps of the Tulsa State Fair are available at all entrance gates and information booths. These maps highlight key attractions, food vendors, restrooms, and parking areas. Digital versions can be downloaded from the fair’s official website or mobile app. Large print and braille maps are offered for visitors with visual impairments.
Fairground staff members are stationed at strategic locations to assist guests with directions and answer questions. Information kiosks equipped with interactive touchscreens provide additional wayfinding support and event schedules.
Security Services
The Tulsa State Fair prioritizes visitor safety with a comprehensive security presence. Uniformed officers patrol the grounds, and security cameras monitor high-traffic areas. Emergency services, including law enforcement, fire department, and EMT personnel, are on-site throughout the fair’s duration.
Guests can report concerns by calling security at (918) 744-1113, ext. 2142 or approaching any radio-equipped security officer. A Lost Child Program helps reunite separated families quickly. Security checkpoints at entrances ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the fairgrounds.
Tulsa Expo Square employs additional measures during peak hours to manage crowd flow and prevent congestion. Security staff receive specialized training to handle various situations while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for all fairgoers.
Food and Concessions
The Tulsa State Fair is renowned for its diverse array of food offerings and concessions. Visitors can indulge in traditional fair favorites and unique culinary creations throughout the 11-day event.
Many long-standing vendors return year after year, including Deb’s Pineapple Whip, one of the oldest concessions at the fair. Their signature pineapple whip draws crowds, along with ice cream, shakes, and other frozen treats.
New and innovative food items are introduced each year, providing adventurous eaters with exciting options to try. The fair features a mix of local Oklahoma specialties and international cuisines, catering to all tastes and preferences.
Popular concession stands include Momma D’s Italian Food, Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection, and German Specialties & Amish Cooking. These vendors offer a variety of regional and cultural dishes for fairgoers to enjoy.
Sweet treats are plentiful at the fair, with options like Cutie Pies Concession satisfying dessert cravings. Cookies are a common find among the many confectionery stands, offering a classic fair snack.
Food locations are spread throughout the fairgrounds, ensuring visitors can easily find sustenance as they explore the attractions and exhibits. The diverse culinary offerings contribute significantly to the fair’s appeal as Oklahoma’s largest family event.
Digital Experience Optimization
The Tulsa State Fair enhances visitor engagement through digital strategies. These focus on website optimization, multimedia content, and targeted advertising to create a seamless experience for attendees.
Website Cookies Policy
The fair’s website implements a robust cookies policy to improve user experience. Essential cookies ensure basic functionality, while optional cookies enable personalized features. Visitors can easily manage their cookie preferences through a user-friendly interface. This approach balances privacy concerns with the benefits of data-driven improvements.
The policy clearly outlines how collected information is used to enhance site performance and tailor content. By being transparent, the fair builds trust with its digital audience.
Engagement Through Videos
Video content plays a crucial role in promoting the Tulsa State Fair. Short, engaging clips showcase attractions, highlight upcoming events, and capture the excitement of past fairs. These videos are strategically placed on the website and social media platforms to maximize reach.
Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with organizers provide unique insights. Time-lapse videos of fair setup and aerial views of the grounds offer fresh perspectives. This diverse video content keeps potential visitors informed and excited about attending.
Advertising
The fair utilizes targeted digital advertising to reach potential attendees. Geo-targeted ads focus on Tulsa and surrounding areas, while demographic targeting ensures messages reach families and key age groups. Display ads feature eye-catching visuals of popular attractions and events.
Retargeting campaigns remind website visitors of upcoming fair dates and special promotions. Social media advertising leverages platform-specific features to drive engagement. The fair also partners with local influencers to extend its reach and credibility among younger audiences.
