Great American State Fair schedule, dates, themes, everything to know

The Great American State Fair kicked off Wednesday with a rousing MAGA spectacular headlined by President Donald Trump, marking the start of more than two weeks of exhibits, state showcases and patriotic celebrations on the National Mall.

As the White House-backed fair officially gets underway Thursday morning, here's what to know about the schedule, themes, ticket information and daily attractions.

What are the dates and times for the Great American State Fair?

The fair takes place on the National Mall in Washington DC from June 25 to July 10. It will operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Organizers plan to keep the fair open longer on July 4, with hours of operation lasting until midnight for the country's 250th birthday.

Attendees can enter the fairgrounds through 12th Street at Jefferson Drive SW and Madison NW or 7th Street at Jefferson Drive SW and Madison Drive NW.

With limited parking around the National Mall, guests are encouraged to use rideshare or use the city's Metrobus or Metrorail.

The fair is free to the public, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP for the date they plan on attending.

What events will take place during the Great American State Fair?

One of the signature attractions of the fair will be Rodeo 250, which organizers say "will bring the history, culture and traditions of the American West to the heart of the nation's capital through daily live performances showcasing the evolution of the American cowboy. "

Rodeo 250 will feature live rodeo demonstrations, western entertainment and music. Instead of a traditional rodeo competition, the attraction is considered more of a showcase and a "living historical experience."

Opening day visitors on June 25 can look to the skies for a multi-generational display of American aviation, as an aircraft formation flyover featuring a B-52 Stratofortress, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II passes overhead.

July 4 will feature what organizers say will be "the largest fireworks display in history." The Salute to America event also includes daytime programing including musical performances and military flyovers.

The fair will also include food and cultural exhibits, including on June 26, when Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joins Ambassador Monica Crowley to launch the American Farm Legacy 250 Program.

Mondays at the fair are dedicated to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement. Programming includes a breakfast demo June 29 from viral sensation Judy's Pancakes and on July 6 a nutrition and lifestyle session from Holistic Hilda along with a MAHA beverage making session.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz will host a live cooking demonstration July 6 alongside celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian. The demonstration is built around the MAHA food pyramid, a new set of dietary guidelines released earlier this year by the Department of Agriculture.

What attractions are there at the Great American State Fair?

Attendees will likely first notice the 110-foot Ferris wheel, with the fair also including other traditional fair rides and games.

Organizers promise "family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers (and) daily cultural programming."

Although Freedom 250 says each state will participate in the World's Fair-like exhibition, some states have said they will not allocate resources to the event.

Companies and government agencies like TikTok, Harley-Davidson, YouTube and NASA will also have exhibits at the fair.

"Guests will explore themed districts dedicated to innovation and technology, manufacturing, agriculture, military service, faith and family, education, health and wellness, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and space exploration," Freedom 250 says.

What are the daily themes for the Great American State Fair?

After Thursday's opening day celebrates "The American Canon," the fair will spend the next two weeks highlighting topics ranging from agriculture and military service to faith, health and innovation.

Here's the full lineup and descriptions by Freedom 250 organizers: Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening DayLaunching the Great American State Fair as a national exposition, enshrining the architecture, infrastructure, and culture that forged our nation into a global force.

Friday, June 26 — Land & ProsperityLand & Expansion reflects the scale of the American landscape and the discipline required to cultivate it, honoring ranching, agriculture, land stewardship, and the resilience that built the nation.

Saturday, June 27 — The American CanvasArts & Culture represent the creative force that defines American identity. It honors the writers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and visual artists whose work shapes perception at home and abroad.

Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation DayMilitary Appreciation Day will pay a powerful tribute to the courage, service, and sacrifice made by our active duty service members, veterans, and the families who stand beside them.

Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being | MAHA MondayMake America Healthy Again puts healthy food, strong bodies, and clear minds center stage. Discover how wellness can be fun, flavorful, and part of everyday life. If you’re curious about feeling better, living longer, and doing it the American way, this is the place to be.

Tuesday, June 30 — Future of America | Innovation, Technology & ProgressInnovation, Technology, and Progress puts big ideas on display. From bold inventions to the minds and machines pushing America forward, this is the front row seat to the creativity and ingenuity shaping what comes next.

Wednesday, July 1 — Faith, Values, and InspirationFaith, Values and Inspiration shines a light on the beliefs, traditions and stories that fuel the American Spirit. Bold, uplifting, and full of heart, it celebrates the ideas and convictions that continue to move America forward.

Thursday, July 2 — Horsepower of AmericaCelebrating the engines, the muscle, and the spirit that keeps this nation moving forward. From the iron horses to modern machines, America’s love of power, speed, and craftsmanship tells the story of freedom, innovations, and the thrill of the open road.

Friday, July 3 — Wings of FreedomWings of Freedom honors the American instinct to rise, transforming imagination into lift and discipline into forward motion. It reflects the courage to challenge gravity and the confidence to move beyond every visible horizon.

Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day CelebrationCelebrate 250 years of American history with a grand-scale Independence Day celebration on the National Mall. This historic Semiquincentennial event features a breathtaking display of patriotism, live performances, and a monumental fireworks show over the nation's capital.

Sunday, July 5 — Heritage & LegacyHeritage & Legacy Day offers a spirited showcase of the traditions, culture, and stories that shaped the American journey. It’s a time to honor the generations who built, served, created, and inspired the nation we know today.

Monday, July 6 — Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health | MAHA MondayLongevity, vitality, and wellness come to life, sparking inspiration for healthier, stronger, and thriving living. From wellness breakthroughs to bold approaches that transform how Americans live. This is where the future health is made exciting, accessible, and full of possibility.

Tuesday, July 7 — Future of America | Education and OpportunitySpotlighting how young Americans are preparing today to shape the nation’s future tomorrow. By using their voices, exploring diverse career pathways, training, and mentorship, we have a new generation helping build the future of America.

Wednesday, July 8 — Family Life and Community SupportCelebrate what really matters: faith, family, community, and the connections that lift us all. What sparks the heart and makes life shine! Dive into the fun and feel the energy.

Thursday, July 9 — Engines of EnterpriseHighlights the engine of American growth, honoring the entrepreneurs, manufacturers, financiers, and systems that turn ideas into scalable industries at a national and global scale.

Friday, July 10 — The Next 250 | InnovationFrom artificial intelligence to space propulsion, from robotics to energy independence, this day celebrates the systems being built. The next frontier is already in motion. The future is not imagined in America; it's engineered.

What should visitors know before they attend the Great American State Fair?

Visitors will be screened upon entry to the National Mall. Each guests is allowed to bring one clear, see-through bag that can not exceeded 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.

Alternatively, guests are allowed to carry a small clutch or purse not exceeding 10 inches by 6 inches by 2 inches. A diaper bag is also allowed for adults accompanying a child 6 years old or under.

The following items will not be allowed:

• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Animals other than service/guide animals
• Backpacks and bags exceeding size restrictions
• Pocket knives
• Food and water bottles
• Umbrellas
• Balls and Frisbees
• Bull horns and noise makers
• Skateboards and scooters
• Lighters
• Bug spray (aerosol)
• Drink tumblers
• Balloons
• Bicycles
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives
• Firearms
• Flammable liquids
• Glass, thermal, or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Mace/Pepper spray
• Packages
• Range finders
• Raspberry-Pi enabled devices
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Selfie sticks
• Structures
• Supports for signs and placards
• Toy guns
• Weapons of any kind

How does the Great American State Fair connect to America 250?

The Great American State Fair is set to be one of the largest events tied to the nation’s yearlong 250th birthday celebration.

The fair is part of a broader effort to commemorate the milestone by celebrating the people, places and traditions that have shaped the United States.

It's put on by Freedom 250, a nonprofit created as part of Trump's effort to commemorate America's 250th birthday. The group works closely with the White House's America 250 task force and organizes several signature events, including the fair.