Tens of thousands of visitors from across the state gathered at the 2025 South Dakota State Fair to enjoy six days of family fun, incredible entertainment, and timeless traditions. From exciting live music performances to fair food, the SD State Fair continues to be a cherished destination where friends and families come together to create lifelong memories.
The Fair, which ran from August 27 – September 1, offered family friendly attractions, six stages of entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, world class livestock shows, agricultural education, and endless shopping opportunities.
Youth Participation and Education
- Nearly 1,500 exhibitors entered more than 8,000 exhibits in open class livestock and non-livestock competitions.
- The Arts & Education Building hosted more exhibits than last year with more than 8,200 education exhibits being displayed.
- 9,800 4-H display exhibits, livestock exhibits, and youth in action entries participated in the Fair.
- 376 FFA exhibitors showcased over 11,015 entries.
- Over 1,100 students and teachers representing 45 schools participated in South Dakota’s Largest Classroom, making it the most attended Largest Classroom.
- Over 55 schools and libraries participated in the Read and Win program sponsored by Ag Performance and Agri-Dynamics, handing out 8,300 youth daily admission gate passes to young readers.
Attendance and Economic Impact
- 180,916 visitors passed through the gates, while more than 1,900 campers filled the fairground’s campsites, setting the stage for another successful State Fair.
- $3.2 million was spent by fairgoers on goods, services, and concessions.
- The Fair generated over $265,000 in tax revenue.
Kicking Off the America250 Celebration
- The 2025 State Fair kicked off the America250 celebration with fair classics such as a hot dog, corn, and pie eating contests; firework displays; and students of South Dakota’s Largest Classroom declaring their independence by signing a copy of the Declaration of Independence with feather pens.
- Platte Brewery Company unveiled an America250 commemorative beer: Dakota Liberty.
- Another highlight took place during the Salute to Veterans Ceremony when the 114th Fighter Wing of Sioux Falls – the “Fightin’ Lobos” – conducted a F-16 fighter jet flyover above the Fairgrounds.
Improving the Fairgrounds
- A ribbon cutting with Governor Rhoden was held for The SHED on Thursday, August 28. The SHED is the new home for Open Class Sheep at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds and serves as a multi-purpose facility including a show arena and educational center. The indoor educational center provides a place for interactive learning about the sheep industry, opportunities in agriculture, and our state’s rich agricultural history.
The 141st South Dakota State Fair dates are Wednesday, September 2 – Monday, September 7, 2026. For more information about the South Dakota State Fair, contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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