County Fairs in Oregon
Oregon's county fair tradition reflects the state's rich agricultural diversity, from the fertile Willamette Valley to the ranching country east of the Cascades. The Oregon State Fair in Salem has been running since 1861, and county fairs across all 36 counties continue to draw communities together each summer for livestock shows, home arts competitions, and carnival midways.
The Willamette Valley fairs celebrate the region's berry, nursery, and hop farming heritage, while eastern Oregon fairs center on cattle ranching and rodeo traditions. Home arts divisions are strong statewide, with quilting, canning, and baking competitions attracting skilled entrants. Oregon's 4-H and FFA programs thrive at county fairs, giving youth exhibitors a stage for their livestock and craft projects.
Top County Fair Events in Oregon
- Oregon State Fair — Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem; late August through Labor Day; livestock, home arts, craft vendors, carnival rides, and live entertainment
- Clackamas County Fair — Canby; mid-August; one of the larger county fairs in the Portland metro area with livestock, home arts, and 4-H exhibits
- Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo — Redmond; early August; Central Oregon's premier fair combining agricultural exhibits with rodeo events
- Lane County Fair — Eugene; mid-July; Willamette Valley agricultural traditions with livestock shows, quilting, and home arts competitions
- Marion County Fair — Salem; early July; celebrating the agricultural heart of the Willamette Valley with strong 4-H and home arts programs
What to Expect
Oregon county fairs run from late June through September, with most concentrated in July and August. Livestock shows feature cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and poultry, with 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors playing a major role. Home arts buildings display quilts, canned goods, baked items, and handmade crafts judged with ribbon awards. Eastern Oregon fairs often include rodeo events alongside traditional fair attractions.
Admission is generally affordable, with many smaller county fairs offering free or low-cost entry. Carnival midways, live music, and food vendors are standard at most fairs. The Oregon State Fair is the largest event on the circuit, but county fairs in agricultural communities like Canby, Redmond, and Hermiston draw strong local attendance.
Popular Cities for County Fairs
- Portland — Clackamas and Washington county fairs serve the metro area with livestock, home arts, and 4-H exhibits
- Salem — Home of the Oregon State Fair and the Marion County Fair in the agricultural heart of the Willamette Valley
- Eugene — Lane County Fair celebrates the southern Willamette Valley's farming traditions with livestock and crafts
- Bend — The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo in nearby Redmond combines Central Oregon ranching culture with traditional fair events
See all craft events in Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Oregon State Fair?
The Oregon State Fair runs from late August through Labor Day at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. It features livestock competitions, home arts exhibitions, craft vendors, a carnival midway, and live entertainment. It is the largest agricultural event in the state.
Do Oregon county fairs include rodeo events?
Many eastern and central Oregon fairs include rodeo events alongside traditional fair attractions. The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo in Redmond is one of the most well-known. Western Oregon fairs tend to focus more on agricultural exhibits and home arts, though some include small rodeo or horse show components.
Are there craft competitions at Oregon county fairs?
Yes. Home arts divisions at Oregon county fairs include competitive categories for quilting, canning, baking, needlework, and other handmade crafts. The Oregon State Fair has particularly extensive craft and fine arts competitions. Many smaller fairs also feature local artisan vendor areas.