Top 5 things to do at the West Virginia State Fair
The West Virginia State Fair runs for around ten days each August at the fairgrounds in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County. It has been a fixture since 1926 and is the largest annual event of its kind in the state. The West Virginia Lottery has a dedicated building on the grounds, and that is just one of the reasons to go. Here are five things worth putting on your list.
1. Catch a live concert
The State Fair brings in a full concert lineup each year, with acts spanning country, bluegrass, and rock. Performances take place across multiple stages. Shows at Center Stage take place throughout the day and are included in general admission pricing. Other concert tickets throughout the event have tickets available for purchase. The lineup is typically announced ahead of the fair on statefairofwv.com. If you are planning your visit around a specific act, check tickets and schedules early.
2. Take in the livestock and agricultural competitions
This is the original reason for a state fair, and it remains one of the most attended parts of the event. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry all feature across a variety of breed classes and judging categories. For visitors with no farming background, the scale and variety of the livestock halls can be striking.
3. Eat your way through the fairgrounds
The fair’s food vendors are a significant draw. You will find the usual funnel cakes and fried food alongside local specialties. Some vendors are only at the fair for the duration, which makes this part of the experience hard to replicate elsewhere. Going hungry is the standard approach.
4. Ride the carnival midway
The carnival section of the fair has rides ranging from family focused fun with kiddie rides for the mini fair goers while teens can have their fill of thrill with exciting rides. Midway games are also on offer. It is a large setup by the standards of a regional fair, and it tends to run from the opening of the fair through to the close each evening.
5. Visit the West Virginia Lottery building
The West Virginia Lottery has been a staple at the State Fair of West Virginia for over 28 years, bringing fun, excitement, and of course, tickets and swag to Fairlea.
The Lottery building sits right across from the Carnival entrance across from the Grand Stand, and is open every day of the event, providing opportunities for players to purchase their favorite scratch-off or draw games, and promotional chances to win even more tickets, swag, or event tickets such as concerts and sporting events.
One day of the fair is featured as “Lottery Day” where players can have the chance to compete in an exclusive one-day only game, where the stakes are higher but the prizes may be bountiful. Plus – there’s air con!
Admission to the State Fair requires a ticket. The State Fair of West Virginia cannot guarantee the validity of tickets that are purchased through anyone other than SFWV or ETIX.
