Going to the State Fair Meadowlands?

Summer is officially here and fair season has begun. Throughout the country, there are tons of fairs taking place - from local, small-town celebrations to the largest state fairs. The State Fair Meadowlands is New Jersey’s largest fair, which is taking place now through July 7. If you’re thinking of attending the fair, here is everything you need to know:

Tickets:

The fair is open every day from now through July 7, except for June 25th, when it is closed for the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™ being hosted at MetLife Stadium.

This year, there is only one admission price to the fair. The "Fun Pass" must be pre-purchased, only available online and in advance, and costs $39.99 per attendee. However, this price includes all of the rides and shows. Plus, parking is free for attendees. Once inside the fair, for an additional $15, guests can upgrade to a "Fast Pass" to be able to skip the line on select rides.

Rides, Shows and Attractions:

The State Fair Meadowlands has over 100 rides! There’s a separate kiddie land area for the littlest guests. For everyone else, there is everything from swings and a Haunted Mansion to Crazy Mouse and the Zyklon Coaster. There are enough thrill rides for the adrenaline seekers, as well as family-friendly attractions like the merry-go-round and mini teacups.

Every weekend of the fair there is a headliner performance. This past opening weekend, the Michael Jackson Tribute Show wowed the crowds. Alternative pop music singer and songwriter Gina Royals performs June 28-30 and the Brazilian music and dance group Samba Nova performs closing weekend, July 5-7. 

Have you ever seen a pig race? Be sure to watch Rosaire’s Racing Pigs where pigs will race around a 180 ft. aluminum track. Other shows include Circus Lena, Cycle Circus Live, and two different magicians. Dinosaur lovers will want to check out Jurassic Kingdom. In this educational and entertaining show, visitors will be able to interact with the life-like dinosaurs. Make time to stop at the Petting Zoo where you'll find ponies, goats, alpacas, and more!

Visitors attending on July 3 and 4 will be treated to a fireworks spectacular by Garden State Fireworks. This company performs fireworks shows for venues like Disney, the Olympics, and the White House, so it will definitely be a showstopper!

Food:

Of course, we saved the best for last! One of the biggest draws of a fair is the food and State Fair Meadowlands doesn’t disappoint. Expect to find the usual sausage and peppers and all things fried amongst the over 50 food vendors.

Be sure to try some of the new and more unique food items. Chester's Gators and Taters is serving white queso fried pickle nachos topped with bacon and jalapeños. Bacon lovers will have to stop by Ketcham's Bacon and try the  Pig in Mud: chocolate-covered, deep-fried bacon. You can even try Gator Mac and Cheese and Cheetos Corn on the Cob.

If you want something sweet, the options are plentiful! You can find everything from cotton candy and fried Oreos to funnel cakes topped with a variety of different toppings. Cool off with some rolled ice cream or try a chocolate-dipped cheesecake!