What's new at the 2026 State Fair of Virginia
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Just some of the treats at the State Fair of Virginia. Image: Courtesy of State Fair of Virginia
The State Fair of Virginia returns Friday with its freakishly large vegetables, adorable baby animals and even more deep-fried things.
Why it matters: The 10-day Richmond-adjacent tradition is back, with a bunch of new attractions this year — including a deep-fried pickle corn dog.
- Yes, you read that right: a hot dog, wrapped in a pickle, wrapped in the corn part of the corn dog and deep-fried.
State of play: Here's what else is new — and not to miss — at this year's state fair.
- 🌭 New fair food includes Korean-style corn dogs, smashburgers, fire-wok noodles, handcrafted donuts, and the aforementioned deep-fried pickle corn dogs (find it at Twisted Pickles).
- 🎢 The midway has 45+ rides and, new this year, a $15 Fast Lane add-on that lets riders bypass the regular line.
- 🤸 Check out new shows like Flippenout, an acrobatic trampoline show with Olympic-style tricks, and Xtreme Strongman Show, where performers bend steel and lift huge weights.
🐔 There's also a wonderfully ridiculous new Rubber Chicken Show, featuring "poultry-themed humor and tricks" and Dueling Pianos on opening weekend.
- 🐴 A new Equestrian Roundup has horse shows and the World Blacksmith Championship.
🐷 Plus: Classic favorites are back, including racing pigs four times daily, main-stage concerts, baby animals and hatching chicks, and the giant vegetable weigh-off at noon on Saturday, Sept. 25.
- 🎃 Fun fact: Last year's winning pumpkin weighed in at 1,983 pounds.
If you go: The state fair runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 4 at The Meadow Event Park. Gates open at 10am daily, rides at 11am.
- Adult tickets start at $15, $32 with a ride wristband.