2025 AUGUSTh Best State Fair Foods

< Back to Table of ContentsEnjoying a cream puff at the Wisconsin State FairWISCONSIN STATE FAIR / JMKE PHOTOGRAPHY
Deep-Friedand DeliciousWhether it’s battered Oreos or peach cobbler funnel cake, this year’s state fairs in 13 states are serving up big flavors.By Zachary Laks
It’s state fair time, and you know what that means: Getting ready for the best deep-fried food on a stick you’ve ever had! This year’s state fairs continue the time-honored tradition of pushing the limits of flavor into bite-sized, on-the-go delights. From one of the world’s most remarkable bloody marys to a famed Pork Chop on a Stick, this handy guide outlines all the fun refreshments you can find at many of this year’s state fairs.Original Cream Puffs, Wisconsin State FairWISCONSIN STATE FAIR / JMKE PhotographyWisconsin State Fair Milwaukee | July 31–Aug. 10, 2025“America's Dairyland” delivers an array of indulgences. The cream of the crop includes the Original Cream Puffs, the Peno Pretzel Popper Brat at Gertrude’s Pretzels and the Deep-Fried Banana Bread Bites at Leadfoots Race Bar & Grill. As expected, the deep-fried cheese curds here are among the best in the world and are found easily at stands throughout the fair. While here, also enjoy the novelty of just about every culinary item served on a stick, from smoked gator legs to Brandy Old Fashioned S’mores to Cool Ranch Doritos Pickles.An All-American Mary, Indiana State FairINDIANA STATE FAIRIndiana State Fair Indianapolis | Aug. 1–17, 2025The Hoosier State’s state fair returns this year, turning heads and drawing crowds with its many playful food experiments. Start your culinary journey with previous Taste of the Fair winners, including Nitro Hog BBQ’s Fried Sugar Biscuit n’ BBQ with Apple Butter Sauce and the refreshing Sweet Tea Slushy at Colp’s Concessions. If you’re angling for the perfect photo op, pick up Urick Concessions’ towering Brunch Mary. This meal-in-a-glass innovation includes a cornucopia of mini sausage breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit kebab, crispy bacon, donut holes and a golden waffle stick—all atop a bloody mary. Or, try the All-American Mary topped with a cheeseburger slider, fried pickles, waffle fries, mini apple pie and more.Donut Ice Cream Sundae, Illinois State Fairillinois state fairIllinois State Fair Springfield | Aug. 7–17, 2025Taste the best of the Midwest at the Illinois State Fair. Vendors offer inspired takes on regional classics, like barbecue ribs, cheese curds and Italian beef sandwiches. Expect long lines at Prairie Farms’ stand this year, with crowds eager to enjoy 2024’s “Flavor of the Fair,” the Raspberry Crunch shake. Can’t miss items include the Spicy Ramen at Indolishus and Scoup Du Jour’s Donut Ice Cream Sundae.Lobster Corn Dog, Iowa State FairIOWA STATE FAIRIowa State FairDes Moines | Aug. 7–17, 2025The heat is on at the legendary Iowa State Fair as nearly 200 food vendors compete to wow your tastebuds and win the coveted “People’s Choice Best New Food” award. Prioritize trying last year’s winner, the Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll from Winn & Sara’s Kitchen, but save room for the fair’s headlining foot-long corn dogs and Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies. For something more elevated, indulge in the Lobster Corn Dog at Destination Grille.Smiles and funnel cakes, Wilson County Fair - Tennessee State FairTENNESSEE STATE FAIRWilson County Fair - Tennessee State FairLebanon | Aug. 14–23, 2025Discover Tennessee’s rich history of Southern cuisine and plenty of new-age innovation at the sprawling Wilson County Fair - Tennessee State Fair. The fair is home to numerous deep-fried delights, most notably deep-fried Oreos, funnel cakes and deep-fried pickles. More than 60 food vendors will bring their best eats to the 10-day festival, with anticipated highlights this year including Nashville hot-chicken sliders, bourbon-infused milkshakes and pulled pork-stuffed cornbread muffins.Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Land of 10,000 Cakes, Minnesota State FairMINNESOTA STATE FAIRMinnesota State Fair Falcon Heights, Aug. 21–Sept.1, 2025 Home to many quirky edible creations, the Minnesota State Fair is a must-visit destination for foodies. The Chicken in a Waffle Cone from The Blue Barn is a fan favorite, but save room, too, for the fair’s renowned deep-fried cheese curds at Mouth Trap Cheese Curds, Walleye Cakes at Giggles’ Campfire Grill, Deep-Fried and Seasoned Alligator at Bayou Bob's Gator Shack and Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Land of 10,000 Cakes—a layered sundae in a cup.Looking for comfortable accommodations for your road trip? Visit AAA.com/Hotels and save with AAA rates while earning hotel loyalty points.Turkey legs are a popular food item at state fairs.ADOBE STOCKColorado State FairPueblo | Aug. 22–Sept. 1, 2025Arrive hungry at the Colorado State Fair to revel in the variety of delicious dishes that dot the fairground’s 102 acres. Must-tries include the Deep-Fried Cookie Dough on a Stick from Bribiesca Concessions, the Pork Chop on a Stick at German Specialty Foods and the 13-inch Monster Corn Dog at Milo’s. Other popular foods here include deep-fried cheesecake, giant turkey legs and “sloppers”—a smothered open-faced cheeseburger topped with green chile.Papa Asadas, Nebraska State FairNEBRASKA STATE FAIRNebraska State Fair Grand Island | Aug. 22–Sept. 1, 2025Encouraging culinary creativity, the Nebraska State Fair offers champion belts for the most “New and Unique Foods.” Last year’s savory winner was the oversized carne asada-loaded baked potatoes, called Papas Asadas, from Leon’s. The sweet winner was Shuckers Roasted Corn’s Watermelon Lollipop, which features watermelon drizzled with chamoy, Tajín and lime juice. Slushies—Kool-Aid for kids and more than 20 varieties of wine mixes for adults—are among the best ways to keep cool as you wander the fairgrounds.Deep-fried oreosADOBE STOCKMichigan State Fair Novi, Aug. 28–Sept. 1, 2025Behold the many appetizing wonders of the Michigan State Fair! The indoor-outdoor foodie paradise attracts more than 175,000 visitors annually. The fairground grub that gets the most attention include deep-fried Oreos, pulled-pork sandwiches and corn dogs. Wash it all down with the fair’s nostalgic $1 Endless Chocolate Milk from Guernsey Farms Dairy. Be sure to sample Michigan’s award-winning cheeses, notably the Colby-style Pinconning cheese.georgia national fair VIDEOGeorgia National Fair Perry | Oct. 2–12, 2025A food fight is brewing at the Georgia National Fair, and you get to join the fun. The Fair Food Fight is not a food-flinging, raucous debacle; this is a battle fought by vendors spreading the word about great creations, serving them to attendees and getting you to vote on which food items you think deserve to be crowned the best fare of the fair. While you’re unlikely to taste last year’s winners—When Pickled Pigs Fly pizza from Gillette’s Pizza & Lemonade and the best dessert, S’more Magic Ice Cream Sandwich from Polar Bear Ice Cream—you can sample pork belly cones, bubble tea and fried grilled cheeses in 2025. Other fair crowd-pleasers include peach cobblers and fried oysters.Peach cobbler funnel cake, South Carolina State FairSOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIRSouth Carolina State Fair Columbia | Oct. 8–19, 2025Come for the decadent deep-fried butter and stay for the more than 90 food stalls serving a world of flavors and fun at the South Carolina State Fair. Some of the many innovative foods to try this year include the Deep-Fried Enchiladas at Deep Fried Tacos, the Korean Corn Dog at Giant Corn Dog Factory and the Campfire Burger—a flame-grilled, 3-pound Angus beef patty topped with baked beans, Gouda and half a hot dog—at DeAnna’s Diner. Brody’s Mac & Cheese will serve Southern comfort in the form of macaroni and cheeses that spin from smoky Gouda to a hearty Piggyback Mac. Want to try a novel pizza? Swing by Spaghetti Eddie’s for a Reuben Sandwich Pizza, made with all the deli favorites, including corned beef, ham, cheese and Thousand Island dressing. Save room for dessert, as the options here are vast—from deep-fried Oreos and warm chocolate chip cookies to the fair’s famed peach cobbler funnel cake.Lawrence and Perry BBQ videoNorth Carolina State Fair Raleigh | Oct. 16–26, 2025The North Carolina State Fair beckons gourmands with an incredible lineup of appealing eats at more than 120 food and drink vendors. Make your way through the labyrinth of stalls and attractions to some of the best fair bites. Past offerings have included Lawrence and Perry BBQ’s Deep-Fried Ribs, Bulkogi Korean BBQ’s Korean BBQ Kimchi Nachos, the Jerk Pork Belly Bao from Cool Runnings Jamaican and Fried Hazelnut Croissants from La Farm Bakery.Deep-Fried chocolate eclairs, Florida State FairFLORIDA STATE FAIRFlorida State Fair Tampa | Feb. 5–16, 2026Explore fresh tropical flavors and regional comforts at the Florida State Fair. The expansive fair excels at fairground eatable treasures served in quirky, playful ways. Last year’s options included the one-of-a-kind Baked Ziti on a Stick, a biscuits and gravy Southern Comfort Funnel Cake and the Mexican Street Corn Potato. Dessert options abounded, with classics perfected, such as a Salted Caramel Cinnamon Bun, a Chocolate-Dunked Bavarian Doughnut and Deep-Fried Chocolate EclairsInterested in more food stories? Be sure to read Savoring Alaska’s Culinary Treasures.Here Are More Great Stories for You to Read!Exploring the Virginia Creeper TrailDiscover Smith Rock State ParkAAA News & EventsLocal Events—Augusta Weekend Wondersb Contentsc AAA NEWSd Natural Wonder Smith Rocke Home Chef Savingsf Scuba Diving Floridag Visit Sevierville TNh Best State Fair Foodsi Visit Mackinaw Cityj Road Trip Natchez Trace Parkwayk Virginia Creeper Traill Hertz Savingsm Northern Lights in the USAn Penske Savingso Forest Bathingp AAA Gift Membershipsq Oceania Cruise Alaskar AAA Savingss Local Eventst AAA GUIDESu Previous Issuesv User-guide