WARNING!!! DO NOT VEND AT OR ATTEND THIS FAIR!!! This fair is a total scam!!! For vendors and for patrons. The fact that it is the first fair in America and it's been run into the ground is honestly sad for America. We tried to vend at this event in the memorial hall, and there was little to no foot traffic. The grandstand was completely empty on a Saturday their opening weekend and the people attending the grandstand performance don't even get access to the fair they are shuffled out of the fair completely after the show. The vendor entrance is barricaded by huge trucks and there is nothing showing that vendors are inside. They have blocked me from commenting on their social media warning other people about how they're scamming their vendors and they've limited all comments on their posts so no one can comment about how terrible the fair is. At fairs like this a normal vendor should make $10k to $50k and a few thousand the first weekend is normal, all vendors I spoke with haven't even made their booth fee back which was around $1000 for a 10x10 to sell for the week. Vendors outside were saying they only made two sales all weekend long. This fair used to bus people in from the surrounding cities but changed their dates and stopped bussing people because of their race. These people running this organization are committing fraud and theft by deception. This is the absolute worst fair I have ever sold at and as terrible as it gets. I will NEVER and I mean NEVER be recommending or attending this fair again to anyone for any circumstance. They can try and silence me but I refuse to be silent about fraud, scams, and injustice. As a matter of fact I will be spreading the word at every single To every single person that I come in contact with to not attend or vent at the York State fair ever. At this point, we are better off, leaving early and utilizing our time more wisely on our farm then staying and wasting a whole other week worth of time doing nothing but twiddling our thumbs and looking at other vendors because there's no one walking around at all. We even tried speaking with management about making changes to benefit all of the vendors that have been having these complaints and no one wants to do anything about it to change it and they're in complete denial. The people in charge have told us that we are wrong and that they are perfectly managing the fair and that no one else has any issues yet every single person in the memorial hall has either moved or tried to move outside and all the vendors are calling me Memorial Hall, death row for vendors. I will be posting my social media as well telling all of my followers about how horrendous this is. read more

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It's in July, now (WHY?!) and we went Fri, 7/31 in evening and still really warm. Parking was bad. We were being directed to parking for pick-up trucks when there were empty spaces scattered throughout areas we had to drive past. We made executive decision to take an empty spot that we knew our truck could fit in. We could see the parking attendant still waving for us to move on as we parked. Nope. Went in and not very many food or merch vendors. Rides were cut back as well. Did not even see my fave, Tilt-a-Whirl. Size of the fair felt more county than state. There was an area where you could "Cuddle with Baby Goats", but $5 per person - WHY?! That would have been a good petting zoo experience. Overall, I do NOT recommend this fair anymore. Save your money for MD State Fair end of Aug/begin Sept, or Bloomsburg PA Fair second half of Sept. read more

Have been several times to the toy train show by the Tca love it. A really unique place also has the antique truck show there I have the book on it. read more

My family and I have been driving to the fair from Maryland for years. Since the drive is about 45 minutes, we pack chairs, tables, food and we tailgate. Again, a tradition we have had for years and one we participated in, in 2021. This year, however, was different. We were told that tailgating was no longer allowed. The fair had specialized depending on the type of vehicle you were in, so our family couldn't even park together. Luckily, one of the fair workers who remembered us from previous years, find a spot for us to park near the RVs. But the "fair police" who were riding around on golf carts continued to monitor us and tell us what we were allowed to do and what we weren't. Some other parking attendant verbally assaulted my sister, yelling at her to "move the hell out of the way" because she was confused about the parking situation. Needlessly to say, after over 30 years of attending this fair, my family and I will not be returning. While the kids still thoroughly enjoyed themselves, all the new rules and regulations and the unfriendly staff isn't worth the trouble. Very unfortunate. read more

This one hurts because this use to be something awesome to look forward to every year but the last 5 years it just keeps getting worse and worse. Ticket prices keep going up. Vendor rental fees keep going up so most of the old good food vendors stopped going. More and more empty spaces, less free shows and activities for kids. Even the game I Got It stopped going. They moved from September where you might get some rainy days but the heat wasn't bad to the middle of summer where it's in the 90's. The horticulture scene which was a staple of the fair is no more since the change. The only plus in the last few years is the concerts are bigger acts other than country, they always booked big country stars but not current ones. They are starting to get better rock bands and pop stars. Give it 10-15 years and the York Fair might never come back. read more

Until they move it back to September I don't believe I will be back. I grew up at the fair and I understand the need for change. But the date change has really pulled away from the agricultural roots and harvest time feel. The homegrown vegetable exhibits were very poor in comparison to September fair entries. No large pumpkin either. Was very pared down and boring. read more

I went to the York fair for a few years while I lived in Harrisburg, and it is one of the highlights of my year. I love being able to experience all of the excitement and try all of the amazing food! If the weather is too hot, there are great indoor activities as well. Even though it does get crowded, the fairgrounds are large enough that you do not feel squished in the crowd. If you are in the area or even live up to an hour away from this place, I definitely recommend going! read more

York Fair - 5 Seconds of Summer concert - Festivals Near Me - York, Pennsylvania

The best thing about the fair this year was the wristbands for the kids at $30 each. Looks like they wanted to sell us more items to repair a home than fair fun. Half the rides barely worked, no bingo, I GOT It, Candy Bar booth and other teens games; missing. It was extremely hot since it moved from September and the crowd was really small. The food was ok with a few stands that stood out. Hopefully in a few years we will see them back to September and more fun. We are not going back as long as it's in the summer. read more

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I used to love going to the York Fair, but now I don't care if I miss it or not. After not going last year, I decided to go this year - didn't miss anything. It's disappointing how this has changed. First of all they changed the dates from September to July. It was MUCH NICER in September. The weather was better and the fall tone just seemed to fit for the fair. Secondly, if you aren't there for rides or food, there really isn't anything to do like there used to be. It is getting ridiculous with costs. You pay to park, you pay to get in, then you have to pay for practically everything inside too. The only thing you can actually do without paying more is look at livestock, agriculture or a couple tractors. You can't touch or pet the animals like you used to be able to do. There was a stand there with baby goats, but you had to pay an additional $5 per person just to go in and pet them. They have also been advertising a sloth at the fair this year - what they don't tell you is that if you want to actually get a good look at this sloth and touch it, you pay $60! You can go to a zoo for less than that price and see all the animals you want! Expensive food, expensive fair games and some very annoying vendors. The only thing that is somewhat good is that they do usually have a good concert lineup. One other thing to note is that you used to be able to park off-street within several blocks of the fair and walk to the gate. They have now started putting signs up within several blocks (at least five or six in all directions) stating that you can only park on these streets if you are affiliated with the fair. This basically forces you to have to park on the grounds and pay their parking fee. I have to say that I really don't care if I go back again. After adding up everything spent just to get in and eat, I could have gone to a place like Knoeble's or a local fireman's fair and had more fun. read more

I used to go up to the York Fair from Maryland growing up. I hadn't been in over 10 years so we decided to head up there with my parents who were already going. Austin is from York so he's pretty familiar with it. I remembered some things and completely forgot others. This is a great family event for pretty much anyone. I'll be honest and say that the crowd can be iffy at times. It's like wandering crowds of Zombies but it's manageable earlier in the afternoon. If you go in the late evening, I'll pray for ya. I loved seeing all the cows, although I wanted to take them all home. The piglets were adorable! The pigs were funny. I wasn't a huge fan of the pig race but they were so cute. We played games, won some games, ate food, got some snacks and went home. It was a pretty good time. read more

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The concert sound is horrible in the stands. Reverberating. Could not understand words and sound bounced around. It was horrible. Waist of money. Good bands don't waist your sound here read more

York Fair - Sound was horrible. Maybe in the middle is better. Paid $100plus. No again - Festivals Near Me - York, Pennsylvania

Worst concert venue in the state. Pit area is oversold and it's not a safe environment for concert attendees. Numerous people were taken out by EMTs and it wasn't because of over drinking. Too crowded and dense of a pit area. It's all dirt and flat. If you're under 5'8" you're not going to see any of the performance unless you look at the screen. Numerous Kids on parents shoulders obstruct the view even more. Poor security presence in the front. I would never recommend this venue to anyone even it was free. We paid over $200 a tickets to stand in a mob of spectators with no views. It's so crowded you can't go to the bathroom or get drinks. read more

Highly recommend this fair! Lots of activities indoors to beat the heat. Interesting food vendors, such as the Dipping Sisters, who offer cheesesteak dip (?!) but our favorite vendor, Tom's Vegetable Company, offered battered zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and pickles - so good. Definitely check out the horticulture hall to see pies, vegetables, flowers, etc. that took top honors. Lastly, be sure to check out the entertainment lineup because Foreigner did not disappoint. We were pleasantly surprised at the seat, views, sound quality, etc. Only gripe would be if you wanted to grab a beer, you had to stay in one area, and couldn't go back to seat. Otherwise, two thumbs way up. read more

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Big disappointment this year 2022 Wow....rides are so expensive Games are $6 each Plus $10 to get in on top of that There is absolutely no reason for these crazy prices. Over $200 just to ride and eat a snack for 4 people. I always loved the York Fair....before COVID! Hershey park is actually less expensive read more

Never been to York Fair or had no reason to go until I purchase tickets for the 2021 Goodguys 2nd Grundy Collector Car. Pretty dope event and family friendly. Food was good, cars were fascinating read more

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I took most of my grandchildren to the Fair Sunday afternoon with $5 advance tickets. 2 ride tickets for $1 or 120 tickets for $50 seemed worthwhile considering assembly, insurance, etc. The running piggies had 6 viewers plus us; the rhinestone roper had 3 families plus us; there is nowhere for people to sit and enjoy their $19 crabcake sandwich, the $6 slice "fresh baked" pizza tasted like a bad store-frozen brand; ask an officer where to rent a wheelchair, they had no idea, nor did who they asked. All the rabbits in the hutches looked like clones with the exception of a few; most of the cows looked anorexic and the display of mom pig not able to move and trapped in one position on a metal slab with a heat lamp a foot over her with all the piggies suckling was a tragedy to behold! The rides were dirty and antiquated, the workers refused to smile, there was Noone calling to guess my weight or height, Noone selling balloons, no old time fun anything, very few smiles even from other fair-goers! I told my family to pick somewhere else next year, we won't be back.​ read more

This space is ideal for a small concerts of unknown bands, showcases, fashions shows, or just a big party. However, the space is to big and the sound system is definitely off making it hard for me to say i would even attempt to come back. I will say it provides great people watching time ...LOL LOL read more

This is one of the biggest and best fairs I have ever been to. And I do love fairs! They have kickass vegetable and fruit displays. And goats. And I especially love the baby ducks - they slide down a ramp into a little pool. They are too cute. And the chicken corn soup from the food stands under the Grand Stand. And the piglet races. Oh, happy day! (Sept 7-16 2007) read more

York Fair - Festivals Near Me - York, Pennsylvania

My husband and I were looking for something fun to do, and even though I grew up in PA, not far from York, I had never been to the York Fair. The drive up from Maryland took a little over 40 minutes, and we pretty much pulled into the fair within minutes of arriving in York, as the fair is located not far from the highway. We went with parking in a parking lot for two dollars cheaper, and that put us only about two or three blocks from the fair. We both had admission at the student rate, and it came to about ten dollars for both of us to enter. There is quite a bit to see at the York Fair, from farm show animals, to tractors, and photography contests, but I would be lying if I didn't admit that the main attraction seems to be the food. There is food everywhere, from cheesesteaks to hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, ribs, and wings, gyros, cotton candy, milk shakes, lemonade, waffle ice cream sandwiches, funnel cake, fried Oreos, and even fried gummy bears! It is so incredibly gluttonous. My husband and I went with two cheesesteaks, which were not very good and obviously overpriced at $9 a pop. We also split a lemonade, once again not very good and $8 a pop, there was more sugar than lemonade and each sip left our mouthes filled with granulated sugar crystals. We did split a funnel cake that was piping hot and fresh! The funnel cake was probably my favorite food item of the day. We visited most of the attractions, from the farm show animals, to the photography tent, and the flea market. We did not ride any rides because we were only interested in a couple and it didn't make sense to buy tickets to only ride two rides. Overall we had a great time, but it kind of seems like a one time thing! read more

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Mrs.Linda Zeigler does a fantastic job putting together the wool display every year at the York Fair. She brings her loom and shows the public how to weave the wool and is very creative with a sheep display! read more

York Fair - Shetland Wool Natural Colored! - Festivals Near Me - York, Pennsylvania

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This is THE fair... if you are into that sort of thing... There are so many aspects of the fair that it's only right (or fair?) to break it down in simple-like terms... observe: Rides- "It only took 3 carnies and 2 hours to put this ride together!" They have signs like that in front of some of the rides which clouds the judgment of whether you should go on them or not. But fear not fair citizens, there's plenty of choices of death here at the Great York Fair... Food- Honestly, if it CAN be fried it WILL be fried. There's a stand for fried PB&J.... really... Exhibits- if you like any of the following you'll be entertained: Livestock, arts and crafts, pumpkins, fruits and vegetables, enormously fat people, screaming children... Concerts- They usually have some big names and some has beens. If you like country, you're in luck. All in all the Fair is a fun experience, I should know, I've gone since I was a little kid. If in doubt, go in and give it a fair shot... :) read more

My five-year-old has been here before. Not "here" as in the fair, but "here" as in life. We usually go to Six Flags, but they have lawyers and insurance people who are pretty strict on what rides a five-year-old can get on. Since she's been "here" before and has no interest in carousels and bumper cars, I have to bring her to the fair once a year where she can get on deathtraps that are more her style. Nothing gets her adrenaline pumping like climbing into a metal contraption that spins around at 30-40 mph, folds neatly into the back of a truck, and was put together with screws and trashbag twist-ties. But, I digress. They have a decent assortment of rides and games. There's a pretty good mix of old and new rides. Honestly, you can't expect Six Flags or Busch Gardens rides, because it's a traveling carnival. The games are pretty decent. They have a lot of them, and I didn't feel ripped off. The food leaves something to be desired. It seems like the same handful of items repeated over and over across 30 vendors. After living in NC and going to the NC State Fair, I'm spoiled with BBQ and a variety of different foods. It's only a 90 minute drive from DC, and the little one really enjoyed herself. The livestock shows kept her attention. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. read more

The York Expo center houses indoor trade shows and events. It is a large clean building that is easy to navigate and welcoming to it's visitors. The only thing I would change is the food....the only food offered is french fries and other terribly unhealthy options from a stand in the foyer. I wish they had better food and drink options. read more

Adult ladder walk. I did it rang the bell then they discounted win because i didnt hold bell rope and ring. They dont tell u that before paying. Then they blame sups that they got in trouble for it b4. Lies. Stick to the event not the rip off artists. read more

Had to be the hottest weekend of the summer when I went but the smile on my nephews face is worth it! I've been going to the York fair since high school and it's a great time, especially for the kiddos. Beside my nephew, I only went for the food. Specifically those damn turkey legs. I swear they're heaven on earth!! Overall, a good time with a great amount of kids rods and food options! read more

This is our fair. Sure it's not the biggest or grandest fair in history but people need to give it a chance. I personally found plenty to do with admission cost. There were some good shows this year including pig races, a dog show, a free country music stage, a butterfly house, and a touch a sting ray exhibit. Old Main was full of arts and crafts and Horticultural Hall was full as well. Utz arena had lots of animals. Yes there could be more vendors but I still found a large selection to choose from. The rides weren't the best but had their moments. As a Yorkie this is my fair, I love this fair, and I will continue to attend this fair despite the criticism. Again people every fair has its weak spots. read more

Went here a few weeks ago with a group of friends, and it was my first time here. It was a lot of fun, even though we got rained on. But hey, the girl at the lemonade stand had a free umbrella for us! As the night went on, we had fun going on the rides and eating fried-just-about-everything (side note-- fried Oreos. That is all). The exhibits are neat, and we took particular interest in their beekeeping stand and seeing some animals they had in the cages. The ducklings were my favorite, but sadly, none of them were brave enough to go down the slide :) I also went the next day to see Lady Antebellum, which was a lot of fun. So yeah, I'd say it's a great experience for all ages. Give it a try. read more

I attended the fair last night. We had a very disappointing experience. I was unable to resolve at the Fair. So I take my lumps. However I felt like I should leverage the power of social media. I went to the fairs Facebook page left a comment. I left the same comment on the ride companies page. And sent it to the fair via messagener. Figuring that they could have the opportunity to respond. Instead they deleted the post and blocked my ability to post or contact them on Facebook. This is disappointing, this lack of customer service is why so many organizations suffer. Below is what I posted Very disappointed. Spent 40 to get in and 180 on wrist bands only to be told AFTER I bought a wrist band for my 1.5 year old that there are only two rides she can get on. So I asked if I could get a refund on the braclet and buy tickets and was told sorry no. And then on other rides my 3 year old has gotten this year at other local carnivals he needs to have an adult ride with him that needs tickets, because my 13 year old that I bought a wrist band for can't ride with him? VERY UN-Happy read more

I went here for a Jeep show. The place is really big and has a lot of great food vendors. There was a lot of helpful staff around too which I needed since it was my first time here. I've never been to any old time fairs but this place gives you the feeling that you are at one which is really cool even at a Jeep event. Overall had a great time and there are plenty of places to see around the fairgrounds as well. If you're in the area it seems they always have something going on here so stop in. read more

This year was the 3rd or 4th time we've been there over the past 10 years. Each time I think they will step up their game, but it continues to be a big disappointment. Perhaps it is because I am used to the bloomsburg fair which is two to three times bigger. Of course, it is not all about size, but the variety. The Bloomsburg fair has so much more variety in food and exhibits. It is worth the extra drive time. PS: I am not reviewing the rides as that is not something we do. read more

Best fair around! They tend to have an interesting mixture of typical fair food and local favorites. The kohr's orangeade is amazing. What other fair could you get amazing PA dutch style soft pretzels and deep fried snickers bars in one place? The waffle ice cream sandwiches are amazing too. Hershey ice cream inside a fresh made hot waffle, how can you beat that? read more

Fun place to see animals, get food, and play carnival games. The lady at the dog tag place near the poultry building was extremely rude, though. I'd just recommend getting pet supplies anywhere else . read more

Was nice to attend a real country fair with actual farmers that don't seemed like they were shipped in from Extras Casting. Only an hour or so from DC and totally worth the trip back in time. read more

Unorganized and dirty. Large space for big things, but shady crowds an little to no signage.

Terrible place to see a concert! The Grandstand does not cut it. The Bathrooms are not up to 1950's standards. They sell seats in which you have no hope of seeing the stage. If you want a Beer you have to drink it like a deviant, outcast in this little area away from your seats and the show until you finish it. This beer garden as they call it had two port a pots (jiffy Johns) that always had a long line. Tight skinny seats, herded like cattle, You can't turn around for bumping into the overwhelming police force. The place sucks! read more

First time here. I was pretty disappointed, mostly with the vendors and food. We used to live near Bloomsburg, PA and the food at the Bloomsborg fair was the highlight. All these incredible local vendors, fire companies, etc... well, the good here was mostly horrible. The vendors were mostly carnie chain types. Ice cream and coffee was inedible- thrown away ($20). Pork barbecue and gyro were just okay. Better outside the fair at local restaurants. Cheese bites and cheeseburger, funnel cake were good. Not a great percentage. Hardly any shopping vendors. Very disappointing. Birthing center was amazing though. The one thing Bloom Fair could take from here. Otherwise, they need to work on attracting different/better vendors. It's pretty pathetic. read more

My family was very disappointed in the Fair. We have never gone before but thought we would take advantage of the cheaper admission rate on Friday night. We found the organization who was operating the rides to be very rude and unfriendly. Few if any of the workers looked cheerful and glad to be there. There was a clown in the dunk tank that was smoking a cigarette. I found this very distasteful and not a good example for children. Overall it was a downer of an experience not the cheerful carnival atmosphere one would expect. I am certainly glad we did not pay full admission price. Others would be wise to find something else to do with their hard earned money! read more

Went to the York Expo Center for White Rose Thunder Event. Best deal I ever received for my money. Swap meet, Vendors, Pole dancers, Stunt riders second to none, the riders were unbelievable. The professional motorcycle races and Riders were FIRST CLASS. You could get your motorcycle an oil change, pinstriped, LED lights installed, Custom painted, they had it all. Grand Funk Railroad played on the Stage and it was MIND BLOWING and I am 50 years old, not too much blows my mind anymore. The singer, bass player, lead guitar drummer and keyboards were UNREAL, BAD ASS, AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, SPECTACULAR and on and on, not enough words to adequately describe it, took me back in time. Thank You so much for bringing that event and especially Grand Funk, best show at the Expo Center in years. Please bring them back for the Fair or White Rose Thunder next year. After the concert they had fireworks. Like I said the BEST 15 DOLLARS I ever spent. THANK YOU YORK EXPO CENTER, WHITE ROSE MOTORCYCLE CLUB AND ALL THE SPONSORS. read more