The Biggest Fairs in New England

Representing all six New England states, the Big E is the largest fair in the northeastern United States and one of the largest in North America. Its 17-day run each September set an all-time attendance record in 2024, and it's been a regional institution since 1916.

Held annually since 1818 at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, the Topsfield Fair is recognized as the oldest continuously running agricultural fair in America. The 11-day fall fair drew 418,170 visitors in 2024, known for its giant pumpkin weigh-off.

Connecticut's largest fair, the Durham Fair draws about 200,000 visitors over its four-day run each September — the last full weekend of the month — entirely run by unpaid volunteers. Running since 1916, it's one of the largest agricultural fairs in the Northeast.

The Windsor Fair draws "more than 100,000 to 125,000 visitors every year," according to Fair President Daniel Foster (2025). Running since 1889, it's one of Maine's largest agricultural fairs.

The Deerfield Fair drew just over 122,000 visitors in 2019, according to Fair Association President Donald Wyman — the most recent reported figure available. Running since 1876, it's widely considered New Hampshire's largest agricultural fair.

The Champlain Valley Fair draws more than 120,000 visitors over its 10-day run, according to Champlain Valley Exposition Executive Director Tim Shea. Running since 1922, it's Vermont's largest annual event.

The Skowhegan State Fair draws about 100,000 people in a typical year, according to Fair President Thomas Dillon (2024). Running since 1818, it's one of the oldest continuously running agricultural fairs in the US.

Held each summer at the 100-acre Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth, the Barnstable County Fair is Cape Cod's largest annual event. The 7-day fair draws crowds that have topped 90,000 in recent years.

The Topsham Fair draws as many as 80,000 visitors in a typical year, according to second vice president Kathi Yergin — with a pandemic-rebound spike topping 100,000 in 2021. Running since 1854.

Hopkinton State Fair drew an estimated 70,000 visitors in 2017, its 102nd year, according to WMUR. Running since 1915.

Nearly 60,000 people attended the Cumberland Fair in 2024, according to the Kennebec Journal. Running since 1868.

Vermont's official state fair drew an estimated 40,000-50,000 visitors in 2021, up about 10% in 2022, according to Fair President Robert Congdon Jr. Running since 1846.

The Tunbridge World's Fair drew about 42,000 visitors in 2000, according to then-Fair President Euclid Farnham — down from a record 50,000 in 1998, the most recent reported figures available. Running since 1867.

The Sandwich Fair drew 30,312 paid visitors over Columbus Day weekend 2024, according to Fair President Bryan Peaslee. Running since 1870.

The Lancaster Fair drew an estimated 30,000 visitors over 5 days in 2022, described by Fair President Ed Samson as "one of the better fairs" as attendance returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The Cornish Fair drew about 20,000 visitors in 2023, according to Cornish Fair Association President Wayne Gray.

The Bangor State Fair drew over 19,200 visitors over 7 days in 2024, its highest attendance since before the pandemic, according to the Bangor Daily News. Running since 1849.

Addison County Fair & Field Days drew about 19,000 visitors in 2016, down from a record 29,000 in 2015, according to Board President Jim Foster, who cited weather for the decline. Billed as the oldest fair in Vermont.