A Glance at Oklahoma State Fair 2024

Imagine the smell of fried food, the sound of laughter, and the sight of Oklahomans gathering from all over. Now, imagine no longer, because this will all become reality as the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair kicks off Thursday, September 12 and lasts through September 22.

For as far back as I can remember my family has visited the state fair, turning it into an annual tradition and even creating a routine. Upon arriving at the fair, the first stop is always to grab a drink, preferably a classic jug of root beer. Then, head on over to the Auto Show to check out the newly released vehicles and debate which we would each want to take home. Next, take a stroll over to AGtroplolis to see all of the adorable farm animals, such as the bunnies, goats, piglets, and chicks. Then, take a walk around the block to to scope out the fair food options and grab something to eat. And for the official end of the routine, while sitting down to eat, discuss any other fair staples or new additions the group wants to experience and proceed to enjoy.

The Oklahoma State Fair takes on a new magical look once the sun goes down. Photo by Nathan Gunter

Which, speaking of new additions, the Oklahoma State Fair released several lists in August featuring new foods and new attractions for this year.

Several notable mentions for new foods are:

• Spicy Pickle Pizza – Swains Pizza On-A-Stick: Homemade pizza dough smothered with jalapeño ranch sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese, pickle chips, and sprinkled with a Cajun dust.
• Cinnamon Rolled Cold Brew Pie – Cutie Pies Concessions: A cinnamon sprinkled graham cracker crust filled with a creamy cold brew pie filling that is loaded with sweet cinnamon roll pieces then topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon and sugar.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Donut Sandwich – FryDay Concessions: A sweet and savory explosion made up of spicy, crispy, Cajun fried chicken served on a glazed donut and smothered in creamy coleslaw, thick sliced dill pickles, and Nashville hot sauce.
• Watermelon Bubble Tea with Tamarind Candy Stick – Diventuri Concessions: Jasmine green tea with watermelon syrup, green apple popping pearls, served with a tamarind candy stick.
• Carne Asada Street Corn – Bad Boys BBQ: Street corn topped with carne asada, sour cream, and cilantro, served with lime.

A full list of new fair foods can be found here.

Fried Twinkies on a stick are just one of many creative dishes to have fed curious fairgoers over the years. Photo by Nathan Gunter

A few featured new attractions for 2024 are:

• Taste of the Fair Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Take advantage of $4 outside gate admission, $4 food items from nearly every stand at the Fair, $4 Little Book of BIG DEALS, and $4 Sky Eye Wheel ride tickets for everyone.
• Bison Encounter, Sept. 19 – 22 – If you have never seen Oklahoma’s majestic state mammal up close or if you have burning questions you wanted to ask about these amazing creatures, now’s your chance to do both. Visit the Oklahoma Bison Association experts in Barn 3 during the last four days of the Fair to experience it.
• Wick & Whimsy Frontier Candle Maker – Jenni brings her craft of candle making all the way from Rockwood, Tennessee. Oklahoma welcomes her to our great Fair and can’t wait for her to join all the other Frontier artisans in the Oklahoma Frontier Experience.

A full list for all new shows, exhibits, competitions, and more can be found here.

Pig races at the Oklahoma State Fair finally settle the question of who is the speediest swine. Photo by Lori Duckworth / Oklahoma Tourism

For more general information about the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair, visit okstatefair.com.

Written By

Kiersten Stone

Just a small town girl living out her city dreams, Kiersten Stone is the Research Editor for Oklahoma Today. Stone previously worked at a local newspaper and at her university’s student news organization before coming to work at the magazine. She loves the Sooner State and all it offers, from the city to the outdoors and the wildlife.