State Fair Expands Fair Timeline

The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce a significant expansion for 2024, shifting the official start date from Thursday to Wednesday, adding a day to the fair. The change will accommodate all livestock shows within the week of the fair and provide a more enriching and complete experience for exhibitors, vendors, and fairgoers.

The change provides families attending the fair the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the diverse array of fair experiences, while continuing to participate in Open Class, 4-H, and FFA exhibits. These vital showcases form the backbone of the State Fair’s agricultural heritage, and it is important to include ample time for participants to enjoy all the activities the South Dakota State Fair has to offer.

Adding Wednesday as an official fair day maximizes participation from livestock producers and vendors and provides increased public enjoyment, diversified programming, educational opportunities, and enhanced family engagement.