County Fairs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has one of the oldest and deepest fair traditions on the East Coast, dating to the 18th century. With 67 counties, nearly every county holds an annual agricultural fair. The Great Allentown Fair is among the largest traditional fairs in the state, and the Pennsylvania State Farm Show in Harrisburg each January draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to one of the largest indoor agricultural events in the nation.
The Kutztown Folk Festival, running since 1950, is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America — 9 days in July with 200+ juried folk artists and 2,500+ quilts on display. Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish heritage gives the state's county fair system a craft identity that few other states can match, particularly in Lancaster County and the Lehigh Valley.
Top County Fair Events in Pennsylvania
- Kutztown Folk Festival — Kutztown Fairgrounds; July 4-12, 2026; 9 days; 200+ juried folk artists; 2,500+ quilts; oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America
- PA State Farm Show — Harrisburg, January; one of the largest indoor agricultural events in the US; craft and home arts exhibits, livestock, agriculture
- Great Allentown Fair — Allentown Fairgrounds; late August-early September; one of the largest traditional fairs in Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg Fair — Bloomsburg; late September; one of the oldest fairs in the state; agricultural and craft exhibitions
- Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts — State College; July; top-ranked juried show in a county fair context
What to Expect
Pennsylvania county fairs run the full spectrum from large multi-day events with carnival midways and concert stages to small community fairs with livestock shows, home arts judging, and local vendor tents. The state's Pennsylvania Dutch heritage gives many fairs a distinctive craft character — quilts, hex signs, fraktur, pottery, and woodcarving are judged and exhibited at fairs across the southeast and central parts of the state.
In Lancaster County, Amish and Mennonite craftspeople produce handmade quilts, furniture, and baskets that appear at fairs and markets throughout the region. The fair season runs primarily from late June through October, with the PA State Farm Show in January serving as a major off-season agricultural event. Admission at most county fairs ranges from free to $10-15.
Popular Cities for County Fairs
- Lancaster — Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country; Amish and artisan craft hub
- Philadelphia — Gateway to southeastern PA county fairs and the Lehigh Valley circuit
- Pittsburgh — Western PA county fair circuit; Westmoreland and Allegheny county fairs
- Allentown — Great Allentown Fair and the Lehigh Valley fair corridor
For a full overview of craft events in the state, visit the Pennsylvania craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest county fair in Pennsylvania?
The Great Allentown Fair is among the largest traditional fairs. The Kutztown Folk Festival is the largest folklife event, with 200+ juried folk artists and 2,500+ quilts. The PA State Farm Show in Harrisburg (January) is the largest indoor agricultural event in the state. The Bloomsburg Fair is one of the oldest and most attended.
Are there Amish craft fairs in Pennsylvania?
Lancaster County is the center of Amish and Mennonite craft in Pennsylvania. While the Amish community does not typically organize formal "craft fairs," their handmade quilts, furniture, baskets, and baked goods are available at markets, roadside stands, and fair vendor halls throughout the region. The Kutztown Folk Festival showcases Pennsylvania Dutch craft traditions in a festival setting.
When is the best time for county fairs in Pennsylvania?
Late summer through early fall is peak season. July brings the Kutztown Folk Festival and Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. August and September feature the Great Allentown Fair, Bloomsburg Fair, and numerous county fairs across the state. The PA State Farm Show in January is a major off-season event.