Media

THE STORY OF UTAH COMES TO LIFE AT THE FAIR.
HELP US TELL IT

Every year, the Utah State Fair brings together the sights, sounds, and spirit of our state. It’s where hometown traditions meet new discoveries, and where generations come to celebrate agriculture, creativity, food, music, and community.

We count on the media to help share what makes the Fair so special — from the championship livestock shows and giant pumpkins to the sizzling fair food, toe-tapping concerts, and unexpected human moments in between. Your coverage helps highlight the people, culture, and energy that define this event and invite others to be part of it.

Our Media Office is here to help you uncover those stories — whether you’re looking for compelling visuals, great interviews, or timely information. Inside this Media Center, you’ll find the tools and resources to support your reporting and help showcase the best of the Fair.

Because the Utah State Fair isn’t just an event.
It’s a tradition. It’s a community.
It’s a story — and we’re glad you’re here to help tell it.

UTAH STATE FAIR & FAIRPARK BY THE NUMBERS

• Founded in 1856
• Located at the Utah State Fairpark since 1902
• 170th Anniversary in 2026
• 302,205 Fair attendees in 2025
• 42.7% of Fair attendees come from outside Salt Lake County
• 785,636 annual visitors to the Fairpark & Event Center
• 65-acre campus in Salt Lake City

• $264.2 million annual economic impact
• 1,844 jobs supported
• $17.5 million in state and local tax revenue generated
• 51,220 hotel room nights generated annually

History at a Glance

The Fair serves as an important platform for youth development, recognizing thousands of participants in 4-H, FFA, open-class competitions, and educational programs each year. Through hands-on exhibits and experiences, guests gain a deeper understanding of Utah's agricultural heritage, creative talent, skilled trades, and evolving industries.

As a statewide gathering place, the Utah State Fair supports local businesses, exhibitors, entertainers, agricultural producers, and community organizations while generating significant economic impact throughout Utah.

Today, the Utah State Fair continues to honor its rich history while creating new traditions for future generations. Whether attending a concert, showing livestock, competing in an exhibit, enjoying Fair food, or spending time with family and friends, the Fair remains a place where Utah comes together to celebrate.

2026 FEATURES

• Cheers to 170 Years anniversary celebration
• Butter Cow creation
• New competition kitchen and culinary programs
• New foods and attractions
• Fair opening day preparations

Agriculture & Youth Development

The Utah State Fair showcases the next generation of agricultural leaders through livestock competitions, educational exhibits, 4-H and FFA programs, and hands-on learning experiences.

Potential Stories:

• First-time livestock exhibitors
• Multi-generation farming families
• Youth preparing animals for competition
• Careers in agriculture and animal science
• Urban families learning where food comes from
• Youth livestock auction

Celebrating 170 Years

Since 1856, the Utah State Fair has been one of the state's longest-running traditions and has called the Utah State Fairpark home since 1902.

Potential Stories:

• Fair memories across generations
• Historic photos and artifacts
• How the Fair has evolved over 170 years
• The Fair's role in Utah history

Competition & Creativity

Thousands of Utahns participate in competitions ranging from fine arts and photography to baking, quilting, floriculture, and livestock.

Potential Stories:

• Award-winning exhibitors
• Unique competition entries
• Family traditions spanning generations
• Behind-the-scenes judging

Food & VENDORS

The Fair features local favorites, new culinary creations, and vendors who return year after year.

Potential Stories:

• New foods debuting in 2026
• 'Fair Food' Fight Competitors and Champions
• Long-time food vendors
• The logistics behind feeding thousands of guests
• Utah-made products and businesses

Entertainment & Events

From concerts and rodeo to grounds entertainment and community performances, the Fair offers entertainment for every age.

Potential Stories:

• Behind-the-scenes event production
• Grounds entertainers and performers
• PRCA Rodeo competitors
• Concert preparation and operations
• Demolition Derby & Monster Truck Shows

Looking for a specific story?

Our team can connect media representatives with exhibitors, competitors, entertainers, agricultural experts, vendors, youth participants, and Fair leadership for interviews and feature stories. Please contact the Media Relations team for assistance.