SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – It’s a Lehigh Valley tradition that welcomes thousands of visitors to the area each year.
The Great Allentown Fair kicks off on Wednesday, and Marketing and Entertainment Director Jessica Ciecwisz joined 69 News at Sunrise to give us a sneak peek!
The fair runs from September 2-7.
Discount fair admission tickets are available at the Fair Box Office and online through September 2 for $5, according to the fair’s website.
On Thursday, September 3, fair gates open at noon, and everyone gets in free from noon to 2 p.m. Gate admission after 2 p.m. is $10. Children 12 and under get in free.
Grandstand Concert Tickets can be purchased at the Fair Box Office at the Allentown Fairgrounds, which is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grandstand show tickets include fair admission.
Jessica Ciecwisz described the setup of the fair as “controlled chaos,” as everyone works to get the fair up and running.
What’s new and exciting this year? Three new carnival rides are coming, and 19 fair foods are competing for the best fair food for 2026, she said.
The fair also features a magic show, a Camp Capybara, and a Rock-N-Circus.
Guests can participate in scrapple eating contests and mullet competitions. Attendees can also check out livestock at the livestock barn.
“There’s literally something for everyone,” she said.
This year’s theme is “something old, something new, forever red, white and blue.” Ciecwisz said the fair will feature nods to America’s 250th birthday. There’ll be red, white, and blue all around the fair.
The fair has been named one of the nation’s top 75 fairs. What does she think makes the fair so special? The tradition, she said, adding the fair is 174 years young.
For a full schedule of events, you can head to the Great Allentown Fair website.