Top 5 Most Popular Fairs in the US

Carnivals and fairs in the US don't get nearly as much attention as permanent amusement attractions like Amusement and Theme Parks. But many fairs and carnivals attract more guests in a few short days than some permanent amusement parks! Here are the top 5 most popular carnivals and fairs of 2022.
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Videos used:
• Drone takes us around ...
• Tango Carnival Ride at...
• DON'T GET SICK! Ride t...
• Arizona State Fair “OM...
• The Big E Review, East...
• KMG Rides - X-Drive dr...
• Minnesota State Fair: ...
• One Week Until the 201...
• Opening day at 2023 Ro...
• #RCSFUN at Rodeo Houston!
• Evolution | Bishop Amu...
• The State Fair of Texa...
Music used under license from Epidemic Sound, songs listed in order:
Need Your Touch (Instrumental Version) - Basixx
Mr. C-137 - Basixx

[@UnseenUniverse]

Glad to see the Minnesota State Fair getting the love it deserves! I don't go every year because of the crazy daily attendance numbers which, only seem to grow yearly but, I try to attend every few years. It's insane what logistics go into making the fair run smoothly. If you're coming to town just for the fair, I recommend attending more than one day as there's so much to do. Also, a bucket of Sweet Martha's Cookies is a must! Trust me that line is worth it ;)

[@CoasterCollege]

I was shocked when researching this video at just how busy it gets. It's absolutely insane!

[@UnseenUniverse]

@@CoasterCollege Yeah! It's well known how busy it gets locally but people outside the Upper Midwest are always surprised when I mention that tid bit. Really easy to find pictures online of some of the main streets (because the fair uses actual streets) that are just wall to wall with people. The heat and sheer amount of people is why I can only handle attending every few years but I totally recommend it!

[@Coyotek4]

Get a bucket of Sweet Martha's Cookies and head over to the all-you-can-drink Milk Barn ... I'm good for the day.

[@UnseenUniverse]

@@Coyotek4 I controversially don't like milk which I definitely keep to myself now as a college student in Wisconsin 🤫 but most of my family would be right there with you!

[@kingskand]

As a Minnesotan, who adores the fair, I have yet to have any of those damn cookies. Lol I go more for the animals and livestock.

[@PurpleGermanShepherd13]

I'm sure many can agree that fairs are nostalgic. The atmosphere (especially at night), the junk food, the rides, etc. I only went to a few small fairs here and there, but I had good memories at them. This video kinda made me want to go a fair. Checking out one of these sometime would be cool.

[@happysword2587]

My local fair (here in germany) got 600k visitors this year in its 5 days of operation while it only had 4 thrill rides and a kiddie coaster

[@CoasterCollege]

Thats insane!

[@mikaoleander]

my local fair (the freimarkt in bremen, germany) apparently gets 4 million visitors per year, granted, it's a lot larger than your local fair, but i still think 4 million is a rediculously high number, it's about 235k per day

[@miketwomey4923]

It is more than just a fair, it enables streeys of the town to be part of the occasion. They are generations ahead of us in effort and showmanship, besides the best rides and spook houses the food stands will blow you away. One family operates the largest portable coaster in the world, the 5 loop Olympic that requires 35-40 truck loads to move. And if that wasn't enough they also make it more fun with a theam and fantastic fiberglass figures and scenery all over it...

[@matthewkrager5754]

RCS also does the Orange County Fair in SoCal!

[@titan_thrills]

I have so many great memories of the State Fair of Texas.

[@CoasterCollege]

Looks like a fantastic event!

[@CoasterMan13Official]

That makes me wish the fair at Lakewood in Atlanta still existed. I can't believe they demolished the Greyhound roller coaster.

[@themeparkreel]

theres some fairs ive seen in america that have permanent flat rides installed(like the texas fair having a permanent observation tower and another one which has a s&s shot tower) but are only used for such a short space of time its fascinating

[@anAngeal]

I’m personally looking forward to the Sandwich Fair in Sandwich, IL in September. It’s really a great fair, and has a lot of variety of rides. One thing I do NOT recommend is the Illinois State Fair- it was almost smaller than my local county fair, and that was tiny!

[@edvaira6891]

I would’ve thought that the San Diego County Fair (formerly the DelMar Fair) would’ve made this list…we usually clear 1.5 million in attendance most years (and cleared 1.7 in 2019) which isn’t too shabby for a “County” fair

[@CoasterCollege]

I believe it made the top 10 list in 2022

[@jeffreysmith5671]

The San Diego County Fair has one of the best ride collections in the United States with attractions from RCS and independent operators which gets the collection about as close as you can get to a European funfair.

[@miketwomey4923]

​@@jeffreysmith5671Well said, the independent midway creates competition and it shows, they know that the extra effort will make you feel like riding on that ride or whatever. And a fantastic ocean side location that is iconic like the Ventura county fair...

[@mcmadness110]

I've been attending the Big E/Eastern States Exposition for most of my life. My favorite part is the state buildings, each having products and vendors from their states for each of the new England state.

[@CoasterCollege]

That sounds really interesting

[@C0astinG4mer]

As someone who lives in the Houston area, thanks for showing the rodeo! Glad it’s getting some love since it’s stuffed with rides by the wonderful rcs. It’s actually going on right now and I’m going back for the second year in a row🤠

[@jeffreysmith5671]

Thank you so much for producing this video! I am a huge fan of RCS, and Independent operators and I have visited the State Fair of Texas with hopes of going to RODEOHOUSTON eventually.

[@TheAmazingBlackStar]

Texas state fair is so fun, even beyond the rides! One of the few fun things about Texas

[@nancymcdade3909]

The Western Washington State Fair should make the top ten. Rides, entertainment, food and old fashion hobby hall and farm animals is a must to visit if you're on the west coast of the usa.

[@meadow7229]

great video! the north carolina state fair is the only one i've been to, so i may be biased when i say it's pretty good. i'd love to visit these fairs in the future!

[@j_y06]

NCSF has the largest ride count out of any state fair, so that’s a win for us lol

[@miketwomey4923]

​@@j_y06I'm in the business and I think that you are exaggerating...

[@coyote_bravo2723]

I really hope to make it to the Arizona state fair some time. RCS brings most of their midway attractions to my local little county fair down south which I’m happy about since I’m going to be working for the fairgrounds again this year, but I’ve never seen their KMG tango at my fair. Hopefully their new SDC hurricane makes an appearance though! Fingers crossed.

[@brerkris]

Thank you for this!

[@starshiranui33]

Ah, as someone that lives in Dallas, I'm not at ALL surprised to see the Texas State Fair on this list. It seems to grow every single year and get more and more insane concerts and events and rides at it. Hell, I'm going out to the grounds it's at today for the North Texas Irish Festival and it's always funny to see the differences.

[@CoasterCollege]

Seems like a great event, I would love to visit someday!

[@miketwomey4923]

The attendance is that large b/c it's open for almost 2 months compared to Minnesota that is a cool and classic one of a kind experience in only 12 days.

[@jrb5704]

@@miketwomey4923what are you talking about it’s open 3 weeks

[@craft7185]

Fairs are really fun! I went to the Iowa State Fair in 2022 and 2021 and had a blast! Excited to see them getting some love

[@shelby8101]

Great video!

[@B_B_]

adding these locations to my bucket list lol

[@Fairgroundking1]

Glad i made a visit to my first US carnival which was Minnesota State Fair was good to re ride the Equinox which originated from the UK

[@miketwomey4923]

Wise decision, Minnesota has the best character and charm b/c of the classic old buildings and the permanent food stands. It is the busiest fair on a day to day amount of attendance, this brings in the best independent operators from coast to coast and it is just on a different level. It's as close to a European funfair that I've seen in America...

[@Coyotek4]

The TSF is a 'bucket list' destination for me. I've been to the MNSF, but not recently (I used to have in-laws in the area, but they moved away from the midwest). Best I can do these days is the Meadowlands State Fair in NJ: I *have* ridden a Top Scan ("Space Roller") there, and I'm a sucker for a Reverchon Himalaya, but that place is no MNSF.

[@roberthellmann4854]

I would love to see the most popular fairs in Europe!

[@CoasterCollege]

Cool idea, noted.

[@miketwomey4923]

It's all on KZbin, start with the Oktoberfest..

[@kso808]

Great video. Glad to hear we’re giving Europe at least a partial run for the money! Some interesting rides! Hope they spread within the US!

[@CoasterCollege]

I hope so too!

[@miketwomey4923]

The best rides that you are referring to are made in Europe. American mfg have lost sight of the experience and style that memories are made of. They are just concerned about how easy it is to move with the fewest possible people and fit into one trailer. They are lame and generic looking with vinyl curtains replacing hand painted walls and other stuff.

[@Savagemister]

As a native Texan, I've gone to the State Fair Of Texas my whole life. It really is awesome. I didn't even know of the one in Houston though. I'll have to go to it one year.

[@triforcewielder8500]

Colorado state fair!

[@CoasterCollege]

Colorado state fair is the 38th most popular in North America!

[@cristinjust6758]

Minnesota SF attendance just proves that cheese curds are the way....

[@carysage]

Nice!

[@tracihead1404]

Parking issues during rodeo season was one of the reasons given for Astroworld closing. I never understood why they used space for a fair that could've been used for parking when there was an amusement park right across the street.

[@CoasterCollege]

Shockingly, that fair probably drew more people in its few weeks of operation than astroworld did all season!

[@tracihead1404]

@@CoasterCollege The rodeo definitely did but most people go to the fair as just something to do after the rodeo. That could've easily been replaced by Astroworld staying open later for a rodeo themed event during the season. Or maybe I'm just still bitter about it closing lol.

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

I’ve been a KMG Tango at the Staten Island Fair in 2017

[@Mr.Electricc]

Im shocked the LA county fair didnt make the list. I think it would be in the top 10 as it has the fast pass system discussed.

[@miketwomey4923]

10 x bigger and better 5:52 than AZ, I've been to both many times and it's not even close.

[@thrillridefreak8884]

Kinda suprising how San Diego County Fair didn't make it on this list. Oh well lol.

[@Acro-vf9nd]

I was about to say lmao

[@CoasterCollege]

They made the top 10, but not top 5 most popular US fairs in 2022.

[@miketwomey4923]

The attendance and the experience two different things, Az dosen't even belong on the list..

[@ProudTexan315]

Big tex is always a king mascot! But for state fairs!

[@TheDirpMasterPlaysTheGames]

State fair of Texas is awesome

[@micoasters]

The Michigan state fair seems popular but not on this level.

[@CoasterCollege]

The Michigan State Fair actually does not even make the top 50 most popular fairs in North America list that I used to make this video!

[@micoasters]

@@CoasterCollege wired. It always has alot of people when I go. Buy it is small for a state fair and so more people are crammed into 1 spot. There ferris wheel usually has a line snaking thru the entire midway

[@miketwomey4923]

That calls for more than one wheel and a crew that cares and is literally loading and unloading faster. They have no incentive to do better...

[@davefroman4700]

The caliber of rides that travel in Europe still puts these events to shame. Heck they have the biggest mobile coasters in the world, and two more that travel with a complete structural enclosure that turns it into a dark ride coaster. Not to mention the amount of extra theming elements that the showmen of Europe put into each ride, because most are operated by a single family, with one or two rides or attractions.

[@miketwomey4923]

Exactly, competition and pride makes the difference and it shows. Unfortunately 95% of the American fairs give the whole midway to a single carnival company that gives them the highest bid for the contract. The fair calls for a certain number of rides regardless of what they are so the carnivals bring in a bunch of 2 dimensional generic looking rides knowing that the people will always want to ride on something so take it or leave it I guess...

[@alexgeorge501]

Would you consider the CNE in Toronto Canada as an honorable mention? It's got great food, rides, shows and more that puts it up on par with your entries in this video

[@CoasterCollege]

It would have made this list (4th most popular in NA) but this was a US specific list.

[@alexgeorge501]

@@CoasterCollege that's fine with me

[@Bajablastfreezelifesunsets111]

don’t forget about miami dade fair in florida😂❤

[@shivrajstudiokarila]

Super

[@Joypyf]

Is the Wisconsin State Fair a big one?

[@thepoetmackler]

BIG E MENTION HELL YEAH

[@1rhpsfan]

Fairplex?

[@pokedude720]

Kinda Surprised no Evansville Fall Festival

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

It’s a shame the Meadowlands State Fair didn’t make it

[@oxcide2187]

As someone who spent years traveling and working for RCS I can agree with you on the Houston livestock show and rodeo being a excellent fair but I don't agree with Arizona being on that list. Personally I think the Alameda County fair LA county in Pomona or Orange county fair or even Del Mar are much better fairs than Arizona.

[@dindog22]

where does the Ohio State fair rank and which showman provides the rides?

[@CoasterCollege]

It's in the 10-20 range usually, currently rides are provided by tally.

[@dindog22]

@@CoasterCollege I agave only been to the Cuyahoga County fair a couple of times but never to the state fair

[@BoyRoy18]

These are good fair. I think it is only disaponting to see big owners with a lot of rides. This is because the rides a not building projects. I mean with this that they are all easy to set up and folt like oregamy. Here in europe this is not like this. The new rides. We have a lot of very old rides that stand the test of time, they are very big and labor intensive. Somthing like a huss break dance or a monster 3 take many hours to set up. We build ower break dance no 3 in 7 to 8 hours with 7 men and 5 to build down. A monster 3 howerever will take longer. These a some exempels but these rides are not rare, they are the norm here.

[@miketwomey4923]

So true, the American mfg don't care about the experience. Instead of a huge and classic 3 trailer Super Himalayas the American carnivals are out of touch and want an economic halfass version that takes 3 guys 3hrs and on one trailer. It's like screw the customers b/c they have no choice and don't know what they are missing...

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

Yeesh, so many peoples..

[@scubajoe3321]

The sandiego state fair is prob top 20

[@CoasterCollege]

It fell just outside this list, top 10!

[@scubajoe3321]

@@CoasterCollege had a feeling

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’ve been to none of these on this video

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

Fairs now are just so bland they used to have so much well the ones I’ve been to

[@CoasterCollege]

What changed?

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

@@CoasterCollege the ones I’ve been to used to have so many rides and fun stuff now it’s just the usual stuff you can find anywhere else

[@benwarped7272]

So the only good thing in Texas is the Mondial Shake❓

[@starshiranui33]

That's just one of the rides that tends to be there almost every year of the fair. Since the spaces are rented out independently, what rides ARE there tends to change year by year.

[@CoasterCollege]

It has an independent midway so I didn't mention most of the common rides as they change every year.

[@jorgegomez715]

Comments 100😍😊❤

[@wolfy4107]

first

[@williamisner8759]

Where's the Maryland state fair lol