The countdown is officially underway for the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair, scheduled to run from September 17 through September 27. Marking the latest opening date on the fair’s historical calendar, organizers are gearing up for eleven days of food, music, family entertainment, and agricultural showcase events.
Adding to the excitement this year, fairgoers will be treated to the brand-new America 250 Observation Wheel, an enormous attraction that will stand even taller than the iconic ferris wheel at the State Fair of Texas. Towering over everything else at the Fair at 230 feet tall, the America 250 Wheel is the World’s Largest Portable Observation Wheel. It’s larger than the wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago and the Texas Star Wheel in Dallas! The wheel’s 45 gondolas include fun facts about our nation’s 45 presidents.
New Food Offerings and On-a-Stick Treats The food lineup features several debut creations, highlighted by a partnership with James Beard finalist Chef Andrew Black at the Champions BBQ Pearl Mesta pop-up, serving a Mango Bourbon Pork Rib. Other new menu highlights include:
- Sweet Heat Brisket Biscuit, made with smoked brisket, buttermilk biscuit, and bacon jam
- Pork Belly Lollipop
- Mac & Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
- Fried Cajun Chicken on a Stick
- Scotch Egg on a Stick
- Classic Netterfield’s Polish Sausage on the circle
Grandstand and Stage Entertainment The fairgrounds will feature a mix of ticketed and free entertainment. Disney On Ice presents “Jump In” during opening week, followed by the Ultimate Bullfighters and Wildcatters competitions on the second weekend. Free stage acts at the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage and across the grounds include:
- Sebastian Bach and Great White on Friday
- Opening night with Aaron Watson and Alex Miller on Thursday
- Route 66 Red Dirt Music Festival featuring Wade Bowen, Cam Allen, and William Clark Green on Saturday
- “Beats and Beads” Taylor Swift tribute night featuring Let’s Sing Taylor and DJ Buff on Sunday
- Contemporary Christian artist Ben Fuller on Monday
- Disco tribute band Le Freak on Tuesday
- Senior Day Elvis tribute by Jimmy Holmes on Wednesday
- TikTok breakout star Cooper Alan on Thursday
- R&B artist Ginuwine on Friday
- 80s tribute show Hairball on Saturday
- Dedicated Hispanic music programming on the final Sunday
- The Piccolo Zoppé Italian Circus, dog shows, livestock competitions, and the Oklahoma Frontier Experience daily
Gate Admission, Special Discount Days, and Parking Advance gate admission is available for $12, while regular gate admission during the fair is $17. Specific promotional days offer further savings:
- Thrifty Thursdays (both Thursdays): $8 in advance, $10 at the gate
- Military Monday: Free admission for military personnel and their spouses
- Taste of the Fair Tuesday: $4 admission for all attendees, featuring $4 specialty food items
- Senior Day (Wednesday): Free admission for seniors aged 55 and older
Both free and paid parking options will be open to fair visitors. Paid parking is $15 and operates as completely cashless, offering paved, well-lit spaces close to the entry gates. Construction around the newly cleared Gateway of Champions promenade footprint will not alter public entrance flow, with standard entry available through Gates 5 and 6 off Delmar Gardens/Reno and Gates 9 and 10 off 10th Street.
Advance tickets, ride wristbands, and event seats are on sale now at OnCue locations across the metro, online at okstatefair.com, at the Jim Norick Arena box office, or by phone at (405) 948-6800.
