Maine is a fun state with lots going on at any given time. Don’t let its small stature fool you: this state’s got enormous soul, and some of its fairs and festivals have been going strong for more than a century. In the case of the Skowhegan State Fair, it’s two centuries. In 2023, the Skowhegan State Fair celebrated its 205th year of existence and there are absolutely no plans to shelve it any time soon. Come out and enjoy the oldest festival in Maine – you’ll want to spare a day or two for this one.

Welcome, friends, to the annual Skowhegan State Fair, an absolutely amazing experience for anyone who loves traditions and good times.
Pandora Thing/Google Local
Established in 1818, the Skowhegan State Fair has put this little town on the map more than once. 105 times and counting, to be exact.
The first-ever event started in 1819, one year before Maine was even officially a state.
Shawn Smith/Google Local
Yes, that means it's literally older than Maine. Maine's longest-running festival is longer than Maine's own lifetime, and amazingly, it's never missed a beat.
...ever.
Mohan S/Google Local
This remarkable fair survived the Great Depression. It was there for two world wars. It pushed on even during the 2019/2020 global pandemic. To say this party's a tough cookie would be to understate it.

Related Stories

The Small-Town Harvest Festival In Maine Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

The Small-Town Harvest Festival In Maine Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

 The 5 Best Fall Festivals In Maine For 2023 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

The 5 Best Fall Festivals In Maine For 2023 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

 Every Fall, This Civic Center In Maine Holds The Best Local Harvest Festival

Every Fall, This Civic Center In Maine Holds The Best Local Harvest Festival
Like any good fair should be, Skowhegan is home to lots of absolutely thrilling rides.
Tammy Tranten/Google Local
What's better: the Ferris Wheel or maybe the Zero Gravity spin? Guess you should go on all of them... you know. To make a fair assessment. Get a wristband and enjoy unlimited rides!
In addition to the rides, there are also vendors and concessions.
Tiffany Goodale/Google Local
Folks will also enjoy all sorts of fun contests, truck pulls, demolition derbies, harness racing, and more.
It's a delightful affair for the entire family.
Rhonda Bishop/Google Local
You'll find a little something for everyone at the largest, oldest fair in Maine. Even families with small children will find that they're able to have a wonderful time, so bring the fam!
So come out and be a part of history - a long, long history!
Pandora Thing/Google Local
We suppose it's obvious why this particular festival is the oldest festival in Maine - it's sheer perfection in one big, huge, tasty party.

Typically, the Skowhegan State Fair goes on for ten wonderful days in August. Mark your calendars for the next one, whenever that might be – sooner or later, it’ll be time before you know it! Do you have any favorite old-school festivals in Maine you’d like to see us cover? Tell us about them in the comments.

Coming in from out of state and need a place to hang your hat? Our friends at VRBO have plenty of wonderful options. Enjoy!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Maine

Featured Addresses
33 Constitution Ave, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA