How to Plan a New England Fair Season Road Trip
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The New England fair circuit runs from June through October, and if you're willing to put a few weekends on the calendar and a few tanks of gas in the car, you can string together a road trip that covers the best fairs across four states. Here's how to plan it.
The Calendar at a Glance
June–July kicks things off with smaller community fairs, outdoor markets, and specialty shows. These are the warm-up acts — lower-key events that are great for a casual afternoon.
August is when the big state and county fairs hit. The Champlain Valley Fair in Vermont, the Hopkinton State Fair in New Hampshire, and the Bangor and Skowhegan fairs in Maine all run during this stretch.
September brings the biggest event on the calendar — the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts — along with the Common Ground Country Fair in Maine and specialty festivals across the region.
October closes the season with the Fryeburg Fair in Maine, the Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts, and the Sandwich and Deerfield fairs in New Hampshire. The fall foliage is usually near peak, making the drives between fairs spectacular.
Sample Itineraries
The Weekend Warrior (2 Days)
Pick two fairs on the same weekend in neighboring states:
- Saturday: Deerfield Fair (NH) → Sunday: Topsfield Fair (MA). About 90 minutes between them.
- Saturday: Champlain Valley Fair (VT) → Sunday: Hopkinton State Fair (NH). About two hours apart.
The Long Weekend Loop (3–4 Days)
- Day 1: The Big E (West Springfield, MA)
- Day 2: Drive north to a Vermont fair — specialty festivals or Champlain Valley Fair
- Day 3: Cross into New Hampshire for Deerfield or Sandwich Fair
- Day 4: Head to Maine for Fryeburg Fair or other Maine events
The Full Season Circuit
One fair per weekend from August through October:
- Champlain Valley Fair (VT) — late August
- Skowhegan State Fair (ME) — mid-August
- Hopkinton State Fair (NH) — late August
- The Big E (MA) — mid-September
- Common Ground Fair (ME) — late September
- Deerfield Fair (NH) — late September
- Topsfield Fair (MA) — early October
- Fryeburg Fair (ME) — first week of October
Eight weekends, four states. Ambitious, but very doable.
Combining Fairs with Fall Foliage
Fair season overlaps perfectly with peak fall foliage, especially in September and October. Route 100 through Vermont, the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, and Route 26 through western Maine are all spectacular in autumn and pass near major fairgrounds.
A fair trip that doubles as a foliage drive is one of the best experiences New England offers in the fall.
Where to Stay
Book early. Towns near major fairs have limited accommodations that fill fast. Hotels within 30 minutes of Fryeburg or the Big E can book out months in advance.
Consider camping. Many fairgrounds offer on-site or nearby camping. Cheaper than a hotel, and you're first through the gate in the morning.
Small-town inns and B&Bs add to the road trip experience and are plentiful across the region.
Road Trip Essentials
A cooler for water, snacks, and fair food purchases (maple syrup, cheese curds, fudge).
Cash. Lots of it. Food, parking, admission, and vendor purchases all eat through cash fast.
Comfortable shoes for both driving and walking. You'll alternate all weekend.
A flexible plan. Have a general idea of what you want to do, but leave room for the unexpected — a tractor pull you stumble into, a jam vendor you didn't know about, or a perfect lobster roll in the last row.
Find every fair at Meet Me at the Fair, and start with our guide to New England fair season 2026.
More New England Fair Season Guides on Meet Me at the Fair
- New England Fair Season 2026: Your Guide to the Best Fairs, Festivals, and Shows
- Craft Fairs vs. Agricultural Fairs in New England: What's the Difference?
- What to Wear to a New England Fair: A Seasonal Guide
- New England Fair Food Bucket List: What You Have to Try
- Best New England Fairs for Families with Kids
Last updated: April 2026
