MAIN Travel USA Vermont Vermont State Fair 2025

Heading into its 179th year in 2025, the Vermont State Fair is an immensely popular event that is held annually in Rutland.

It is also one of the oldest state fairs in the United States in a beloved tradition dating back to 1846!

The fair started out as just a single day gathering that happened once a year somewhere in Rutland County. But it wasn't long before the fair became popular enough to warrant its own permanent home, and in 1859 the Rutland Fair moved to a new location which still serves as the fairground today.

The Rutland Fair became a three day event before the turn of the century and by 1926, the Rutland Fair was ranked as among the ten best state fairs in the entire nation.

The Rutland Fair became officially known as the Vermont State Fair in 1972.

Today the Vermont State Fair is a greatly-anticipated end of summer event which this year kicks off on Tuesday, August 12 and ends on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

General admission is traditionally $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12, with kids under 5 admitted free.

also see -> Vermont Fall Foliage

2025 Vermont State Fair events

What makes the Vermont State Fair a standout?

It never pretends to be anything other than an old-timey, down-home country fair. Petting zoo for the kids? Check. Real Vermont maple syrup? You betcha.

The demolition derby is always a smash hit at The Vermont State Fair in Rutland.

Also look for monster trucks and tractors performing incredible feats of strength and endurance.

The Vermont State Fair promises a "big name" music band to take the stage each year. (So expect local acts that you probably never heard of.)

And unlike the big state fairs that serve up mega-stars, at the Vermont State Fair it's the smash hit demolition derby that serves as the big finale on the last day.

Animals and livestock, of course, are still a big part of the show, and can be found racing, winning ribbons, and performing for festival goers of all ages.

You can also look forward to a huge assortment of amusement park rides, cooking and baking competitions -- and always, always a really fun day out with friends or family. Enjoy.

For kids of all ages, it's the petting zoo ... or an authentic taste of real Vermont maple ice cream. Yum.

also see -> This Christmas in Vermont | Vermont Ski Resorts

More about the Vermont State Fair around the Web:

2025 Vermont State Fair - The official site with information on the concert lineup, admission and ticket prices, fair highlights and events fair history, directions, map and photos.

Explore Rutland - Guide to downtown and nearby Green Mountain attractions including Killington, Pico and Shrewsbury.

Vermont State Fair - Rutland, VT - Yelp community reviews with favorite picks of events and venues plus maps and directions, and guide to nearby hotels and restaurants.