The State Fair is back: Don’t miss out on these top attractions

The 2023 New Jersey State Fair is back and bigger than ever with nine days of nonstop family fun. From horse shows and carnival rides, to a circus and fair food, the highly-anticipated festival has something for everyone.

Advance savings

Bull riding is new to the fair this year and kicks off opening night at 7 p.m. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended for bull riding and other sought-after ticketed shows happening in the Franklin Sussex Automall Outdoor Entertainment Area, such as the monster truck show and the demolition derby. The demolition derby sells out every year.

In addition to snagging tickets to top events, purchasing admission in advance will also lead to savings: it’s just $10 for adult admission and $5 for senior admission when tickets are purchased prior to Aug. 3, a $5 savings per ticket.

Deals like a VIP 9-day book of passes, and Megapasses that include unlimited carnival rides and admission, are only available when purchased online or at the fairgrounds office prior to Aug. 3.

The demolition derby will take place on both Aug. 6 and 7. Another favorite attraction, the monster truck show, will be held Aug. 8 and 9. Tickets are available online now.

Free shows and activities

There are countless activities at the fair that are free with admission, including Circus Incredible, which will make its debut at the fair this year. Circus Incredible’s jaw-dropping aerial artistry, acrobats and balance stunts will wow audiences with multiple shows each day.

Another free daily event, Join the Circus, offers children the opportunity to learn and perform circus activities.

Kids and adults alike love to cheer on the Hot Dog Pig Races, which will take place throughout the week with different time each the day.

Another fan favorite, K-9s in Flight, will have multiple performances daily, showcasing rescue dogs who went “from homeless to high flying,” soaring for frisbees and performing incredible stunts for fairgoers.

Combat Robotics, a high-intensity show featuring fighting robots, is new to the fair this year on Saturday, Aug. 5. Oscar the Robot will also be present, greeting guests around the fairgrounds for the entirety of the week.

Planet Networks Performing Arts Tent will host live performances daily. Some highlighted events are the Battle of the Bands, happening Aug. 4 from 8 - 9:30 p.m., the Queen of the Fair Pageant on Aug. 5 from 7 - 9:30 p.m. and a Tribute to the Troops Aug. 9 from 12 - 1 p.m.

Multiple exhibits like the Tech Zone, Art in Sussex County, Photography in Sussex County, the Snook Agricultural Museum, Molly the Incredible Milking Cow, and the History of the Fair Exhibit will be open to the public as well.

Goats and horses and steers, oh my!

There are hundreds of animals to see at the fair, all free with admission. Six barns full of livestock will be on site daily, featuring animals competing for various “best of show” competitions. Fairgoers can check out the competitions happening in the Livestock Pavilion daily. Throughout the week, the pole barns will be filled with cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, roosters, horses, alpacas and more.

The Commerford Petting Zoo will also be open and free with admission daily, and the agricultural area will host Farm Fun, located in barn 6.

Dollar rides, Celebrate America Day and more

The fair will be hosting four day-long promotions. “Dollar Day at the Fair” will take place Aug. 5 from 5 p.m. to close, where all ride tickets are $1.

Children’s Day will be held on August 8th, and will include sensory-friendly hours from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate America Day will take place on August 9, offering free admission to first responders, military members, and veterans.

Senior Day will be on August 10, offering discounted gate tickets to seniors age 60 and up.

Click here to reserve discounted tickets in advance today.