Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The 38th Salem Fair opened Wednesday at the Salem Civic Center and Taliaferro Complex, bringing rides, entertainment, food and special events to visitors through July 12.
Billed as America’s largest free-gate fair, the annual event is expected to draw between 250,000 and 350,000 patrons during its 12-day run. Fair organizers said the midway features 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 operate from a parking lot at 1501 Roanoke Blvd. once fair parking lots reach capacity.
Fair hours are 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. Saturday, 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 features nightly live music on the Hart Motors Musical Stage with performances at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. each evening. Scheduled performers include The Brothers Young on Thursday, Freak Rangers on Friday, Travis Reigh on Saturday, Glen Shelton on Sunday, Thunder Ridge on Monday, Midnight Blue on Tuesday, Tommy Wood on July 8, The Kings on July 9, Shoobies on July 10, Vinyl Nation on July 11 and Cimmaron on July 12.
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 continue 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. Thursday. 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 can choose from 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 are 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 include special categories celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The area in front of the Salem Civic Center is closed to vehicle traffic during the fair to improve pedestrian access between parking areas, shuttle bus drop-off locations and the fairgrounds.
