Nine Days of Fun, Food, Rides & Animals
If it’s late September, that can only mean one thing—it’s time for the annual Bloomsburg Fair! Since 1855, this beloved NEPA tradition has signaled the official arrival of fall. As Pennsylvania’s largest agricultural fair, it draws over 350,000 visitors, transforming this quiet rural town into a lively hotspot of family fun and entertainment.
With thrilling rides, mouthwatering food, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment, the Bloomsburg Fair is the place to be for nine unforgettable days. This year, the 169th celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever. Come for the animals, stay for the top-notch performances, and don’t leave without sampling all the incredible food.
Here’s what you can look forward to at the Bloomsburg Fair this September 20-28.
The barnyard animals are a highlight families love to visit year after year. You’ll find everything from cows and pigs to sheep, goats, and chickens. Ride a miniature pony, snap a photo with a baby cows and don’t forget to check out the butterfly tent.
From the giant Ferris wheel to spinning rides, classic carousels, and kiddie attractions, carnival rides are arguably what make the fair. The dazzling lights and adrenaline-pumping thrills create an unforgettable day for both adults and kids. All-day ride passes can be purchased online in advance at a discount or at full price on-site at the fair.
Learn MoreThe demolition derby is a thrilling competition where drivers smash and destroy each other’s cars, with the last vehicle standing declared the winner. The derby includes various vehicle classes, from cars and trucks to minivans and even a Power Wheels derby for kids. Known for its loud, action-packed spectacle, it’s a must-see event. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
Learn MoreVisit the exhibit halls to experience local agriculture and creativity. Admire the hard work and talent of the community through student projects, crafts, artwork, flowers, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, and even scarecrows—including the largest pumpkins you’ve ever seen. The livestock exhibit allows kids to learn how to properly tag sheep and includes popular events like mutton-busting races and 4-H horse and pony drill team performances.
Of all the great reasons to attend the Bloomsburg Fair, indulging in delicious food is probably the most popular. Where else can you enjoy a meal featuring ribbon fries, haluski, pork chops on a stick, peanut and bacon hot dogs, and a fresh rabbit sausage sandwich?
And that’s just the start. For dessert, you can choose from fried ice cream sandwiches, fried Pop-Tarts, apple dumplings, and funnel cakes with any topping you can imagine. No culinary crusade at the fair would be complete without a tall cup of blue birch beer.
The Free Stage is packed with amazing talent every day. With your gate admission, you can catch it all—from the ever-popular John Stanky and the Coal Miners to incredible tribute bands covering everyone from Johnny Cash to Meatloaf, Elvis, The Beatles, and more.
Learn MoreAll week at the Grandstand stage, you can enjoy a variety of acts, including the iconic Beach Boys, country music artist Riley Green, Grammy-winning Christian rock band Casting Crowns, and legendary rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Plus, the famous Demolition Derby returns, along with bull riding, koi drag racing, and the Big Rigs Series finals. Grandstand show tickets are available online, by phone at (570) 387-4145, or in person at the box office.
Learn MoreNew to the fair in 2024, don’t miss the chance to experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride, courtesy of Lancaster Balloon Rides. Morning, afternoon, tethered, and nighttime glow flights will be available on September 21 and from September 26-30.
Learn MoreThe lure of classic carnival games is hard to resist. The prizes don’t really matter—it’s all about landing that perfect toss with a plastic ring or nailing the right backspin on a softball. It’s those small, personal victories that count. And if you don’t win, no worries! You can always lift your spirits on the Salt and Pepper Shakers or take a spin on the Ferris Wheel.
Soak in the energy of the fair and enjoy epic views from above on the Sky Ride. Experience a scenic one-way or round-trip gondola ride along the main midway of the fair. Please note that there is an additional fee for this ride.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 9/16/2019.