WV State Fair: Complete Guide to the History, Location, Dates, and Attractions

The history of the WV State Fair dates back to 1854, nearly a decade before West Virginia officially became a state. On August 29, 1854, the Greenbrier Agricultural Society organized its first agricultural fair in what was then Greenbrier County, Virginia. The two-day gathering took place at Mr. Nesmith's Grove in present-day downtown Lewisburg.

Local farmers displayed livestock, agricultural equipment, crops, homemade foods, and household products. The event gave farming families an opportunity to demonstrate their accomplishments and compete for awards.

One fascinating historical detail involves a horse exhibited at the fair in 1858. An iron-gray colt that earned a blue ribbon would later become famous as Traveller, the horse ridden by Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

The modern fair began in 1921 when the Greenbrier Valley Fair was established at the location of today's fairgrounds. As the event grew, it attracted visitors from communities throughout West Virginia. In 1941, the West Virginia Legislature officially designated the event as the State Fair of West Virginia.

The fair celebrated its 100th annual edition in 2025, marking an important milestone in its history. Today, agriculture remains central to its mission, even as concerts, carnival attractions, and family entertainment have expanded its appeal.

The WV State Fair is held at the State Fairgrounds in Fairlea, an unincorporated community in Greenbrier County, just south of Lewisburg, West Virginia.

The fairgrounds are conveniently located approximately three miles south of Interstate 64, Exit 169, making the event accessible from several parts of the state. Visitors traveling from Beckley, Charleston, White Sulphur Springs, and surrounding communities can reach the fairgrounds using major regional highways.

For visitors unfamiliar with the area, Lewisburg offers additional attractions, including historic downtown shops, restaurants, and local accommodations. It's an easy pairing with a broader weekend trip or road trip through the Greenbrier Valley.

The fairgrounds feature agricultural buildings, livestock barns, exhibition spaces, entertainment venues, and a large carnival midway.

The WV State Fair traditionally takes place in August, generally during the middle of the month. The event typically lasts approximately 10 days, allowing visitors to experience different entertainment programs, agricultural competitions, and special attractions throughout its run.

The carnival midway is one of the biggest attractions at the WV State Fair. Visitors can enjoy towering rides, spinning attractions, classic carnival games, and family-friendly entertainment. Younger children can find rides designed for smaller guests, while thrill seekers can experience more adventurous attractions.

The Ferris wheel is especially popular because it provides elevated views of the colorful midway and surrounding fairgrounds.

Music is another major highlight of the WV State Fair. The fair regularly attracts nationally recognized entertainers, including country music performers, rock bands, and other popular musical acts. The 2026 entertainment lineup included Trace Adkins, Sierra Ferrell, Shenandoah, Gavin Adcock, and Stone Temple Pilots, demonstrating the variety of musical genres represented at the event.

Concert schedules and ticket requirements change annually, so visitors should review the entertainment lineup before attending.

Agriculture has always been the foundation of the WV State Fair. Livestock exhibitions allow farmers, 4-H members, and FFA participants to showcase animals and compete for recognition. Popular agricultural activities include cattle judging, sheep and goat exhibitions, horse shows, and youth livestock competitions.

These events provide an educational experience for visitors who want to learn more about farming and rural life in West Virginia. Agricultural displays also highlight the important role farming continues to play in the state's economy and cultural identity.

No visit to the WV State Fair would be complete without enjoying traditional fair food. Throughout the fairgrounds, vendors serve a wide variety of sweet and savory treats. Visitors can look for favorites such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, fresh lemonade, cotton candy, kettle corn, and ice cream.

The fair also celebrates West Virginia food traditions through locally produced agricultural products and specialty foods. For many families, enjoying their favorite fair food is just as important as riding the attractions. If you love local flavor, see our top local restaurants in West Virginia guide.

Beyond livestock competitions, the WV State Fair celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of West Virginia residents. Exhibition buildings feature competitive entries in categories such as baking, gardening, photography, arts, crafts, and quilting. Visitors can admire homemade products, agricultural achievements, and creative displays produced by individuals from across the state.

These competitions continue a tradition established during the earliest agricultural fairs of the 1800s.

The WV State Fair also offers entertainment designed for families with children. Depending on the year, visitors may encounter animal demonstrations, comedy performances, educational exhibits, and interactive attractions. For example, the 2025 centennial celebration featured pig racing, a sea lion show, glassmaking demonstrations, and other specialty entertainment.

These changing attractions help make each year's fair a different experience. Find more kid-friendly ideas in our West Virginia family activities guide.

The WV State Fair represents much more than an annual carnival. For generations, it has provided a gathering place where communities celebrate agriculture, family traditions, local businesses, and West Virginia culture.

It also gives young agricultural participants an opportunity to develop responsibility, leadership, and practical skills through 4-H and FFA programs. For visitors, the fair creates lasting memories through shared experiences, entertainment, and traditions passed down from one generation to another.

The event also draws visitors to the Greenbrier Valley, creating opportunities for local restaurants, hotels, and businesses. Browse our Greenbrier County and Lewisburg guides to round out your trip.

Whether you're interested in agricultural history, carnival rides, live music, or traditional fair food, the WV State Fair offers something for nearly everyone. Its origins date back to 1854, and its modern history spans more than a century. Today, the event remains one of West Virginia's signature summer celebrations.

If you're planning a summer trip through the Mountain State, consider adding the WV State Fair to your itinerary. It offers an opportunity to experience West Virginia's agricultural heritage while enjoying entertainment and family activities in the beautiful Greenbrier Valley.

For upcoming dates, admission prices, concert tickets, and the official entertainment schedule, visit the State Fair of West Virginia official website. See more seasonal events in our West Virginia festivals and events guides.