“Join us for three more days of pure, unrivaled fun as we keep the Fair magic alive through Labor Day,” said Kimberly Jacobsen, Oregon State Fair Spokesperson. “We still have so much to come, and we invite everyone to come out and Soak up the Fun with memories that will last a lifetime.”
Here is a look at what is ahead at the Oregon State Fair:
Umpqua Bank Concert Series
The Umpqua Bank Concert Series features an all-star musical lineup, including:
- September 4: multi-platinum Grand Ole Opry member, Chris Janson
The Oregon State Fair is proud to now offer American Sign Language interpretation at all L.B. Day Amphitheatre concerts.
Concert ticket information:
Official Oregon State Fair Concert tickets exclusively available at oregonstatefair.org via FunCard, with NO service fees. Beware of unauthorized ticket sites selling invalid tickets that cannot be honored by the Oregon State Fair.
Reserved tickets: starting at $50, include free Fair admission
VIPPlus Suite Seats tickets: $125, includes free Fair admission, souvenir lanyard, priority entrance, special food service, VIP beverage bar access, and premium center seat.
Free Seats: Limited selection of free seats available per show with paid Fair admission, first-come, first served, while available.
Showtimes: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., shows at 7:30 p.m., except Chris Janson (doors 3:30 p.m., show 4:30 p.m.).
Party at the Pavilion
Pavilion doors open at 1:00 p.m., events start at 2:00 p.m. and are free with your Fair admission, while space lasts. The $10 Xfinity Fast Pass offers early access to the Pavilion and guaranteed seating.
- September 3: Motor Mania
High-octane enthusiasts can feel the rumble and smell the smoke with outrageous monster trucks doing crazy stunts. - September 4: Demolition Derby
Watch VIP Small Car drivers battle in the arena, twisting metal and creating carnage.
Carnival Rides and Games
The Oregon State Fair presents 55 fun-filled rides plus exciting carnival games by Portland’s Rainier Amusements, featuring options for Adults, Kids, and Families. New attractions, include Dumbo, Insomniac, Mad Birds, Medusa, Mini Ferris Wheel, Pirate Ship, Route 66, Wacky Worm, and Dreamland Fun House. Some of the most anticipated rides for the 2023 fair are the Arctic Blast Coaster, Wave Swinger, Medusa, Pirate Ship, and Flying Elephants.
New and Not to Miss
Sunny the Sunflower: The Oregon State Fair is excited to introduce Sunny the Sunflower as its new Fair mascot. Sunny will be popping up around the Fair. Download Sunny’s coloring page and stop by Creative Living to see the set model used for Sunny’s super cool stop motion video!
Flying Fools: Experience the excitement of the Flying Fools, diving from heights up to 80 feet into water. The show offers solo, duo, and group dives from 10, 20, and 30 feet, featuring a blend of skills, comedy, and synchronized performances for all ages.
Canine Stars: showcased in America’s Got Talent’s 2021 season, Canine Stars presents a top-tier team of dog trainers and their adopted rescue canines, performing air and water stunts, frisbee freestyle, agility, flyball racing, and more extreme dog sports, aiming to globally inspire rescue and adoption.
Master Illusionist Sean Watson: Witness the enchanting magic of Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe at the fair! Prepare to be amazed as they perform mind-bending illusions and captivating sleight of hand. Their chemistry and humor will leave you mesmerized. Don’t miss this unforgettable magical experience, great for the whole family!
Circus Imagination & Clown College: a spontaneous children’s circus that takes kids out of the audience and turns them into instant star performers! All children are encouraged to be confident, active, and to use their imaginations with interactive play.
Barnyard Petting Farm / Animal races: You won’t want to miss this fun and interactive show where barnyard animals race for their favorite treat! Get ready to sing along to your favorite songs, cheer for your favorite animal and laugh at crazy animal antics!
All Attractions are FREE with paid Fair Admission. Check the Fair website for times and locations.
Foodies Paradise
Satisfy your cravings with a tasty selection of traditional Fair food and some surprising gourmet treats by local vendors and culinary masters.
Food Trucks: Nestled in our serene Homegrown Oregon area within the picturesque Green Acres Landscape Plaza, eight food trucks await. This year’s lineup includes Adams’ Rib, Bo & Vine, The Chicken Shack, The Dawg House, Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant, along with exciting new additions: Indian Tacos from The Red Food Truck, Gyros from Greek Gods Gyro, and charcuterie boards by Pacific Rim Charcuterie Board. All perfectly paired with our Homegrown Oregon bar, featuring local products, along with artisans, and live music.
Other Fair Food newbies this year: Boba Tea, Wood Fired Pizza by Suzy Q’s Sweet Things, the Fair-favorite blooming onion at Scrappy’s Chicken & Fries, pizza by the slice from Zano’s Pizza, and fresh baked pie slices, ice cream and other desserts by Bradbury’s Sweet Shop.
Fair Traditions for the Whole Family
Creative Living Discover displays, exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions that cover the full spectrum of life in Oregon. Returning favorites include Oregon Authors, Military Uniforms New this year: CANstruction – check out the 7 x 10-foot map of Oregon built out of 6,528 donated cans of food to benefit the Marion Polk Food Share.
Luau Fire Finale – Exotic Fire dancers heat up the stage with this Luau themed Fair-favorite tradition. Our Hearts go out to those affected by the fires in Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii – these performances will be dedicated to the families and survivors. Nightly: 9:45 pm on the Spirit of Oregon Stage Presented by Spirit Mountain Casino.
Dia de la familia: presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts – come out on Sunday, September 3, for bilingual and bicultural entertainment and activities with Dia de la familia on the Spirit of Oregon Stage.
FairLift: This Fair-time favorite lets you take in a bird’s eye view of the entire Fair on our popular FairLift – a 15-minute ride over the Fair midway from 30 feet up
Heroes Fair Discount Days
September 4: Heroes Day! Military, First Responders, Teachers, and their families receive free admission as a gesture of gratitude. Identification is not required.
Fair Admission Prices and Hours
Fair Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Monday
Admission Prices:
Adult Admission (Ages 13-64): $12
Child Admission (Ages 6-12): $10
Kids (Ages 5 and under): FREE
Senior Admission (Ages 65 or better): $3
Important Reporters Notes
We have compiled the most current Fair B-roll for your use.
Download 2023 Fair File footage for news use including general fair video, free attractions performers, concerts, carnival, animals, food, shopping, and the Fair mascot.
(Shot sheet and time codes included)
Fair Highlights with Oregon State fair owned music
Interviews with fairgoers on Fair Fun Favorites
If you have specific requests for images, video, or interviews, contact Kimberly Jacobsen: media@oregonstatefair.org or 503 428-0930
Fair links:
Tickets: (Fair/Carnival/Concerts/Fast Pass/Parking) https://oregonstatefair.org/tickets
Daily Schedules: https://oregonstatefair.org/daily-schedules/
Newsletter: (latest news and contests) https://oregonstatefair.org/newsletter
Media Kit: (with image downloads) https://oregonstatefair.org/business-center/media-kit/
Social Media: (Follow and tag us) @OregonStateFair #SoakuptheFun #OregonStateFair
About the Oregon State Fair:
157th Oregon State Fair takes place August 25 through September 4, 2023. The Oregon State Fair is a public/private entity owned by the people of Oregon. The Fair began in 1861 in Oregon City. In 1862, the Fair moved to the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, the State Capitol. The Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year, with premier concerts, art, culture, rides, agricultural exhibits, and livestock exhibits. Throughout the year, the Fair and Expo Center works with multiple agencies to help facilitate emergency and disaster response needs. For more information, visit oregonstatefair.org or contact us at info@oregonstatefair.org
###
