Each year, the ten-day Tanana Valley State Fair is a hallmark of good times and summer fun. With great food, rides, livestock, exhibits, and entertainment, attending the fair is the perfect way to enjoy summer, make lasting memories, and celebrate community spirit.  

 

Strong Community Roots

First held in Fairbanks in 1924, the fair is the oldest and original state fair in Alaska. On July 25-August 3, 2025, Fairbanks locals and visitors will swarm to the fairgrounds for fun. The theme of this year’s fair is “Take a Hop on the Wild Side.” 

A poster for the Tanana Valley State Fair 2025 theme: "Take a Hop on the Wild Side"

During Alaska’s short growing season, the midnight sun makes vegetables grow to impressive sizes. Giant vegetables are on display at the Tanana Valley State Fair. Growers of these massive varieties compete for prizes and bragging rights. If you’ve ever wanted to see the power that the midnight sun has on Fairbanks’ growing season, you can check out the giant cabbages, pumpkins and other massive vegetables on display. 

Tanana Valley State Fair

 

Eat, see and do

The food is legendary—gyros, elephant ears (crispy fried dough coated in sugar), giant cream puffs, handmade pretzels, spinach bread and Fairbanks' famous Thai food. The Tanana Valley State Fair has enough delicious food to satisfy any appetite.  

Load up on decadent fair food, then head to the Midway for exciting rides that thrill-seekers of all ages will love—plus classic games and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the barns, where local 4-H clubs proudly showcase animals like goats, pigs, yaks, and llamas. Inside the exhibit halls, explore a vibrant display of culinary creations, arts & crafts, photography, and fiber arts such as quilting, knitting, and weaving. These exhibits are the heart and soul of the Tanana Valley State Fair, offering a unique glimpse into the talent and creativity of Fairbanksans.

People ordering food from a fair food vendor. The vendor's sign advertises cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples, and lemonade.

 

Endless entertainment

In addition to the usual fair features, you’ll find activities and attractions unique to the area including live music, A Celebration of Indigenous Peoples, and tournaments. Scheduled events and activities include a pie eating contest, the World Record Balloon Artist, Dancing with the Fairbanks Stars, Aerial Acrobatics, Stilt Circus and so much more! The Tanana Valley State Fair also hosts a Fairbanks’ Got Talent competition where locals perform heartfelt songs, dance routines and jaw-dropping stunts. 

A wide-angle view of the Tanana Valley State Fair midway. Visitors are walking around, enjoying fair food and carnival rides.

Not-to-be-missed— this year’s fair features an exciting musical lineup of visiting and local performers: Switchfoot, Back in Black, The Commodores in Concert, Young Dubliners w/Blackwater Railroad Co., Hawthorne Heights in Concert, Thompson Square with James Otto, North Star Strings Pop Music and more. Kick back and relax to classic hits and fresh tunes and make these incredible bands the soundtrack to your summer fun at the fair.  

 

More information about the Tanana Valley State Fair

Find a schedule of events, contests, admission information and more at the Tanana Valley State Fair official website. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook to get into the fun!