The Bangor State Fair returns this summer from July 30th to August 8th!
The Bangor State Fair is a recreational gathering of the population of the Greater Bangor Area and the entire state of Maine that lasts for 4 days at Bass Park – the land encompassing Cross Insurance Center. The Bangor State Fair typically draws between 40,000 and 50,000 people a year and dates back to 1849.
Events coming to the Bangor State Fair:
– Agriculture
– Antique Car Show
– Demolition Derby
– Eating Competitions
– Photography Competition
– Tractor and Truck Pulls
– More TBA!
A Bangor State Fair ticket will give you access to the events. Additional upgrades may be available.
10 Day Passes for the Fair are now available for $100! To purchase head to the Cross Insurance Center Box Office.
One of the country’s oldest fairs, what’s now called the “Bangor State Fair” got its start in September 1849 when the Bangor Horticultural Society organized and held its first exhibition.
Other agricultural groups were hosting their own exhibitions around this time and eventually they came together, including the Maine State Agricultural Society, and held a single event.
In the 1880s, a group of Bangor businessmen formed an organization and changed the name of ‘Maplewood Park’, a popular harness racing spot, to the “Eastern Maine Fairgrounds”. One of those men, Joseph P. Bass owned the land. After Bass’s death, the grounds would be renamed “Bass Park” in his honor.
The ‘Eastern Maine Fair’ was held on the grounds in September, 1883—combining the elements of the exhibitions started by the Bangor Horticultural Society with new elements added by the Eastern Maine Fair organizers.
Over time, the name would change to the ‘Bangor State Fair’ and add many of the activities and events we celebrate now like carnival rides, musical performances, demolition derby, fabulous fair food and more!