Top Things to Do at the State Fair of Louisiana

At a Glance 

• Experience the best of the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport, a family-friendly event featuring thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment, fair food, agricultural exhibits and unique attractions.
• Celebrate Louisiana’s agricultural traditions with livestock shows, competitive exhibits, tractor pulls, rodeo events and hands-on experiences that showcase the state’s farming and rural heritage.
• Taste iconic fair foods and Louisiana-inspired treats, from deep-fried favorites and funnel cakes to savory dishes like shrimp on a stick and other creative carnival creations.

If you're ready for thrilling carnival rides and endless family fun, head to the State Fair of Louisiana, held annually in October and November in Shreveport. Dance to live zydeco performances, eat shrimp-on-a-stick and ride dozens of carnival rides during the festival. We can’t begin to list everything you can do at the fair, so like our seafood, we boiled it down. Read on for fair fun. 

Top Experiences at The State Fair of Louisiana

All-American High Dive Show

The alluring and electrifying twists and tumbles of these brave acrobats.

Racing Pigs

Cheer for your favorite friend and hope they are the swiftest swine during the Hollywood Racing Pigs.

Street Performers

See a spontaneous magic show as you walk the fairgrounds.

A Rowdy Rodeo

The LRCA Finals Rodeo features real cowboys from throughout the state, with cash and prizes up for grabs. Check out these feats of skill and strength, where folks showcase lassoing skills and daredevil bull and bronco rides.

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show

Check out the live lumberjack show that is sure to leave you amazed. 

A Ride of a Lifetime

It's as if the Discovery Channel comes alive at the Double Hump Camel Show, featuring Mongolian Bactrian camels — and yes, you can ride them.

Live Music 

Rosters typically feature local and national touring acts from country, R&B, gospel and rock genres.

Carnival Rides

Scream with excitement on rides like the Vertigo and Drop Zone, or look over the glowing downtown district on the Ferris wheel.

Tractor Pull

Judge for yourself who is the mightiest tractor of all in this celebration of agricultural prowess.

Fair Food

Sample an abundance of deep-fried bread pudding; chicken, shrimp or pizza on a stick; cookie dough bites; funnel cakes and lemonade. 

Free Experiences 

Here's one more reason why we love the State Fair of Louisiana: Many attractions and concerts are free with admission, making this a great place to take the family. 

More Things to Do in Shreveport

The Shreveport Aquarium

Located on the city’s beautiful downtown riverfront, the aquarium focuses on immersive experiences, inviting families to walk through a specialized gallery where you can see some of the facility’s sharks, seahorses, eels and other sea creatures swim around.

Asian Gardens of Shreveport

The Asian Gardens of Shreveport is a lush oasis representing 15 Asian countries, inviting guests to stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens full of plants, flowers, statues and more.

Lakes and Adventure Parks 

While Shreveport and Bossier City form north Louisiana's largest metro area, there's plenty of gorgeous surrounding natural areas worth exploring. Your range of outdoor adventures is great — whether you spend a day fishing on the Cypress Black Bayou or Caddo Lake, or go zip-lining over alligators at the Gators & Friends Adventure Park. 

Looking for more family-friendly things to do in Shreveport? Check out our roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the State Fair of Louisiana? 

The State Fair of Louisiana is an annual celebration in Shreveport featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, competitions, food vendors and family-friendly attractions. It showcases Louisiana traditions while offering activities for visitors of all ages. 

Where is the State Fair of Louisiana held? 

The State Fair of Louisiana takes place at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport, Louisiana. The fairgrounds host the annual event along with concerts, exhibits, rodeos and other special activities. 

When is the State Fair of Louisiana? 

The State Fair of Louisiana is typically held during the fall, usually in October and November. Dates, hours, entertainment schedules and ticket information vary each year, so visitors should check the official fair schedule before planning their trip. 

What are the best things to do at the State Fair of Louisiana? 

Popular experiences at the fair include riding carnival attractions, watching live entertainment, enjoying fair food, visiting animal exhibits, attending rodeo events, exploring competitions, and experiencing specialty shows such as racing pigs and lumberjack demonstrations. 

Is the State Fair of Louisiana family friendly? 

Yes! The State Fair of Louisiana offers many activities designed for families, including carnival rides, animal attractions, educational exhibits, entertainment shows, games, and kid-friendly experiences. 

What should I bring to the State Fair of Louisiana? 

Visitors should consider bringing comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a phone or camera and a payment method accepted by vendors. Checking the forecast is recommended since many activities take place outdoors. 

What is the best time to visit the State Fair of Louisiana? 

The best time depends on your interests. Families may prefer daytime hours for kid-friendly activities and exhibits, while visitors looking for concerts and nighttime carnival lights may enjoy evening hours. 

Is parking available at the State Fair of Louisiana? 

Parking is available near the fairgrounds, though availability and fees may vary. Visitors should check official event information for current parking details and arrival recommendations