These Are Maine’s 3 Biggest State Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss This August

There's no better time to visit a Maine fair than August. As summer starts winding down, fair season is in full swing, bringing together everything people love about this time of year, classic midway rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, local vendors, and, of course, plenty of fried food. Whether you're making a day trip with the family or just looking for an excuse to spend a few hours outdoors, there's a fair happening somewhere in the state that's worth checking out.

Maine is home to dozens of agricultural fairs, each with its own traditions and attractions, but a few stand above the rest because of their size, history, and the variety of things to do. From watching livestock competitions and harness racing to cheering on a demolition derby or grabbing a bag of fresh dough, these fairs have become a late-summer tradition for generations of Mainers.

If you're trying to decide which fair to visit this August, we've narrowed it down to three of the state's biggest and most popular events. Each offers something a little different, but all deliver the classic Maine fair experience with packed schedules, family-friendly activities, and plenty of reasons to spend the day. Here are three Maine state fairs that deserve a spot on your August calendar.

Bangor State Fair

Running from July 30 through August 8, the Bangor State Fair is one of Maine's biggest summer events. Expect a lively midway packed with carnival rides and games, plenty of food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and entertainment that makes it a favorite for families and visitors.

Skowhegan State Fair

Taking place August 13–22, the Skowhegan State Fair is the oldest continuously operating agricultural fair in the United States. Along with its rich history, visitors can enjoy livestock shows, harness racing, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and a full lineup of fair favorites.

Windsor Fair

Closing out the month, the Windsor Fair runs August 29 through September 7. Known as one of Maine's largest agricultural fairs, it features everything from animal competitions and horse racing to a sprawling midway, live entertainment, and enough classic fair food to keep everyone happy.