New Jersey is home to a plethora of attractions during the summer, and one of the most jam-packed and well-known is the annual State Fair held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. With rides, food, games, events, and more, who doesn’t love going to a good fair? The season started on June 18 and still has plenty to enjoy before it concludes on July 11. Here are some of the highlights you can expect at this year’s State Fair Meadowlands.
Food
There are more than 50 vendors to explore at the State Fair Meadowlands, so there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy. Of course, there are fair staples such as fried Oreos and funnel cake, but there will also be chicken parm balls, mac and cheese, deep-fried peanut butter and jelly, and more.
Photo by @sfmeadowlands
There are also healthier options if fried foods aren’t your thing. You can also expect vendors with various cuisines, such as Greek, Mexican, and Italian. And if you’re someone who is into exotic fare, they have that, too. From alligator mac and cheese to shark kebabs, there’s plenty of unique foods that you may not even know exist.
Rides and Games
The State Fair Meadowlands has fun for every person of every age–and there’s a lot to do. For the children, make sure to check out Kiddie Land, where there are rides such as the Double Carousel, Mini Tea Cups, Family Swinger, and much more. For the older kids and adults, check out the rest of the attractions such as the Starship 3000, Musik Express, the Himalaya, Ferris Wheels, the Ring of Fire, and high-flying roller coasters to enjoy.
Photo by @sfmeadowlands
Attractions and Events
The fair is loaded with sights to see and events to attend. There are a lot of animals to get up close with at the Educational Petting Zoo, which is NJ’s largest traveling zoo. You’ll also want to check out the iconic pig race, where they race to get first place and earn a treat. There’s also a high-wire act with the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, where good and bad pirates will battle it out 30 feet in the air in a spectacular performance. You can even partake in some events, such as the Survivor Game Show and Family Feud. On July 3 and 4, celebrate Independence Day with the Spectacular Fireworks Display around 10:30 p.m.
Make sure to check out the State Fair Meadowlands website for all of the events.
Tickets for the 2021 Season
Admission to the fair costs $34.99 and includes unlimited rides, free shows and entertainment, and a petting zoo. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. At the fair, you have the opportunity to upgrade to a fast pass for $15 so you can skip the line on some rides. Check out their ticket site for hours.
Are you going to the State Fair Meadowlands? Let us know in the comments.
Main photo by Devon Rogers
About the Author/s
Kayla is a senior communication major at the University of New Haven. When she's not writing, she's keeping up on the latest pop culture news, listening to music, and cooking.
