The State Fair of West Virginia is one of the oldest annual events in the Mountain State. It has been running since 1926, and the 2025 edition was the milestone 100th. In that time, it has grown into a ten-day event that draws visitors from across the state and beyond. If you are planning a visit, or have simply always wondered what is actually there, here’s what you need to know.
When and where it’s held
The State Fair is held at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg, in Greenbrier County, at 947 Maplewood Avenue. The West Virginia Lottery has operated a dedicated building at the fairgrounds for years, and it is one of the long-standing fixtures of the event where you can buy draw game tickets and scratch-offs in person. The fair typically opens in early August and runs for approximately ten days.
What the fair is built around
The core of the State Fair is agricultural. Livestock competitions are a central part of the program, with cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry all represented across a range of breed classes and judging categories. Participants come from farms across West Virginia and neighboring states.
The exhibition halls cover more than livestock. Quilts, photographs, woodwork, baked goods, and artwork are all entered for judging across a wide range of categories. The 4-H and youth sections draw entries from young West Virginians who have worked on their projects through the year. For many families, a walk through the exhibition buildings is as much a part of the visit as anything else on the grounds.
Entertainment and additional activities
Alongside the agricultural program, the fair has a full entertainment lineup that typically includes live concerts across multiple stages. Past lineups have covered country, bluegrass, and rock. Many performances are included in general admission. Others require separate tickets. The full concert schedule is released ahead of the fair on statefairofwv.com.
The fairgrounds also have a carnival midway with rides and games, a wide range of food vendors, and craft exhibition areas. Comfortable footwear is a practical choice given the size of the site.
WVL at the State Fair
West Virginia Lottery has been a fixture at the State Fair for years, bringing
fun, excitement, and of course, tickets and swag to Fairlea. WVL proceeds also support tourism infrastructure across the state, one of the four beneficiary areas the Lottery has funded since 1986.
Admission and getting there
General admission tickets are required for entry. Check the State Fair website for current pricing and any early purchase options.
Parking is available on site. If you are visiting on a weekend, arriving early gives you more options. Lewisburg’s downtown is worth seeing in its own right and sits within easy reach of the fairgrounds, with independent restaurants, shops, and historic streets if you want to extend your day.
