Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The 38th Salem Fair, billed as America’s largest free-gate fair, will return to the Salem Civic Center and Taliaferro Complex from July 1-12, offering rides, entertainment, food and special events for thousands of visitors.
The annual event is expected to draw between 250,000 and 350,000 patrons during its 12-day run. Fair organizers said the midway will feature approximately 40 rides spread across 14 acres of carnival space, along with more than 30 food vendors, free daily shows and 2,000 parking spaces. Shuttle buses will operate from a parking lot at 1501 Roanoke Blvd. once fair parking lots reach capacity.
Fair hours will be 4-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
A highlight of the fair will be a fireworks display scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 4, weather permitting. The show is presented by VA250 and the Marines as part of Virginia’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
New attractions for 2026 include Circus Incredible, the Extreme Raptor Show, Pretty Bird Paradise, the All American Petting Zoo and a VA250 Car Project display on July 1-2. Returning attractions include Danny Grant Cowboy Circus, the All American Pig Races and Hilby: The German Juggling Boy.
The fair also will feature nightly live music on the Hart Motors Musical Stage with two performances each evening at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Scheduled performers include Patchwork, The Brothers Young, Freak Rangers, Travis Reigh, Glen Shelton, Thunder Ridge, Midnight Blue, Tommy Wood, The Kings, Shoobies, Vinyl Nation and Cimmaron.
Among the midway attractions are the Giant Wheel, Zipper, Typhoon, Tornado, Wave Swinger, Music Express, Dragon Coaster and Zero Gravity, along with numerous family and children’s rides. Organizers noted that the ride lineup is subject to change.
Ride promotions will be offered throughout the fair, including discounted wristbands on select nights and special fundraising events supporting local organizations. Promotions include Help a Pet Night on July 7, WSLS Sock Night on July 8 benefiting Rescue Mission and Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet, and Salem Food Pantry Night on July 9 presented by Kroger, WFXR and Spirit FM.
A new sensory-friendly initiative, Sunflower Hours, is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. July 2. During that time, the fair will be noiseand light-free to provide an opportunity for individuals with sensory conditions to enjoy the event.
Visitors also will find a wide variety of food options, including funnel cakes, corn dogs, turkey legs, barbecue nachos, Korean corn dogs, gyros, tacos, pizza, smashburgers, fried Oreos and soft-serve ice cream.
Commercial exhibits inside the Salem Civic Center will be open in air-conditioned comfort from 4-9 p.m. on weekdays and noon-9 p.m. on weekends. Blue Ribbon exhibits in the arena will include special categories celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The area in front of the Salem Civic Center will be closed to vehicle traffic during the fair to improve pedestrian access between parking areas, shuttle bus drop-off locations and the fairgrounds.
