Jaunted

This is the 100th Kansas State Fair, so we think at this point they’ve finally figured out all the ins and outs of running a pretty successful event. Pig races, arm wrestling contests, tractor pulls, and goat milking competitions are all included with your ticket—and clearly so worth the price of admission. Round out your attendance with something fried on a stick, and we can pretty much guarantee that you'll have a good time.

Expo New Mexico

Albuquerque is getting ready for the influx of state fair attendees, as Expo New Mexico is set to do its thing between September 12 and 23. This year admission will cost you $10 per adult, but at least all the parking is free for one and all. There’s plenty of the typical state fair stuff, but we’re intrigued about checking out local favorites like the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge on September 18. If that’s not quite your thing—no problem—as blue ribbons will be awarded for everything from arts and agriculture to cows and critters.

Some of the special staged events include an appearance by Eddie Money, and organizers have even brought in some sort of Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular to remember the King of Pop. There is separate admission to most of these concerts, but it sounds like the cheap tickets start at just $19 per person. Plenty of carnival rides for both big kids and little kids round out the entertainment options, so be sure to pace yourself.

The Big E

It’s one part Massachusetts State Fair and part New England State Far, as the Big E—the Eastern States Exposition—gets ready to do its thing next month in West Springfield, Massachusetts. This year’s fair is set to run between September 14 and September 30, so you definitely have plenty of time to make a run for the ride on the Zipper and swing past the cord dog stand. Tickets will set you back about $12 in advance, but things head upwards if you’re picking up your ticket at the gate—so plan ahead. However, that does include access to most stuff including some of the concerts, like if you’re looking to “like it like that” with Hot Chelle Rae on September 21.

There’s plenty of stuff from the local farm community and food producers, as attendees strive to do their best at making everything from cheese to cupcakes. Cake decorating, jams, jellies, and everything in between are also set to make an appearance, but unfortunately we’re not so sure that you’ll be able to score too many free samples of the competition worthy creations. Of course there’s no forgetting the rides on the midway, but just be sure to take it easy on the fried foods before climbing aboard the Fireball, Polar Express, the Niagara Falls Flume.

[Photos: ercwttmn & Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism]