By Culture Expert 
Plan Your Perfect Trip: Detailed Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events for Family Fun and Excitement
Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events: Welcome! If you’re heading out to the Vermont State Fair in 2025, you’re in for a real treat. This much-loved event, taking place August 12 to August 16 at the Rutland Fairgrounds, is a celebration of Vermont’s rural heritage, family entertainment, and community good vibes. I’ve assembled a comprehensive review of the Vermont State Fair 2025 events schedule so that you can get the best out of your visit. Let’s go through what makes this fair a must-attend summer attraction.
When and Where Is the Vermont State Fair 2025?
Vermont State Fair 2025 takes place from August 12 through August 16 at Vermont State Fairgrounds, 175 South Main Street, Rutland, VT. The fair begins on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and runs until Saturday, with gates open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days. Both locals and visitors from other states will enjoy this five-day extravaganza packed with Vermont’s top activities.
Reasonable Hours for Every Day
To schedule your visit, here’s the Vermont State Fair 2025 calendar of events for gate hours:
- Tuesday, August 12: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 13: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, August 14: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday, August 15: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, August 16: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Midway hours are a little different, opening at 5 p.m. Tuesday and 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, with Saturday opening time at 11 a.m. It will be helpful to know these so you can plan your arrival for the most enjoyment.
Admission Prices: Fun on a Budget
Affordable admission options are highlighted in the Vermont State Fair 2025 events schedule:
- Tuesday, August 12: $7 general admission (6 and older), children 5 and under are free.
- Wednesday, August 13: Adults 13+ pay 12;seniors65+pay7; children 12 and younger enter free.
- Thursday, August 14: $12 adults, $7 children (6-12), free children 5 and younger, veterans, and seniors (65+).
- Friday and Saturday, August 15–16: Adults $15, seniors $7; children ages 6–12 are charged, and ages 5 and under are free.
Military personnel with ID have free admission daily, and parking is also free. Ride wristbands are $40 Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Discounts for groups can be arranged by calling the organizers in advance.
Tuesday, August 12: $7 Day and Rodeo Night
The Vermont State Fair 2025 event schedule begins with a bang on Tuesday, $7 Day. Gates and the midway are open at 5 p.m., with 4-H buildings and exhibits staying open until 9 p.m. The highlights are:
- 6 p.m.: $7 Day favorite Cook’s Racing Pigs.
- 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.: Live Shark Encounter, great for animal fans.
- 7 p.m.: Grand Illusions performs “Blooms” at the Sugarhouse Stage.
- 7:30 p.m.: Pond Hill Pro Rodeo at the Grandstand, delivering high-energy cowboy action.
Bingo is played from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bingo Hall, providing a low-key, fun alternative.
Wednesday, August 13: Children’s Day and Bike Giveaway
Wednesday features Children’s Day with free entry for children 12 and younger. The Vermont State Fair 2025 events schedule for this day features:
- 8 a.m.: Gates and agricultural areas open.
- 9 a.m.: 4-H Open Horse Show (VSFEC Horse Arena).
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 4-H Dog Show (4-H Building).
- 1 p.m.: Midway opens, along with Horse Pulls (3330 lbs. and under), Pulling Arena.
- 2 p.m.: Magic Show featuring Hocus Pocus, Sugarhouse Stage.
- 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Bike Giveaway ticket pick-up, then drawings at 6 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m.: 4-H Dairy Costume Class, Cattle Show Arena.
- 6 p.m.: Antique Tractor Pulls at the Grandstand.
The day is full of children’s activities and is a great day for families.
Thursday, August 14: Veteran’s and Senior Day
Thursday features complimentary admission for veterans and seniors; refer to the Vermont State Fair 2025 events calendar for confirmation:
- 10 a.m.: 4-H Jumper Show at the VSFEC Horse Arena and 4-H Dairy Show at the Cattle Show Arena.
- 11 a.m.: Ox Pulls (less than 2500 lbs.) at the Pulling Arena.
- 1 p.m.: Midway opens, as well as Ox Pulls (less than 2900 lbs.).
- 2 p.m.: 4-H Public Presentations at the 4-H Building.
- 4 p.m.: 4-H Open Costume Class.
- 7:30 p.m.: DNA Demolition Derby at the Grandstand, one of the event’s top attractions.
The Live Shark Encounter and Cook’s Racing Pigs also make appearances at different times throughout, maintaining the buzz.
Friday, August 15: Motorsports and Magic
Friday’s Vermont State Fair 2025 events schedule heats up the action:
- 9 a.m.: Cattle Show Arena Dairy Show.
- 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.: 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer at the 4-H Building.
- 1 p.m.: Midway opens; “Blooms” by Grand Illusions on the Sugarhouse Stage.
- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.: Hocus Pocus Magic Show.
- 6:30 p.m.: RPM Flat Track Motorcycle Racing at the Grandstand, not to be missed by speed demons.
The day combines farm exhibits with high-octane thrills.
Saturday, August 16: Grand Finale featuring Oliver Anthony
The fair concludes on Saturday with a full Vermont State Fair 2025 agenda of activities:
- 10 a.m.: William Weeks Memorial Showmanship Show at the Cattle Show Arena and 4-H Open Gymkhana at the VSFEC Horse Arena.
- 12 p.m.: Rutland City Band performance and 4-H Alumni Meet Up.
- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: 4-H Awards Ceremony on the Sugarhouse Stage.
- 8 p.m.: Oliver Anthony Concert at the Grandstand, a great way to end the fair.
The midway begins at 11 a.m., providing you with ample time to ride and play.
Continuing Entertainment for All Ages
Vermont State Fair 2025 features daily-operating continuing attractions:
- Robin’s Heavenly Birds: A charming bird display.
- VT State Fair Butterfly Enclosure: Up close with butterflies.
- Blacksmith Shop and Chainsaw Carver: See artisans in action.
- Danne Moore Antique Motors Display and Farm Museum: Discover Vermont’s rural heritage.
Other attractions are Agri-Golf, Turbo the Tractor, and the Moving Mermaid Trackless Train Shuttle, to provide non-stop entertainment.
Carnival Rides and Games
Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events: The midway, run by Amusements of America, is a cornerstone of the Vermont State Fair 2025 schedule of events. Expect classic rides like the carousel, thrilling roller coasters, and games like ring toss. Ride wristbands ($40) are available Wednesday and Thursday, making it easy to enjoy unlimited fun. The midway’s vibrant atmosphere is perfect for kids and adults alike.
Agricultural Exhibits and 4-H Shows
Vermont’s agricultural past is reflected in the Vermont State Fair 2025 events calendar. Daily farm areas are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including:
- Livestock exhibitions, such as dairy, oxen, and horses.
- 4-H displays with youth projects.
- Displays of award-winning produce, quilts, and crafts.
The maple barn and its renowned maple creamies are a must-visit for a sweet Vermont treat.
Food and Vendors: A Gastronomic Delight
Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events: No fair is complete without great food, and the Vermont State Fair 2025 schedule of events delivers. From fried dough to chili cheese fries, local vendors serve up classics. Don’t miss the maple barn for syrup-based treats. Food stalls are scattered throughout the fairgrounds, so you’re never far from a delicious snack.
Grandstand Events: High-Energy Highlights
The Grandstand serves as a centerpiece of the Vermont State Fair 2025 event schedule.
- Tuesday: Pond Hill Pro Rodeo.
- Wednesday: Antique Tractor Pulls.
- Thursday: DNA Demolition Derby.
- Friday: RPM Flat Track Motorcycle Racing.
- Saturday: Oliver Anthony Concert.
These events tend to be popular, so come early for the best seating.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Vermont State Fair 2025 event schedule is filled with activities for families and children. The Touch A Truck, Bike Giveaway, and 4-H Dog Show are crowd favorites. Pony rides and the Pirate Man Dan Roving Act are fun and quirky, and everyone’s a kid at heart during the Hocus Pocus Magic Show.
Getting to the Vermont State Fair
Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events: The fairgrounds at 175 South Main Street, Rutland, are accessible. There is free parking, and the Trackless Train Shuttle guides you through the grounds. For more information, visit vermontstatefair.org or email vermontstatefair@outlook.com. The Vermont State Fair 2025 events calendar has been crafted to ensure that your visit is smooth.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Vermont State Fair 2025
Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events: This fair is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Vermont’s culture, from its farms to its families. With a history dating back to 1846, it’s one of the oldest state fairs in the U.S. The Vermont State Fair 2025 schedule of events offers something for everyone, whether you’re into rodeos, concerts, or just soaking up the community vibe. Mark your calendar and bring your appetite for fun.
FAQs About Vermont State Fair 2025 Schedule of Events
What are the Vermont State Fair 2025 dates?
The fair takes place from August 12 to August 16, 2025, at the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland, VT.
How much does it cost to attend the Vermont State Fair 2025?
Admission is different: $7 on Tuesday, $12-$15 adult admission on other days, $7 children ages 6-12 and seniors 65+, free for children under age 5 and military personnel with ID. The veterans and seniors are admitted free on Thursday.
What are the key events in the Vermont State Fair 2025 schedule of events?
Highlight activities are the Pond Hill Pro Rodeo (Tuesday), DNA Demolition Derby (Thursday), RPM Flat Track Motorcycle Racing (Friday), and Oliver Anthony Concert (Saturday), along with daily 4-H shows, pig races, and magic shows.
Are there rides at the Vermont State Fair 2025?
Yes, the midway, operated by Amusements of America, has carnival rides and games. Ride wristbands are $40 on Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Is parking complimentary at the Vermont State Fair 2025?
Parking at the Vermont State Fairgrounds is free each day.