The Oregon State Fair will open Aug. 28 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem and run through Sept. 7 with a slate of new attractions, infrastructure upgrades and special programming marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
New attractions and a premium ride
Fair organizers say Rainier Amusements Midway will bring four new rides to the carnival this year, including two aimed at young children. In addition, the midway will feature a premium attraction called The Medusa. Riders who choose The Medusa will pay an additional $10 ticket for that experience.
Regular carnival hours begin at 11 a.m. daily; gates open to the fair at 10 a.m. The fair continues to offer staples such as animal exhibits, the Artisan Village and a broad mix of vendors across its grounds.
America 250 Live and Pavilion entertainment
The fair will present the world premiere of America 250 Live, an hourlong production featuring stories and stunts that honor the United States’ 250th anniversary. Organizers will stage the show every evening at 5:30 p.m. and offer an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Sept. 7. Admission to the performance is included with fair entry.
The Pavilion will again host concert acts during the run of the fair. Among the musical names announced are All‑Time Low and “Weird” Al Yankovic.
“We are so thankful for the generous funding provided by DAS,” Kim Grewe‑Powell, CEO of the Oregon Expo Center, said. “These essential, much‑needed infrastructure upgrades directly enhance the comfort, health and overall experience of every fairgoer who walks through our gates.”
Upgrades meant for comfort and safety
The Expo Center used a grant from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to install a new public address system and add 17 water refill stations across the fairgrounds. Organizers highlighted the improvements as investments in guest comfort and public health, particularly important during the typically crowded holiday weekend days.
The upgraded PA system is intended to improve communications across the grounds, from schedule announcements to safety messaging. The new water refill stations will give attendees free access to drinking water at multiple locations, reducing single‑use plastic bottle reliance.
Admission and passes
Organizers have set general admission prices as follows:
- Children: $8
- Adults: $10
- 11‑day pass: $25
- One‑day family pass (2 adults, 2 children): $25
- Children 5 and younger: Free
Some attractions and events—including certain concerts or premium rides such as The Medusa—may require additional tickets. Fair organizers advise guests to check individual event pages and the fair’s official schedule for pricing and any age or height restrictions on rides.
| Event / Item | Time / Price |
|---|---|
| Fair dates | Aug. 28 – Sept. 7 |
| Daily gate open | 10 a.m. |
| Rides open | 11 a.m. |
| America 250 Live | Evenings 5:30 p.m.; matinee 2 p.m. Sept. 7 |
| Premium ride surcharge | The Medusa — $10 |
Practical notes for attendees
Visitors should plan for busy periods, especially holiday weekends and evenings when Pavilion acts perform. Because some attractions require extra tickets or have limited capacity, buying those specific tickets in advance — when available — will help avoid lines and possible sellouts.
With the addition of refill stations, guests can bring reusable water bottles; organizers have emphasized hydration stations as a response to both comfort and sustainability concerns. The new public address system also should make locating events and navigating last‑minute changes easier for attendees.
Details on the full concert lineup, specific ride height restrictions and any late additions to programming will be posted by fair organizers on the Oregon State Fair website and social channels as the event approaches.
The Oregon State Fair remains one of the region’s largest summer events, drawing visitors for livestock exhibitions, arts and crafts, live music and carnival entertainment. This year’s mix of new rides, the America 250 production and upgraded facilities aims to refresh the longtime tradition while addressing practical needs for a large, modern fairground.
