The Granite State Fair, originally established as the Rochester Fair, returns on Thursday, September 11 and runs until September 21, 2025.
According to its website, the fair began as a community initiative to highlight agricultural and mechanical displays. Today, it upholds these traditional exhibits and competitions while expanding to include many modern attractions.
“Visitors can enjoy a bustling midway with rides, games, food, entertainment, and the unique Circus Hollywood, exclusive to New England. Additional highlights include the thrilling Bus Derby, unique agricultural exhibits, vendors, and exciting activities such as Cornhole tournaments. Come and experience everything the fair has to offer!”
Please note: Fair attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, as the Bridge Street Bridge over the Cocheco River is currently closed for repairs, with an anticipated reopening in October. Thru traffic is being detoured to River Street, and while pedestrian access is maintained, motorists may experience delays in the area. Visitors are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible.
To learn more about the Granite State Fair, visit www.granitestatefair.com.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 11
- 4:00 PM – Buildings & Midway Open, Animal Exhibits Open
- 4:00 PM – Petting Zoo Open
- 5:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Friday, September 12
- 4:00 PM – Buildings & Midway Open, Animal Exhibits Open
- 4:00 PM – Petting Zoo Open
- 5:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 7:00 PM – Cornhole Tournament
- 7:00 PM – Car Soccer – Grandstand
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Saturday, September 13
- 10:00 AM – Gates Open
- 11:00 AM – Horse Pulling
- 11:00 AM – Petting Zoo Open
- 11:00 AM – Young Entrepreneur
- 12:00 PM – Building & Animal Exhibits Open
- 12:00 PM – Midway Open
- 12:00 PM – Lowe’s/Home Depot Kids
- 12:30 PM – Beer Garden Performer
- 1:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 2:00–4:00 PM – Southern N.H. Ukulele Group
- 4:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 7:00 PM – School Bus Derby
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Sunday, September 14
- 10:00 AM – Gates Open
- 12:00 PM – Building & Animal Exhibits Open
- 12:00 PM – Petting Zoo Open
- 12:00 PM – Midway Opens
- 12:30 PM – Beer Garden Performer
- 1:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 1:00 PM – ATV Drag Race
- 4:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Thursday, September 18
- 4:00 PM – Building & Midway Open, Animal Exhibits Open
- 4:00 PM – Petting Zoo
- 5:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Friday, September 19
- 4:00 PM – Building & Midway Open, Animal Exhibits Open
- 4:00 PM – Petting Zoo Open
- 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Performer
- 5:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 7:00 PM – Cornhole Tournament
- 7:00 PM – School Bus Derby
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Saturday, September 20
- 10:00 AM – Gates Open
- 11:00 AM – Gymkhana Horse Show
- 12:00 PM – Building & Animal Exhibits Open
- 12:00 PM – Petting Zoo Open
- 12:00 PM – Midway Open
- 12:00 PM – Lowe’s/Home Depot Kids
- 12:30 PM – Beer Garden Performer
- 1:00 PM – King Arthur Cookie Contest
- 2:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Performer
- 5:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 7:00 PM – School Bus Derby
- 8:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
Sunday, September 21
- 10:00 AM – Gates Open
- 10:00 AM – Lumberjack Show
- 10:00 AM – Draft Horse Agility Contest
- 12:00 PM – Building & Animal Exhibits Open
- 12:00 PM – Petting Zoo Open
- 12:00 PM – Midway Opens
- 12:00 PM – Miss Granite State Fair Pageant
- 12:30 PM – Beer Garden Performer
- 1:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 3:00 PM – Circus Hollywood
- 4:00 PM – Demolition Derby