From 'Disney on Ice' to laser light shows: 11 fun things to do at the Oklahoma State Fair
Whether you're eager to taste an unusual new treat, catch a laser light show or watch pigs practically fly around a track, the Oklahoma State Fair is coming back with its usual bonanza of autumnal entertainment.
One of the state's largest annual events, the Oklahoma State Fair will be Sept. 14-24 at the OKC Fairgrounds, 3001 General Pershing Blvd.
Regular outside gate admission is $15 for adults and children 12 and older; $10 for children 6 to 11; and free for children 5 and younger. Also, several discount days will be offered during the fair.
More: The Oklahoma State Fair is almost here. Here's how discounts can help you save money
To buy tickets, visit the OKC Fairgrounds Box Office, call 405-948-6800 or go to https://okstatefair.com.
The full, jam-packed fair schedule also is available at okstatefair.com. But in honor of the venerable event's 11-day run, here are 11 attractions, treats and shows to look forward to at the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair:
1. AGtropolis cultivates agricultural adventures
A staple for more than 20 years, AGtropolis remains one of the most visited destinations at the Oklahoma State Fair, bringing children and adults alike to Oklahoma Expo Hall for agricultural adventures.
This year's attractions include daily demonstrations on honey extraction, soap making and live milk production, a live chicken exhibit and the interactive Farmer for A Day experience.
The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association oversees the Barnyard Birthing Center, where pregnant sows and goats are displayed. Visitors may even get to witness a live birth or see some cute newborn critters.
2. Painters get creative in OKC Mural Challenge
Oklahoma City has built a reputation as a top-tier city for public art, and the Oklahoma State Fair channels that creativity into the OKC Mural Challenge.
Starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 16, fairgoers can watch at least 20 artists compete to complete an 8-foot-by-12-foot mural in just one day.
The painters will be creating their new murals in the General Pershing Boulevard Median throughout the first Saturday of the fair, and judges will select the best of the best the next day.
3. 'Disney on Ice' skates in with 'Frozen' and 'Encanto'
“Disney on Ice” has been a state fair tradition for more than 35 years, but rarely has a show been hotter than this year's title. "Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto" skates into Jim Norick Arena Sept. 14-19.
Combining the appeal of two of the most tuneful Disney animated movies in recent memory, the touring production has proven so popular that the state fair added two extra performances, boosting the number of showtimes from nine to 11.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $75. All children 2 and older need a ticket for their own seat; children younger than 2 are admitted free but must sit in the lap of a paying customer. Tickets purchased on or before Sept. 13 include outside gate admission to the fair.
Due to construction on the new fairgrounds coliseum, "Disney on Ice" patrons who park at Gate 6 off Reno Avenue are advised to arrive early as it might take extra time to reach the arena and take their seats.
4. Equine Empowerment Horse Show lets riders show their skills
After a successful debut in 2022, the Equine Empowerment Horse Show returns to give equestrians with disabilities a chance to show their skills in the Performance Arena. Presented by the Choctaw Nation, the second annual event is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 20, and this year's show adds several classes for veterans.
In between classes, at about noon Sept. 20, the Choctaw Nation will present “Chahta Sia – I am Choctaw," a performance of traditional social dances and hymnal singings, in the Performance Arena.
5. New Hoof & Horns Spectacular continues state fair's rodeo tradition
The state fair's new rodeo concept, the Hoof & Horns Spectacular, rides into action at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22-23 inside Jim Norick Arena.
Devised by the Beutler family of Elk City — whose rodeo fame dates back more than 90 years — the new event will feature bucking broncs and freestyle bullfighting. It replaces the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's Xtreme Bulls & Broncs previously offered at the fair.
Hoofs & Horns Spectacular ticket prices range from $15 to $25. All children 2 and older need a ticket for their own seat; children younger than 2 are admitted free but must sit in the lap of a paying customer.
6. Vince Neil, Tracy Byrd and Foreigner's Lou Gramm to perform in concert
Although the rodeo event won't feature live music this year, the state fair beefed up the budget for the concerts on its Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage. This year's shows, which are free with paid fair admission, also will benefit from enhanced production on the outdoor stage, which will boast video screens for the first time.
A diverse lineup of musical acts is planned for the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage nightly concerts:
7:30 p.m. Sept. 14: Longtime country hitmaker Tracy Byrd with "American Idol" Season 19 standout Alex Miller.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 15: Grammy-nominated R&B singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Stokley.
8 p.m. Sept. 16: Lou Gramm, the original voice of classic rock band Foreigner.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 17: Prince tribute act Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 18: Dove Award-nominated Christian music artist Katy Nichole.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 19: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame vocal groups The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and The Platters.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 20: Shawn Klush's "Tribute to Elvis."
7:30 p.m. Sept. 21: Texas country singer-songwriter Kolby Cooper with Oklahoma country act Cam Allen.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 22: OKC rockers Hinder.
8 p.m. Sept. 23: M?tley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 24: Houston-based regional norte?o Mexican group Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos.
7. Board Game Bonanza brings all-ages play
The Oklahoma Board Game Community organizes the Board Game Bonanza, two full days of all-ages play for fairgoers, starting at noon Sept. 15-16 inside the Modern Living Building.
Games will include giant versions of Jenga, Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect Four, easy-to-learn dexterity games like Crokinole, Tumblin' Dice and Pitchcar, and role-playing and strategy games.
8. Pigs, sheep and goats feel the need for speed in GASCAR
You've heard of NASCAR, but faithful state fair patrons know that GASCAR is where the real racing action can be found.
Which goat will be the real GOAT? Fairgoers can find out at 2 and 5 p.m. daily on Centennial Plaza. That's where goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and other surprise critters feel the need for speed in the inter-species Great American Speedway Crazy Animal Races
That's where fairgoers also can cheer on their favorite cookie-craving oinkers in the Great American Pig Races.
9. New Laser Light Extravaganza promises dazzling nighttime displays
The state fair always includes a selection of new attractions, shows and exhibits to complement the traditional favorites, and this year's Laser Light Extravaganza promises to be one of the most dazzling additions to the 2023 event.
The flashy new attraction will play out on a 30-foot screen at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. daily in the Circle Stage Picnic Area.
10. Sensory-Friendly Time promises a less noisy fair experience
For people who find the usual crowds, sights and sounds of the fair too overstimulating, the final day of the run includes Sensory-Friendly Time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24.
During Sensory-Friendly Time, the Wild West action will be a little less rowdy in the Oklahoma Frontier Experience, the lights and music of the carnival rides will be turned off, and the amplification systems will be turned down for the rides, games, pig races and other attractions.
Also, an air-conditioned Calming Room will be available in the Arts Annex.
11. A full menu of new and familiar foods will tempt fairgoers
What's a trip to the state fair without a full menu of new and familiar food options?
The numerous food booths will feature classic treats like footlong corn dogs, turkey legs, Indian tacos, funnel cakes, giant cinnamon rolls, root beer jugs and lemonade.
Plus, ticketholders will be tempted by an array of new offerings, ranging from Barbie Lemonade and Freeze Dried Jolly Rancher Cotton Candy to Korean Corndogs and Mochi Donuts.
Looking to satisfy a specific craving? The state fair website features a handy interactive Food Finder map.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Things to do at the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair starting Thursday
