Celebrate Your Way at the 2023 State Fair of Virgina.

Schedule of Events:

Main Stage Concert Lineup:

September 22, 2023:

7:30 pm: Bart Chucker

The Bart Chucker Band combines elements of country, rock and folk to deliver Americana classics that appeal to audiences of all musical tastes and ages. From the fiddle driving Devil Went Down to Georgia to the Rolling Stones or from a Johnny Cash tune into Prince's Purple Rain, the Band energetically commits to their audiences' musical experience. You can't help but sing along or move your feet as you watch them perform. Their musical catalog includes cutting edge artists but also reaches back through the 70s. Members of the Bart Chucker Band have shared the stage with too many nationally recognized artists to name and have collectively performed thousands of shows in their careers. Y'all come see them, ya hear?

September 23, 2023:

7:30 pm: Brencore Allstars - A Tribute To Motown

The BRENCORE Allstars Band is a tremendously talented 14-piece assemble from Washington, DC comprised of music dynamos that bring a depth, richness and appreciation to Motown’s greatest hits. The delivery, energy and powerful voices of BRENCORE never disappoints. Audiences will be transported back to the days of Motown when the music of the Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and more, reigned supreme. BRENCORE will have you singing and dancing to your favorite songs all night long.

September 24, 2023:

7:30 pm: Pablo Cruise

From 1975 to 1985 the band toured the United States, Canada and Japan extensively, welcoming fans to “Climb Aboard The Good Ship Pablo Cruise.” Reaching the top 10 with mega hits like “Whatcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye?” and “Love Will Find A Way,” and several other top 20’s, the band went on to sell several million albums and singles collectively and established themselves as well respected writers and performers within the industry. They appeared on numerous TV shows, including Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, The Merv Griffin Show, The Dinah Shore Hour and in 1979 they broke Elvis Presley’s attendance record at the Sahara Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, becoming the first rock band to play a casino showroom.

September 25, 2023:

7:30 pm: Megan Moroney

Born and raised in Georgia, Megan Moroney grew up in a musical household heavily influenced by legendary songwriters in Classic Country, Southern Rock, and Americana. During her freshman year at the University of Georgia, an opportunity to open for an established Country artist at the iconic Georgia Theatre prompted Moroney to write her very first original song. From there, she developed a love for storytelling and has become known for her distinctive voice and honest, conversational lyrics. 2022 brought the singer a breakout year with the release of her debut EP, Pistol Made of Roses, followed by her single “Tennessee Orange,” which put her on the map as Nashville’s most compelling new artist. The colossal buzz surrounding the track prompted her to perform it on ESPN’s College GameDay, while racking up 155 MILLION global streams and counting (March 2023). The viral hit is also nominated for Breakthrough Female Video Of The Year (“Tennessee Orange”) and CMT Digital-First Performance Of The Year (“Tennessee Orange” from CMT Viral To Verified) at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. After opening stints on tours with Larry Fleet, Chase Matthews, Jamey Johnson, and Warren Zeiders last year, she is kicking off her first headline run with the Sold-Out Pistol Made Of Roses Tour this spring and set to open for Brooks & Dunn this summer. Dubbed a “2023 Artist to Watch” by Amazon Music, Pandora, and Spotify, as well as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2023, the “musical risktaker with powerhouse pipes” (CMT) is slated to become a household name in the years to come.

September 26, 2023:

7:30 pm: Gone Cpuntry

You could say “Gone Country” was formed in December of 2022, and technically, you’d be right. However, if you want to learn the true origin story of this Richmond, VA based, “Neotraditional Country” band, you’ll have to go back in time to the early-2000’s.

Now, you may not be aware of this, but that’s when the Mainstream tried to kill Country Music. You see, they thought no one would notice if they started replacing steel guitars and fiddles with snap beats and auto tuned vocals... But they were wrong. It just so happened that two boys from Virginia took notice, and vowed they would fight against mainstream Nashville to honor their hero’s who were kicked out of Country Music.

They didn’t know it at the time, but nearly two decades later, their paths would cross. Who were they, you ask? None other than the founders of “Gone Country”, Trace Nixon and John Holden. So, call it fate... call it destiny, if you will - But make no mistake, this has been a “band in the making” for nearly 20 years. And now, they’re goin’ to kick out the footlights.

September 27, 2023:

7:30 pm: Travelin' McCourys

From a source deep, abundant, and pure the river flows. It’s there on the map, marking place and time. Yet, the river changes as it remains a constant, carving away at the edges, making new pathways, gaining strength as it progresses forward. The Travelin’ McCourys are that river.

The McCoury brothers- Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo) - were born into the bluegrass tradition. Talk about a source abundant and pure: their father, Del, is among the most influential and successful musicians in the history of the genre. Years on the road with Dad in the Del McCoury Band honed their knife-edge chops, and encouraged the duo to imagine how traditional bluegrass could cut innovative pathways into 21st century music.

September 28, 2023:

7:30 pm: Wilson Fairchild

Wilson Fairchild - Statler Brothers’ sons, Wil and Langdon Reid carry on their fathers’ Country Music Hall of Fame Legacy!

Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of laughter, toe-tapping melodies, and cherished memories as Wilson Fairchild takes the main stage on Thursday, September 28, 2023. Renowned for their extraordinary talent and captivating performances, Wilson Fairchild guarantees an evening of unparalleled entertainment that will resonate with all.

The dynamic duo of cousins, Wil and Langdon Reid, who share a bond that feels more like brothers, have graced the professional music scene for over 15 years. Their vibrant energy, genuine enthusiasm, and undeniable talent have consistently wowed audiences. Known for their remarkable harmonies – a legacy inherited from their fathers, Harold and Don Reid, esteemed members of the iconic Statler Brothers – Wil and Langdon are also prolific songwriters, with a repertoire boasting over 30 published and recorded songs.

Beyond their vocal prowess, the Reid cousins exhibit instrumental versatility, showcasing a diverse range of musical skills that contribute to their distinct style. Yet, it is when Wil and Langdon take the stage with their guitars, channeling their natural entertaining flair, that the audience is treated to an electrifying and delightful musical experience.

The roots of Wilson Fairchild’s musical journey can be traced back to the legendary television show “The Statler Brothers Show,” which dominated the airwaves for an impressive seven years on TNN. The duo made their debut on the show by performing their inaugural collaborative composition, “What We Love To Do”, a song subsequently recorded by The Statler Brothers themselves. Since then, Wil and Langdon have joined forces with renowned songwriters, crafting hits behind the scenes. Notably, they crafted a heartfelt tribute to their fathers and their remarkable careers, aptly titled “The Statler Brothers Song,” which was presented during the induction of the Statler’s into the Gospel Music hall of Fame 2007, as well as their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

September 29, 2023:

7:30 pm: Chase Payne

Chase Payne is a country music phenom who was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. Since the age of five, Chase has been playing guitar and shortly thereafter discovered his voice as a singer. Chase is a professional touring singer, songwriter, guitarist, performer, and brand owner who is rapidly making his way to the top. Influenced by many great artists such as: Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Jason Aldean, Travis Tritt, Brooks and Dunn, George Strait, and many others, you are sure to hear a boundless variety of music that everyone loves. His presentations and performances are highly energetic, strong, and impactful while delivering emotion to all listeners. In just a short amount of time, Chase has accomplished so much. Since 2016, Chase’s single “Taillights” is routinely played on radio stations in Australia and now his music is making its way onto radio stations in America. Chase is also burning a trail on the internet radio market; “Pandora” (Chase Payne Radio) and the “Tune In” app are a few examples. Named the “2018 Male Rising Star of the Year,” Chase has truly earned these accomplishments with a humble heart and a hardworking mindset. With over one hundred and thirty shows performed in 2018, Chase and his dedicated team have established themselves as the show to see on the East Coast. Chase and his team are extremely grateful for all that the Lord has blessed them with and are excited to see what the future holds!

September 30, 2023:

7:30 pm: An Acoustic Evening With John Anderson

He made it with a voice that was traditional enough to make Emmylou Harris wonder if Anderson might be a distant relative of Lefty Frizzell, yet that was, and is, instantly identifiable. He made it with original music that landed him in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and with radio hits including chart-toppers “Swingin,’” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Wild and Blue,” “Black Sheep,” and “Money in the Bank.”

October 1, 2023:

7:30 pm: George Birge

Sometimes the simplest of titles have the most captivating backstory. Just listen to Birge explain the origin of “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” his surprisingly deep, ready-for-summer debut single. Just two weeks after he posted “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” to TikTok, his video had accumulated nearly 3 million views and he grew his followers from less than 50 to 130,000. Best of all, it won over Rynnstar, who shared the song with her massive following. Birge credited her as co-writer.

“It was incredibly gratifying to see people saying, ‘I never listen to country music, but hearing this backstory and hearing how it came to life makes me a country music fan,’” he says. “Some said that’s what good songwriters can do — they can write a song out of literally anything. That made me feel really fulfilled, because that was my intention.”

Now signed to Barry Weiss’s RECORDS Nashville label, Birge is gearing up to release his debut EP and build on the buzz surrounding “Beer Beer, Truck Truck.” Despite the song’s viral success, it’s important to point out that George Birge isn’t a TikTok gimmick - he’s a dyed-in-the-wool songwriter with years of experience.

Free Entertainment:

Triple Crown Circus:

Grab some popcorn and join us under The Big Top for the Triple Crown Circus! This year’s production features a world-renowned cast of international performers and their dazzling feats. Acts include the aerial lyra, hand balancing, bungies, chair balancing, quick change and the human cannonball. Fairgoers have three daily opportunities to catch this exciting show under our red and white big top at 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The Ultimate Stunt Show:

Watch the Ultimate Stunt Show featuring the Globe of Death, a 40 foot motorcycle jump, a BMX rider and an aerial act. Catch them daily at 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Rosaire's Royal Racers:

And they're off! These crowd-pleasing racing pigs are back once again. You’ll have a swine time cheering for your favorite oinker during the daily competitions. Catch them daily at 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Dan-Dan The Farmer Man:

Dan-Dan and his Scarecrow Sidekick entertain fairgoers with a comic combo of farm facts, farmyard funnies and audience interaction. When the Cornball Clodhopper cranks up his Crop-Quenching Contraption, these funnyman farmers conjure up a Crowd Cooling Cloudburst! Catch him daily at 1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Cast In Bronze:

Cast in Bronze was created to share the beauty and versatility of the carillon with listeners. Cast in Bronze was created in 1991 by Frank DellaPenna, graduate of the French Carillon School in Tourcoing, France.

Cast in Bronze has performed at Walt Disney World’s Epcot from 1998-2003, for the Mass of Pope John Paul II in Central Park, NY in 1995, with Alice Cooper at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix an at numerous music and renaissance festivals throughout the US. The music of Cast in Bronze has been performed on national TV and radio.

The carillons of Cast in Bronze consist of 35 bells, and have a total weight of four tons each. Cast in Bronze is the only musical act of its kind in the world, and features the only two carillons in history supported by listeners. Catch them daily at 1:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

FireGuy:

FireGuy is the no. 1 fire-eater in the world, holding the Guinness World Record for the most torches extinguished by fire eating in 60 seconds. His captivating performances include variety tricks and eye-catching visuals with light props and fire. Catch him daily at 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Petting Zoo:

Rockin A Ranch Petting Zoo. Enjoy domestic and exotic animals, pony rides and camel rides!

Chainsaw Carver:

Watch master carver Ben Risney create one-of-a-kind masterpieces with nothing but a chainsaw. Catch him at work daily at 11:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The Chainsaw auction will be held Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Company:

The equine and livestock area comes alive with two nights of Bulls, Barrels and Broncs produced by Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Company! Monday, September 25 and Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00pm.

Heritage Village Music Series:

Heritage Village transports guests to a different time in Virginia history. This year, in addition to historical reenactments, displays and artifacts, fairgoers will also be able to enjoy acoustic music to aid in their time travel. The Crooked Road On Tour at the State Fair of Virginia includes Jim Lloyd, Martha Spencer & Archer Shepherd, The Yates Family Band, and Jackson Cunningham with Special Guest to delight crowds while performing in Heritage Village.
All of these artists are part of the esteemed The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.

These performances are supported in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts.

September 22 - 23, 2023: The Yates Family Band
September 24 - 26, 2023: : Jim Lloyd
September 27 - 28, 2023: : Martha Spencer & Archer Shepherd
September 29 - 30, 2023: : Jackson Cunningham & Guest

Special Events:

September 22, 2023:

Black Tie and Boots:

Join us in your tuxedo, your cocktail dress or your starched jeans and throw on your favorite boots for a true Black Tie & Boots experience! Black Tie & Boots is a primary source of funding for the SFVA Scholarship Program, and all proceeds directly benefit hardworking youth with big dreams.

Ticket Link
Black Tie & Boots Sponsorship Information
Black Tie & Boots Item Donation Form

September 28, 2023:

Taste of Virginia:

Come sample the Tastes of Virginia produced by Virginia's farmers and transformed into culinary delights by Celebrity Chefs at Meadow Hall.

Featured acclaimed chefs include chefs:

Kip Poole (The Big Brunch, Guy's Grocery Games),
Tammy Brawley (Real Virginia, Green Kitchen) and
Antwon Brinson
Leah Branch (Style Weekly’s 40 Under 40, Cooking Channel’s “Sugar Showdown” and Executive Chef at The Roosevelt)
Steve Glenn (Finalist on Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen”, Executive Chef at The Underground Kitchen)
Kaniyah Cary (Food Network’s Kids Baking Champion Season 3 top 3 contestants, Kids Grilling Invitational, owner KC’s Buttercream Sweet Shoppe)
Mike Lindsey (Owner/Founder/Executive Chef of Lindsey Food Group with restaurants such as Lille Pearl, Buttermilk and Honey, and Bully Burger)

Guests will have the chance to taste delectable food, brews, wines, and cocktails provided by some of Virginia's finest. Join the movement to connect children to agriculture and support the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and the State Fair of VA Scholarship program.

*Only 250 tickets available!

"Early Bird Special":

August 1 - September 1: $75 each
After September 1: $100 each or $150 per couple
Ticket includes entry to Taste of VA, fair entry, premium parking, and access to live music on the Main Stage.

Ticket Link

October 1, 2023:

Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest:

The Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest is an event-within-an event at the 2023 State Fair. Attendees will enjoy unlimited 4 ounce tastings from over 15 Virginia craft breweries and delicious food pairings provided by Publix. This event is a partnership between the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild and State Fair of Virginia to celebrate the booming independent craft beer industry in the state and introduce a new audience to this unique agricultural product. Fest attendees will have the opportunity to interact with owners, brewers and representatives from throughout the commonwealth and enjoy their fantastic brews.

One day Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest tickets may be purchased in advance beginning on September 1 for $40 by visiting the link below (includes fair gate admission), and at the Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest tent for $30 the day of the event (fair gate admission not included) . All Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest ticket holders must be 21 years of age or older and show valid ID before receiving a wristband and tasting glass. Non-drinking attendees and those under 21 may accompany Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest ticket holders into the tent but will not receive a tasting glass. Participating breweries include:

Dancing Kilt Brewery
Strangeways Brewing - Fredericksburg
Strangeways Brewing - Richmond
New Realm Brewing
Lost Barrel Brewing
Dragon Run Brewing
Port City Brewing
St. George Brewing
6 Bears & A Goat Brewing

Buy your tickets here!

Amusement Rides:

The State Fair of Virginia and Deggeller Attractions partner to provide two of the finest midway experiences found at a fair! The Midway Madness is for "big kids" who like action packed thrill rides! The Kidway is a great family experience for the "little kids" who want kid size thrills! Deggeller Attractions is known for a spectacular assortment of amusement rides, a keen sense of quality and detail, and an emphasis on safety.

Reloadable Cards:

Guests may purchase a reloadable card with credits that can be swiped at each ride.

100 credits = $10
200 credits = $20
550 credits = $50

Rides List with Height Requirements

Educational Expo:

The Ed Expo Registration is specifically for school groups.
Home School Groups Register Below.
Please note there are two options on Etix: Register or Reserve.
Wristbands are for the unlimited ride wristband and do not include admission.

Register for your tickets if you are paying now with card
This is recommended and will save time in lines, so you have your tickets at the gate!

Reserve your tickets if you are paying at the gate with check. Checks can be made out to State Fair of Virginia.
*School groups are expected to pay for the total amount of the reserved ticket order. You will pick up your tickets at the main gate ticket booth.

2023 Ticketing Information

Use our Ed Expo Guide to help plan your trip!

Group Days: *other school groups may still come any day*

FFA Competitions: Monday - Friday
Home School: Friday, September 22 with HEAV and Monday, September 25 with Virginia Homeschoolers
Register for home school groups here.
SkillsUSA: Monday, September 25 & Tuesday, September 26
DECA: Wednesday, September 27
FCCLA: Thursday, September 28
HOSA-Future Health Professionals: Friday, September, 29
These days are scheduled in coordination with FFA, SkillsUSA, DECA, FCCLA, and HOSA faculty and may require additional registration with the organization.

Pre-K School Groups Notice:

Pre-K groups are welcome to attend our Ed Expo. Children 4 and under are free on any day at the State Fair. As such, there is not a free teacher ticket with Pre-K groups. Free teacher tickets are only eligible for paying school groups.

2023 Prices:

Students: $8
Unlimited Ride Wristbands for Students (good for one day): $23 OR buy a reloadable ride card with ride credits at the fair *does not include admission*
Adults: $11.50

Please contact [email protected] or 804-994-2743 if you have questions.

Register Here

Animals and Livestock:

Young MacDonald's Farm will give you a farm animal fix! See the always-popular sliding ducks, hatching chicks, pigs, roosters, and the Sheep & Goat Birthing Center. Find this favorite farm at its new location in Livestock Loop.

The SouthLand Dairy Farmer Center will be MOOving and shaking throughout the fair. This tent will house SouthLand Dairy Parlor demos, and hand-milking demos. Unique to the fair, these exhibits will teach and delight fairgoers of all ages. Visit them at their new location beside the First Bank & Trust building!

Don't fly by the Pigeon and Dove Tent in Livestock Loop! See over 300 different breeds of pigeons and doves with many variations of markings and colors. Learn about their homing abilities, place in history and all kinds of fun facts about what these amazing birds can do!

Watch daily competitions from 4-H, FFA and youth shows to equine and open shows and the high school rodeo in Livestock Loop! See the State Fair Map for locations.

From mounted shooting and rodeos, to dancing dressage horses and draft horses, enjoy a variety of equine shows! See Grenlee Farms beautiful six horse hitch demonstrations daily at 3:00 PM.

Meadow Pavilion:

A one-stop shop to learn about Virginia’s agricultural commodities, including: Virginia Peanuts, Virginia Tobacco Board and Virginia Soybean Association, the Meadow Pavilion will showcase multiple organizations that represent the best of Virginia.

The Virginia Farm Bureau will take you on the farm with their multi-part interactive educational simulation display. Sit in the Farm Tour Tractor Cab, chop corn, or explore a chicken house. Visit the Farm Product Kiosk as you travel with the food you eat from the farm to your fork. Once the food is on your fork, test your knowledge with the My Plate matching game to test how nutrition Virginia agricultural products fit into your meals! Stop by the Agriculture in the Classroom exhibit and get the best educational resources so the fun doesn't stop at the fair!

Natural Resources Area:

Do you know what the state fish of Virginia is? Have you ever seen a live snake in person? Did you know that Virginia has State Forests? Would you like to learn more about Soils? Have you ever been to a Virginia State Park? Have you ever wandered about the geology of Virginia? Do you know the history about the Highway Sign Markers? Do you want to attract more pollinators to your yard?

If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to visit the Natural Resources Area!

Special Programming:

Virginia Wildlife from the Mountains to the Sea

Virginia’s vast wealth of wildlife species are managed by the Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Marine Resources Commission. Both agencies work together to ensure the wildlife from the western border to the Atlantic Coast remain healthy. Visit with the staff and live wildlife species found across the state including snakes, salamanders, horseshoe crabs and fresh and marine fish, in the Dominion Classroom.

Other agencies represented include the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy, Virginia Department of Forestry, Department of Historic Resources, Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and National Parks.

There is so much to see, learn and do! Visit this wonderful collection of exhibits.

Heritage Village:

Heritage Village takes fairgoers on a walk back in time to explore the dramatic changes in technology and lifestyles that have transpired. See tractors, steam engines, tools and children’s toys that have been used in Virginia since the early 1900s.

Daily demonstrators display a variety of trades that have been practiced for centuries. Demonstrators include a blacksmith, a glass blower, and a rope maker. Also featured will be the production of cornmeal and grits.

Check out the front porch of Meadow Pavilion throughout the fair for talented artists from The Crooked Road that will be performing daily.

Demonstrators vary each day. Please see the Daily Thrill Guide for a full list.

2023 Tractor Display

Chainsaw Auction:
100% of Proceeds Benefit Scholarships

Talented chainsaw artist, Ben Risney has been busy! Carvings are donated to the State Fair of Virginia to auction off for scholarships. The auction is Sunday, October 1st, at 5:30! The auction site is located behind Meadow Pavilion. Successful bidders will have to pick up their carving by closing time of the fair. Credit cards will be accepted. Live auction only.

Complete Fair Food Lineup:

Big G's Food Service, BK's Loaded Kitchen, Block & Bridle Club of VT, Bryan's Sirloin Tips, Bulk Candy, Cinn-sane Cinnamon Rolls, D&M Jamaican Kitchen, Demetri's Fine Greek Food, Demetri's Sausage, Dippin' Dots, Ford's Foods, Fun Time Foods, Griff's Cheese, Griff's Doughnut Burger, Griff's Onions, Griff's Pizza, Griff's Strawberry Lemonade, Hank's Gourmet Kettle Corn & Cotton Candy, Hog Wild Bar-B-Que, Holy Macaroni & South of the Border, K&M Salmon Balls & Cakes, K&R Apple Dumplings, K&R Fresh Cut Fries, K&R Mexican, K&R Root Beer, Kona Ice, LB Concessions, Li Concessions, Mama Jugs, O' Brien's Food Service, Parnell Foods, Pelican Joe's Mini Donuts, Phat Boyz Catering, Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream, Sidewalk Sundae, Smokey Mountain Kettle Korn, Tacos Las Gringas, The Best of the Best Pina Colada, Triple T Concessions, Triple T Eatery, Turtle's Corn, Two Kings Concessions, VSU Catfish, Wensil's Funnel Cake, Wilson's Elephant Ears, Wilson's Funnel Cakes, Wilson's Pizza

Dates: September 22, 2023 - October 1, 2023

Hour: 10:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m.

Location:

The Meadow Event Park,
13191 Dawn Boulevard,
Doswell, VA 23047.

Buy Tickets

Click here for more information.