The 174th Allentown Fair returns Wednesday, Sept. 2 with concerts, rides, food and plenty of family fun.
Running through Sept. 7, the fair welcomes thousands of visitors for “home-grown fun” centered around the fair’s historic “Home of the Stars” Grandstand.
Here’s what you need to know.
The essentials
When: 4-10 p.m. Sept. 2; noon-10 p.m. Sept. 3-6; noon-9 p.m. Sept. 7.
Where: At the Allentown Fairgrounds between 17th and 21st streets and Liberty and Chew streets in Allentown. For GPS directions, use the street address 1703 Liberty St., Allentown. (Note: Liberty Street will run one-way, west, 4-8 p.m. during fair operating hours.)
Parking: Parking is available on site through Tunnel Gate 7 off Liberty Street for $15 per vehicle. Premium parking is available in advance for $30; purchase your parking passes at allentownfair.com/parking-tickets/. Off-site parking also available at surrounding lots near fairgrounds; please note, these lots are operated by individual businesses and not affiliated with the fair.
About the fair
Started by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, the Allentown Fair debuted in 1852 on a 4-acre tract in Allentown. It moved to its current location in 1889. In addition to the fair, the Allentown Fairgrounds is home to the Lehigh Valley’s largest trade show facility, the Agri-Plex, as well as the Fairgrounds Farmers Market, the Ritz Barbecue restaurant, the historic Fairgrounds Hotel restaurant and Weyerbacher Allentown Taproom & Biergarten.
The fair has hosted millions of visitors over the years.
A child rides a merry-go-round Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the Allentown Fairgrounds during the 2025 Allentown Fair. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Ticket prices
Regular admission: $10; kids 12 and under enter free. Purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster or in person at the fair’s box office. Discount $5 tickets are available through Sept. 2.
Opening night, Sept. 2: Admission is $5, or $3 with a food donation to the fair benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.
Weekdays Under the Wire: Free admission noon-2 p.m. Sept. 3 and 4.
Red, White and Thank You: All active military and veterans with an ID get in free all day Sept. 6. Moved from Monday to provide more access to this special day of recognition.
Seniors: Seniors 65 and over with an ID get in free Sept. 7.
All entertainment is included with fair admission except rides and games on the midway and shows in the grandstand. Gate admissions benefit the mission of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society.
Cars crash and kick up mud Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, during the Annual J&J Demolition Derby at the Allentown Fair. The Derby is a Labor Day tradition on the final night of the fair. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Fair queen contest
Last year’s Allentown Fair Queen Olivia Wisser of New Tripoli will crown her successor during the annual competition at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Farmerama Stage. Contestants will have a 15-minute interview with the judging panel, compete in an evening gown competition and present a three- to five-minute speech on the topic, “Why you should come to the Great Allentown Fair.” The winner serves as a public representative of the fair, and will go on to compete in the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Contest in January.
The Allentown Fair Queen contest is open to females ages 16 to 20 who live in Lehigh, Northampton or Berks counties. The winner receives a $1,500 scholarship; $250 goes to the first alternate, and the winner of the Community Service Award receives $250.
There are seven finalists for this year’s Fair Queen. They are:
• Abegail Pierson, 20, of Pennsburg, a junior at DeSales University majoring in English and literary arts and a 2024 graduate of Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. She has three years of experience in the food service industry, enjoys big game hunting and fishing, and has a passion for storytelling through short stories, comic book scripts and film projects. She hopes to use her talents as a storyteller and educator to make a positive impact on the world.
• Cyani Gonzalez, 20, Allentown, is a sophomore at Lehigh Carbon Community College, majoring in childhood elementary education. She served as the 2025 Great Allentown Fair Ambassador and received the 2025 Nancy Decker Melaney Community Service Award for her contributions to the community. She currently serves as co-chair of the Lil’ Farm Hands project and oversees the Fair Queen Project. She works as a pre-K teacher at St. Elizabeth’s Regional School and plans to become an elementary school teacher after graduation.
• Faith Smith, 17, of New Tripoli, is a rising senior at Northwestern Lehigh High School, where she excels academically and is a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She is involved in numerous clubs, and her dedication to agriculture has earned her numerous awards. She works as a farmhand at Golden View Farm and Nonnemaker Sporthorses and assists her father with his construction business. She plans to become a large-animal veterinarian.
• Andrea Torres, 18, of Allentown, is a rising freshman at Moravian University, a 2026 graduate of Allen High School, and earned an associate’s degree in applied science in chemical technology from LCCC, where she served as secretary of the Horticulture Club and participated in community service projects. She is a strong advocate for the Guatemalan community. She works as a laboratory technician at LCCC, volunteers as an EMT with Cetronia Ambulance Corps, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry with a focus on research and development.
• Brinley Hess, 19, of Alburtis, is a sophomore at Penn Foster, majoring in veterinary technology. A 2025 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School, she was an active member of FFA, and served as president of the Aevidum Club, advocating for mental health awareness. She was the 2025 Berks County Dairy Princess, 2024 Dairy Alternate Princess and 2023 Dairy Ambassador. She has five years of experience working at Shaynah Kee Dairy Farm and has gained additional hands-on experience at Kutztown and Macungie Animal Hospitals. She plans to become a veterinary technician.
• Mary Rabold, 17, of Allentown, is a rising senior at Notre Dame Green Pond High School, where she has demonstrated strong leadership, academic achievement and community involvement. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has received numerous honors. She also is a member of the varsity volleyball team, and Greenhouse, Yearbook and Key clubs. She has won multiple 4-H awards and founded the Branches & Blossom Club. She plans to pursue degrees in teaching and science, combining her passion for education and innovation in her future career.
• Emily Laudenslager, 17, of Allentown, is a rising senior at Parkland High School, where she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is an active member of the marching band, district band, orchestra and pit orchestra, and the Music Honor Society. She participates in the Junior Rifle League and Lehigh County Livestock Club 4-H, where she has shown goats, pigs and sheep. She also works as a groundskeeper at a local mansion. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science, with a focus on crime scene investigation.
Fans watch as Ace Frehley performs Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the Allentown Fair. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Grandstand concerts
The Four Tops: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2. The Motown legends will perform with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: $47.
Stars, Stripes & Slams: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Live pro-wrestling entertainment with superstars including Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, Tito Santana, “The Franchise” Shane Douglas and more. A special fan meet and greet will be held from 6-7 p.m. Tickets: $32-$52.
Warren Zeiders: 7 p.m. Sept. 4. This is the rising country star’s first time headlining the fair’s Grandstand. He’s joined by special guest Kendal Conrad. Tickets: $61-$81.
All Time Low: 7 p.m. Sept. 5. This chart-topping rock band last played in the Lehigh Valley in 2015. Tickets: $61-$81.
Local Legends Live: 2 p.m. Sept. 6. This brand-new, festival-style concert highlights six of the most popular bands from the Lehigh Valley: The Aardvarks, Social Call, Common Bond, Stereotype, Strange Culture, and Scott Marshall & The Highway Souls. Tickets: $32.
Tickets: allentownfair.com/grandstand-shows/
J&J Demolition Derby
In addition to the grandstand concerts, the J&J Demolition Derby is a huge attraction, bringing full-sized cars to the fairgrounds’ historic racetrack for a crash-and-smash battle until one car remains, becoming the Beast of the East Champion.
When: 5 p.m. Sept. 7
Tickets: $29.20 adults, $22.55 for children 12 and under. allentownfair.com
People enjoy the food, sights and sounds Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the Allentown Fair. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Rides and games by Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment
What’s the Allentown Fair without rides and games?
Cost: All-day wristbands are available for $32 in advance through Sept. 1, and $37 on site starting Sept. 2.
Hours: 4 p.m. to close Sept. 2 and 3; 2 p.m. to close Sept. 4; 1 p.m. to close Sept. 5-7
The operation of mechanical rides is subject to weather and other conditions. No refunds, exchanges or rain checks will be offered.
A look at some of the free entertainment
The Grandstand shows and rides may be extra, but there’s plenty of entertainment included in fair admission. Here’s a look at some of the popular free entertainment coming to this year’s fair.
Butterfly Kingdom: Spend time with hundreds of colorful butterflies and learn about their incredible life cycle in this hands-on exhibit. Multiple shows daily at the Farmerama Theater.
Scott’s World of Magic: Step into the future with a high-energy show combining neon, lasers, dazzling lighting, a floating robot and the illusions of Dale Scott and Ana. Multiple shows daily at Agri-Plex Square.
Miss Stacy’s Kids Show: Sing, dance, hear stories and make memories with children’s entertainment Miss Stacy. Shows 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Farmerama Theater.
Godfrey Daniels at 50: The iconic Lehigh Valley concert venue is celebrating its jubilee year, and will bring a taste to the Farmerama Theater stage 7 p.m. Thursday with performances by singer-songwriter Hannah Violet, folk revivalists Dave Fry & Friends, and Big Valley Bluegrass.
Rock ‘N Circus: Led by performer Shane Hansen, This high-energy stunt show fuses rock ‘n’ roll with jaw-dropped circus acts. Shows daily at Midway West End.
Camp Capybara: Enjoy an up-close, interactive encounter with these gentle and affectionate animals while learning all about what makes capybaras so unique. Shows daily at Weyerbacher Courtyard.
Concerts on the Red Barn Stage: Catch live performances from Richmond Street Music School students; Timoteo; Josh Stott; Ernie Ernst & Ryan Levan; Bill Rice, Phil Stahl; Kevin Best & Kim Mechlan; Mike Snyder & Vivian Fusco-Ramirez; Steve Kemery & Friends; Billie “Nelson” Ludlow; Catfish & Jo; Shaun Miller; Kay Hoffman; Wyatt Albright; and more.
Richie and the High Street Rockers: This Philadelphia power trio brings the sounds of ’50s and ’60s rock and roll to the Farmerama Theater, 4 and 6 p.m. Monday.
Steve Goodtime: Be amazed by jaw-dropping stunts and juggling — all to the tune of hard-rocking guitar solos. Shows daily at Main Entrance Plaza.
The Cup Guy: A one-of-a kind performance blending comedy, stunts, backyard-style shenanigans and plenty of red cups. Shows daily at Main Entrance Plaza.
Concerts at Agri-Plex Square: Performances by acoustic cover band Gypsy and the Moonshiners (6 and 8 p.m. Wednesday); all-female vocal group SwingTime Dolls (6 and 8 p.m. Thursday); husband-and-wife musical duo Dan & Galla (2 and 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday); the Craig Thatcher Quintent (6 and 8 p.m. Friday); Craig Thatcher Quarter featuring Billy Wear, Chico Huff & Cluff (6 and 8 p.m. Saturday); 16-year-old Allentown signer-songwriter Adeline Csontos (6 and 8 p.m. Sunday); and polka band Robbie Lawrence and The Steelworkers (2 p.m. Monday).
Hog Diggity Dog: Animal entertainment featuring a 700-pound hog, 13 rescue dogs and two camels, and plenty of audience participation.
Moodonna: Catch the Allentown Fair mascot roaming the fairgrounds throughout the day.
W. Kris Clayon: This juggling stilt walker can be seen throughout the fairgrounds.
Robinson’s Pig Paddling Porkers: Everybody’s favorite “oinkers” are back racing around the turf track and swimming to the finish line in their own Pig-lympic size pool.
Music at Weyerbacher Biergarten: Enjoy free live performances from TMT Classic Rock, Life After Dead, Pure Petty Bank, Reservoir Hill with Mark Fahad, and Galena Brass Band with Brian Kibler.
Lil’ Farm Hands: Kids can roll up their sleeves and dig in with fun chores and cool games. Meet and milk “Aggie Hall,” an animatronic talking cow.
Robbie’s Balloons & More: Watch a farm scene made out of balloons come to life.
Agri-Plex: See all the competitions, demonstrations and exhibits at the heart of the fair.
Agri-Land: Stroll through the barns in Agri-Land to see the pride of area farms, meet the dedicated farmers and maybe take a selfie or two with their four-legged friends.
Judging Tent: Watch the daily judging of animals, participate in Barnyard Olympics and other farm fun activities happening throughout the week and witness 4-H’ers selling their livestock to the highest bidder during the Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Sale on Saturday.
4-H Livestock Experience: Encounter a host of baby and friendly farm animals at this charming petting zoo run by and benefitting Lehigh County 4-H’ers.
People enjoy the food, sights and sounds Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at the Allentown Fair.
Culinary contests
Food contests and demonstrations will be happening every day, drawing amateur cooks and bakers looking to take home prizes for their master recipes for fruit pies, quiche, mac and cheese, no-bake desserts and much more.
Catch the Farm to Table series where some of the Lehigh Valley’s expert chefs provide demonstrations and culinary tips for you to take home to your kitchen. And, don’t miss out on the three-day Iron Chef Competition, where local chefs go head-to-head competing in this fairgoer favorite.
Participants in the Iron Chef competition are:
• Zackary Busch, chef de cuisine of The Club at at Twin Lakes
• Paul Rojrattana, chef/owner of La Kang Thai French and La Kang Thai Noodles & Seafood
• Brad Shive, executive chef of 1812 Piano Lounge
• Rachel Balogh, executive chef of Tre’s Kitchen at Funk Brewing West End Taphouse
• Bobby Howell, chef/owner of Windsor Deli
• Gregory Caracappa, executive chef of Sodexo at Corporate Crayola
• Courtney Davenport, executive sous chef of The Shelby
• Freddie Garcia, executive sous chef of Edge Restaurant
The last chef standing will go head-to-head against 2025 Iron Chef Ryan Lukow, executive chef of Savory Grille.
People enjoy the food, sights and sounds Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at the Allentown Fair, which continues through Monday. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
Vote for your favorite foods
Allentown Fair President Daryl Urmy once again has issued a challenged to food vendors: Come up with a twist on fair food and compete for a prize as best new item.
Participating vendors will be marked with a red, diamond-shaped sign, and a map can be found on the fair’s website, Allentownfair.com. Here’s a look at the contenders:
Tre Leche Cakes from Buns on the Go: This moist and spongy three milk cake comes in a variety of flavors.
Wave That Flag from Scarlet Fire Pizza: A wood-fired pizza with garlic, olive oil, parmesan, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and crispy chicken, drizzled with pesto and tomato sauce.
The Patriotic Pair from Taste Our Balls/Cals Concessions: Deep-fried tater tots with homemade chili, Cooper cheese and blue Takis, paired with a red, white and blue slushie.
USA 250 Wine Slushie from Clover Hill Vineyard & Winery: A red, white and blue slushie.
Berry Chantilly French Macaron from Karmacarons: A cake batter-flavored almond buttercream infused with freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries. Finished with a shell border and a garnish of additional freeze-dried berries. (Vegan & gluten free)
Crab Rangoon Fries from Famous Fries: Fresh-cut fries topped with creamy crab, chili sauce and chives.
All-American Ice Cream Sandwich from Uncle Louie G: A general helping of cookies & cream ice cream sandwiched between two 3-inch Oreo cookies, surrounded by red, white and blue sprinkles.
Ultimate Buffalo Ranch Chips from Pocono Potato Chip: Made-to-order twisted gourmet chips topped with cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, homemade ranch, buffalo sauce, bacon crumbles and scallions.
Pizza Burger from Danny’s Fine Foods 5: Quarter-pound burger smothered in sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. With or without pepperoni.
Frozen Lavender Lemonade from Kopper Penny Concessions: Made with real lemon and lavender.
Mile High Strawberry Pie from FairGrounds Hotel: Inspired by Hess’ Patio Mile High Pie, this simple dessert has over a pound of fresh strawberries in every slice, with a flaky baked crust and whipped cream.
The American Dream Dog from Dominican Flavor Restaurant: A hot dog encased in an empanada, topped with crispy frites, cheese sauce and a special sauce.
Patriotic PopSplit from Daisy’s Creations: Banana split kettle corn.
Patriotic Funnel Cake from Sweet and Salty Concessions: Red and blue cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, and red, white and blue sprinkles on a bed of deep fried batter.
Greek Fries from Original Foods: Crispy battered fries, gyro meat, tzatziki and feta cheese in a souvenir America250 cup.
USA Brownie Sundae from Sweet and Salty Concessions: Warm brownie, ice cream, hot fudge and patriotic sprinkles topped with two cherries.
USA Street Corn from Original Foods: Roasted sweet corn in a cup with lime mayo, parmesan cheese, Hot Cheetos and blue heat Takis.
Cauliflower Hot Wings from Rose’s Concessions: Crispy cauliflower fried and served with a homemade special sauce.
Garlic Butter Corn Fritters from Randevoo Foodtruck: Sweet corn fritters with garlic butter, fresh grated parmesan and parsley.
More fair fun
From opening ceremonies Sept. 2 to scrapple-eating and mullet contests Sept. 5, to a celebration of Hometown Heroes Sept. 6, there’s something for everyone at the Allentown Fair.
For a complete schedule and more information, visit allentownfair.com.