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The Salem Fair is a beloved annual summer tradition in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It’s the largest fair in Virginia and has been recognized as one of the top 100 fairs and expositions in the country.
The 2026 Salem Fair takes place at the Salem Civic Center and will be held July 1 through July 12, featuring 12 days of fun and entertainment!
Check out our guide to 5 things to do at this year’s Salem Fair!
1. Rides & Games
The Salem Fair features over 40 rides and games, including a variety of less intense options for little ones, such as the Mini Scrambler and Tea Cups, as well as thrilling rides that will get your adrenaline pumping, like the Typhoon, Vertigo, and Wave Swinger.
New rides this year include the Sandstorm roller coaster and the Buccaneer, a pirate-themed ride for kids.
You’ll also want to take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel and enjoy the great views of the surrounding mountains.
The best way to enjoy the rides is to purchase a wristband online, at Northwest Ace Hardware, or at the gate.
New Fast Lane Experience - purchase a Fast Lane Pass to "skip the lines" at the rides and move to the front for rides. Each ride will load a percentage of Fast Lane Riders before loading the general admission line. Fast lane guests will receive a special VIP lanyard and wristband to access Fast Lane privileges. Fast lane passes cost $20 every day and are available at the credit and wristband station near the front entrance to the Salem Fair.
Salem Fair Wristband Specials >
2. Classic Fair Food
It’s not a visit to the fair without treating yourself to some carnival food favorites, and the Salem Fair offers lots of delicious options!
Whether you’re chowing down on giant turkey legs, pizza, calzones, or corn dogs, be sure to come hungry when you arrive at the Salem Civic Center.
You can also satisfy those sugar cravings with a variety of delicious sweet treats, such as chocolate-covered strawberries, fried Oreos, milkshakes, funnel cakes, and much more.
We’re pretty sure calories don’t count at the fair. That’s a rule.
3. Attractions & Shows
In addition to the delicious food and exciting rides, the Salem Fair features a great collection of attractions and fun shows for visitors of all ages.
The 2026 lineup includes many returning favorites from 2025, including Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Danny Grant's Cowboy Circus, and the All-American Racing Pigs. There are also some exciting new acts for this year, such as the All-American Petting Zoo, Extreme Raptor Show, Circus Incredible featuring Lyric Wallanda, and the Pretty Bird Paradise - an educational parakeet exhibit.
Many of the shows happen multiple times throughout the day, offering different opportunities to attend, no matter when you visit.
4. Live Music & Entertainment
Did you know the Salem Fair features free live music every night? The Hart Motors Musical Stage is the place to be for the free concerts, which take place nightly at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
It’s a great place to hear lots of talented local musicians and bands from our region.
This year’s live music lineup includes Patchwork, The Brothers Young, Freak Rangers, Travis Reigh, Glen Shelton, Thunder Ridge, Midnight Blue, Tommy Wood, The Kings, Shoobies, Vinyl Nation, and Cimmaron.
In addition to nightly live music, the Salem Fair will also host a special fireworks celebration, presented by VA250 and the Marines, on the 4th of July at approximately 9:30 p.m.
5. Exhibits, Sales, America 250 Celebrations
Check out the amazing exhibits and take advantage of great sales at the Salem Fair. The Blue Ribbon Exhibits will showcase award-winning cakes, pies, embroidery, and art in the competitive and creative exhibits for all ages.
The Commercial Exhibit space will feature vendors offering a range of unique products and goods. From comics to collegiate collectibles, tie-dye to terrifying Halloween masks, hair-styling tools to hemp products, socks to sparkling jewelry, if you can buy it, it will probably be here!
The exhibits will be located on the arena floor of the Salem Civic Center, which is also a great spot for some air-conditioned comfort.
The Salem Fair is also celebrating America's 250th birthday with a variety of contests and activities, including multiple food contests, photo contests, building displays, and more. The special VA250 Car Project will be on display at the fair July 1-2, and there will also be an American flag giveaway and Andrew Lewis reenactor sharing about the Battle of Gwynns Island (July 4-5).
Salem Fair - Things to Know
- The Salem Fair does not charge the public a gate or admission fee for this event. Entry is free - you pay to ride rides, games, food, and vendors. Parking is also free.
- Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult parent, or guardian over the age of 25, with valid I.D. at all times while on the fairgrounds.
- Clear bags only. No diaper bags or backpacks are allowed unless clear and in compliance with guidelines.
- Everyone will be subject to bag checks and pass through a metal detector upon entry.
- No outside food or beverage.
- Gates close at 9pm. The fairgrounds and rides close at 10pm.
- Shirts and shoes are required.
- Prohibited items: pets, backpacks, face coverings or masks, drones, alcohol, fireworks, illegal drugs, illegal weapons, glass containers.
Salem Fair - Dates & Hours
- Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 3 - 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Gates close at 9 p.m.
- Saturday, July 4 – Sunday, July 5 - 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. - Gates close at 9 p.m.
- Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10 - 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Gates close at 9 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11 - Sunday, July 12 - 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. - Gates close at 9 p.m.
Salem Fair - Location
Salem Civic Center - 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153
Salem Fair Midway Map >
Salem Fair - Contact
- Website: salemfair.com
- Phone: (540) 375-3004
- Facebook: Salem Fair
- Instagram: @salem_fair_va
This sponsored post was created in partnership with the City of Salem.
