Gooey caramel apples, cinnamon rolls dripping with rich icing, juicy turkey legs and inventive concoctions such as fried Snickers are just a few of the favorite fair foods that are savored each fall in Oklahoma. Along with cooler weather, fall also ushers in a slew of fairs and festivals where you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to sample some of the most delicious food in the Sooner State. Whether you’re flying high above the crowd with a cone of fluffy cotton candy or nervously nibbling on savory roasted nuts in a spook house, there is something for every appetite and adventure level at these seven fabulous fall fairs.
Oklahoma State Fair – Oklahoma City
For 10 days each fall, the Oklahoma State Fair transforms the state fairgrounds into a fun-filled wonderland complete with carnival rides, exhibits, livestock shows and, of course, rows and rows of irresistible fair food. There are almost 900 unique food items to choose from including deep-fried cookie dough, freeze-dried candy, meat candy-on-a-stick, and even alligator or rattlesnake corndogs. Head to to the state fair in Oklahoma City to devour huge ice cream cones, gyros, barbecue sandwiches, kettle corn and so much more.
Miniature plastic jugs filled with ice cold root beer and fresh-squeezed lemonade top the list of what you’re sure to find. Other treats that take the (funnel) cake include frozen chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick, deep fried cheese and Indian tacos boasting fresh ingredients piled high atop fluffy fry bread.
Join over 1,000,000 fair visitors in pursuit of all things delicious, and then check out the fair’s five popular exhibit halls, the auto show and the family-friendly midway filled with games, prizes and kiddie rides. Fly high on a carnival ride, get a bird’s eye view of the fairgrounds from atop the Ferris wheel, or take the kids to see a performance of Disney on Ice.
Tulsa State Fair – Tulsa
Held annually since 1935, the Tulsa State Fair has grown into Tulsa’s largest annual event with thousands of visitors each day. Hop on the Sky Ride early to take a sky-high tour of the fairgrounds and set your game plan for the activities, exciting rides and delicious food you’d like to enjoy throughout the fair. Wander the grounds for fair favorites, but make sure you save room for quirky treats like pig ears, bacon-fried everything, candied jalapenos, deep-fried Snickers or Twinkies, pizza-on-a-stick, or cotton candy sweet & sour drinks. If you’re looking for a shot of adrenaline, the Tulsa State Fair is known for its extreme rides including the Sling Shot, Sky Scraper, Comet II Roller Coaster and The Maxx Superfly, a free-spinning Ferris wheel.
Mountain View Free Fair – Mountain View
One of the oldest community fairs in the state, the Mountain View Free Fair offers family-friendly fun that includes rides, arts and crafts booths, livestock shows and live entertainment each evening. Visitors to the fair also get to chow down on mouthwatering fair favorites at hometown food stands. This three-day fair has had plenty of time to perfect the art of fun, since it’s been an annual tradition in the community since 1915. Be prepared for a ton of small town charm at this fair, where bringing your own lawn chair is the norm and friendly contests such as horseshoe pitching, tractor pulls and frog races. Calf fries are the signature fair food specialty of this southwest Oklahoma festival.
Payne County Free Fair – Stillwater
Get a glimpse of farm life with an exciting array of horse shows, livestock events and agricultural exhibits at the Payne County Free Fair in Stillwater. An antique tractor parade, old-fashioned horse pull and lawn tractor pull are guaranteed to be interesting entertainment during the five day fair. Enjoy a local talent show while slurping ice cold lemonade or snacking on Ralph’s Jerky from the nearby town of Perkins. Food vendors will be on-site serving up hot, home-cooked meals like bowls of chili with crumbly cornbread and juicy hamburgers.
Stephens County Free Fair – Duncan
Thick slices of homemade pie, chargrilled burgers, giant brisket sandwiches and Indian tacos are just a few of the tasty options waiting for you at the Stephens County Free Fair. Held annually in August, the fair has been a Duncan tradition since 1907. Inside, the expo center comes to life with numerous 4-H exhibits including a bread baking contest, a talent show and an open rodeo, while outdoors the fairgrounds are full of exciting carnival rides and food vendors with tons of tasty treats. Stick around for a car show held on the fair’s last day and browse rows of shined up beauties including muscle cars, 4X4s, hot rods and one of a kind vehicles.
Pontotoc County Free Fair – Ada
Entertainment is key at the three-day Pontotoc County Free Fair. In addition to the twisting, turning carnival rides and top-notch exhibits, this annual Ada tradition also showcases the best local entertainment that’s sure to have you tapping your toes in time with the music. For lots of laughs and plenty of action, visit the Big Red Barn for a children’s rodeo complete with mutton bustin’ and stick horse races. Of course, no fair would be a success without fabulous fair food, so indulge in buttery popcorn, huge slices of cheesy pizza and crispy funnel cakes buried under mounds of powdered sugar.
Cleveland County Free Fair – Norman
Grab a juicy turkey leg, foot-long corndog or plateful of ribbon fries and explore the Cleveland County Free Fair where animals are the name of the game. This annual Norman fair includes exciting horse shows and a petting zoo where you can interact with friendly rabbits, baby ducks, goats, miniature donkeys, chickens and pigs. Get up close and personal with giant Clydesdale horses or see which 4-H animals took top honors in each livestock show. Tons of artwork and home economic displays are featured inside, while the main area of the fairgrounds is packed with carnival rides and food vendors. Finish the day off with a sweet treat like a chocolate dipped ice cream cone or fried Twinkie.
