Top 10 things to do at the NJ State Fair this year

The New Jersey State Fair - Sussex County Farm & Horse Show returns for nine days of fun Friday, Aug. 1.

The sprawling event is a cherished Sussex County tradition that has continued to grow for over 80 years — and in 2025, there is more to see than ever before.

Much of the entertainment at the fair is free with admission -- and fairgoers can save on admission costs when tickets are purchased in advance before Aug. 1.

Here are the top 10 things to do at this year’s fair:

1. Make some barnyard friends

There are hundreds of animals to see at the fair. Feed and pet baby goats at the petting zoo, located in the Family Entertainment Area, then visit the the Endangered Breeds Educational Center, where you will find a tent with endangered heritage breeds such as Randall Lineback cows and Barbados Blackbelly sheep.

Afterwards, head over to the Agriculture Area to meet various pigs, ducks, chickens, roosters, cows and more barnyard friends. There are six barns full of animals to see.

2. See an incredible circus act

Circus Incredible will bring its dazzling performance back to the fair this year. The incredible act features seventh generation circus performer Lyric Wallenda, of the world famous Wallenda family, and her husband, a second generation circus performer. Their show wows audiences of all ages with jaw-dropping, sky-high stunts.

Like much of the entertainment at the fair, the circus is free with admission.

Circus Incredible will perform in the Family Entertainment Area:

• Monday, Aug. 4 through Friday, Aug. 8 at 5:25 and 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 9 at 3:45, 5:15 and 8 p.m.

Check the signage in the Family Entertainment Area for a complete list of

3. Laugh and dance with the NERDS

The NERDS will perform a free concert Friday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The band is known for high-energy musical performances, sharp-witted banter, and a humorous stage presence heavily influenced by Monty Python and David Letterman. The NERDS have been featured on MTV and “The View,” and have shared the stage with icons such as Sheryl Crow, Hootie & the Blowfish, Earth, Wind & Fire, Train, The Go-Go’s, and Maroon 5.

Seating is first-come, first serve to see this popular act.

In addition to The NERDS, here are just a few of the other free acts to see at the Performing Arts Tent this year:

• Battle of the Bands is Friday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m.

• Whiskey Crossing will be playing 90s Country Hits and their original, Nashville-recorded songs from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3.

• U.S. Army Band, Liberty Vibes, will perform at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6

• Karaoke is Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

• The New Jersey State Fair Talent Show is Saturday, Aug 9. from 5 - 9:30 p.m.

4. Learn how to make honey

Buzz over to the Richards Building to see a sweet honeybee demonstration at 6 p.m. and 12 p. m. daily. Meet the queen bee, see fresh honeycomb and learn about the art of honey-making from a seasoned beekeeper.

Pamphlets and information about beekeeping is available if you want to start your own hive -- and honey products are also available for sale if you want a sweet treat (without all of the extra work).

5. See art and antiques

A full day could be spent exploring the fair’s museums and exhibits:

• See antique farming equipment in the Agriculture Museum

• View breathtaking Sussex County artwork and photography by local artists

• Explore an exhibit highlighting over 80 years of Sussex County Fair history

• See antique engines in the Agriculture Area

6. Join the circus

“Join the Circus,” is an interactive, family-favorite event returning to the fair this year. Children join ringleader Giovanni Anastasini to put on a real-life circus performance, where they get to dress up and perform tricks for the audience. One kid even gets shot out of a cannon!

You can “Join the Circus” daily at 1:30, 3, and 7 p.m. in the Family Entertainment Area.

7. See competing scarecrows, NJ’s biggest zucchini & blooming artwork

Be sure to head over to the Agriculture Area for some green-thumbed fun.

Check out the vegetable show in the Greenhouse, where you’ll find N.J.’s largest zucchini and the scarecrow competition. This year’s scarecrow competition is theme is Nickelodeon characters, and there are two categories: traditional (scarecrows on wood frames) and non-traditional scarecrows made out of literally anything -- from hay bales and chicken wire to paper mâché.

Then, head over to the Conservatory for the flower show. There, you’ll find various plants and flowers, and the Blooming Art competition. This year’s competition theme is “Birds and Blooms,” challenging entrants to create various bird-inspired floral arrangements, incorporating nests or bird houses into their displays.

8. Watch the Tractor Pull

Head over to the Outdoor Entertainment Area for this classic fair tradition, happening Saturday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Witness roaring engines and giant torque as farm tractors compete to pull a heavy sled down a track.

The Tractor Pull is free with admission. It is one of many exciting events happening at the fair’s Outdoor Entertainment Area. Here’s this year’s complete lineup:

• Saturday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m.: Bull riding and barrell racing (tickets required)

• Sunday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m.: - Woodsman Competition (free with admission)

• Sunday, Aug. 3 and Monday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.: Demolition Derby (tickets required)

• Tuesday, Aug. 5, and Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.: Monster Truck Show (tickets required)

• Thursday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m.: Championship Pulling Series (tickets required)

• Friday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.: Truck Pull (tickets required)

• Saturday, Aug. 9: 12 p.m. - Power Racing Series (free with admission)

• Saturday, Aug. 9: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – Tractor Pull (free with admission)

9. Hoof it to the horse show

Fairgoers cannot miss the grand event that started it all: The Sussex County Horse Show. There are various shows and competitions to watch daily, including a six-horse hitch exhibition opening night, Friday, Aug. 1 at 5 p.m.

10. Ride the ferris wheel

Of course, the carnival is a highlight for young ones.

To save on ride prices, visit opening night from 5 - 10 p.m. for $1 rides.

Or, visit the carnival on Children’s Day, which is Tuesday, Aug. 5, to get unlimited ride wristbands for $25 from noon to 6 p.m.

Fairgoers will find special events for kids throughout the fairgrounds on Children’s Day, including fun activities and even a “Goat Story Hour.” The carnival will have sensory-friendly hours, with limited lights and noises, from noon to 2 p.m.

Get ready for nine days of farm-fun

The 2025 New Jersey State Fair-Sussex County Farm and Horse show is Friday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 9.

Visit sussexcountyfairgrounds.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate any day.