Delaware State Fair

View on map
Cultural & TraditionalHarrington
Dates1 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsFew American state fairs can point to as
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Delaware State Fair in Harrington

The Delaware State Fair traces back to an idea hatched around a potbelly stove at the Harrington railroad station in 1919, when local residents formed what was then called the Kent and Sussex County Fair. Incorporated in January 1920 and opened that July on 30 newly purchased acres, the fair now runs ten days each summer on a nearly 300-acre Harrington fairground, drawing more than 307,000 visitors.

In 1919, a small group of Harrington, Delaware residents began gathering around a potbelly stove inside the town's railroad station to discuss an idea: starting a county fair to promote and encourage agriculture in rural Delaware.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few American state fairs can point to as specific an origin story: a group of Harrington residents began meeting around a potbelly stove in the town's railroad station in 1919, and when interest outgrew the station, they moved planning sessions to the local fire hall before incorporating as the Kent and Sussex County Fair in January 1920

02

The mystery stays covered

The first fair opened on July 27, 1920, on 30 acres purchased for 6,000 dollars, ran four days, and turned a modest profit of under 44 dollars from admission and ticket sales for a motorcycle race and harness racing

03

The city starts moving

Today the fairgrounds have grown to nearly 300 acres and host permanent year-round businesses on site, including an ice rink and the Harrington Raceway and Casino

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The fair continues the American state and county fair tradition of judged agricultural competitions and livestock shows

Water and renewal

Living ritual

tracing its own roots to a 1919 community planning effort explicitly aimed at promoting and encouraging agriculture in rural Delaware

The sacred route

Living ritual

Its Junior Livestock Auction carries forward a long-standing 4-H and FFA youth agricultural tradition common to state fairs nationwide

The local code

Living ritual

giving young exhibitors a direct market outlet for animals they have raised

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

1 August 2026

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Harrington you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Casual, weather-appropriate summer clothing suits the fairgrounds; late July and early August in Delaware run hot and humid, so breathable fabrics, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking...

Safety

Delaware State Fair is easier when valuables are secure and the group knows where to meet if separated.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Delaware State Fair runs late.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map44.31 N, 69.78 WOpen in Google Maps

Harrington, DE

Nearest airportPWM — Portland International Jetport
TransportStay close enough to the part of Harrington you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Delaware State Fair runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Harrington via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Harrington, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, weather-appropriate summer clothing suits the fairgrounds; late July and early August in Delaware run hot and humid, so breathable fabrics, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking between buildings and the midway are practical.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Delaware State Fair?

Delaware State Fair is listed for 1 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Delaware State Fair take place?

The festival is listed in Harrington, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Harrington, DE

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLdelawarestatefair.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates1 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Calgary Stampede

Past edition: 3–12 July 2026

Calgary, Canada
Photo pending

Mawazine - Rhythms of the World

Past edition: 19–27 June 2026

Rabat/Sale, Morocco
Photo pending

Seville April Fair

Past edition: 21–26 April 2026

Seville, Spain
Photo pending

Minnesota State Fair

August · Summer

Falcon Heights, United States

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →