Granite State Fair

04/25/2026

Hello Friends!
The Granite State Fair is pleased to invite young gardeners to join our Junior BIG Pumpkin and Sunflower Growing Competition!

Follow the link to register: https://forms.gle/64ihi3UreyCKLky89

Register and attend the competition's seed starting day which will be May 2, 2026 from 9am to 12pm at the Rochester Fairgrounds (72 Lafayette Street, Rochester NH 03867).
The competition is free to enter and available to all ages 16 and under.
Competitors who bring the largest sunflower and heaviest pumpkin to September's Fair will receive a cash prize for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group and pumpkin or sunflower category.
All seeds and seed starting materials are provided at the seed starting day by generous donations by Johnny's Seeds, NH Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, Wentworth Greenhouses, and Coast of Maine Organic Soil

10/29/2025

We are delighted to announce that the Rochester Fairgrounds is open for business! After 4 years of denying previously held events, the City of Rochester settled with the Fair today. It has been our greatest wish to host events for our community. We cannot wait to get back to the fun! Stay tuned for events coming soon! Thank you all for your support.

10/23/2025

Please support the Rochester Fairgrounds at the Brook Casino, Seabrook, NH, The Brook has selected Cold Spring Park Association as their partnering charity October 23-27.

Cold Spring Park Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit partner of the Rochester Agricultural and Mechanical Association -who are the presenters of the Granite State Fair.

Cold Spring Park gets its name from the original trotting park which is now the location of the Rochester Fairgrounds property. At the time of the Fair's founding in 1874, a cold freshwater spring flowed from the park into the Cocheeco River.

Cold Spring Park Association shares the same mission as RAMA -which is to "improve and stimulate agricultural and mechanical skill."

09/22/2025

As the lights go out and the gates close on another incredible Granite State Fair, we just want to say THANK YOU. From the thrill of the rides, to the cheers at the grandstand, to the smiles in the petting zoo, none of it would have been possible without our amazing fairgoers, volunteers, staff, vendors, and community partners.

You brought the energy, the laughter, and the memories that make the Granite State Fair so special year after year.

Until we meet again, thank you for being part of our fair family. 🐷🎪🐴🚜

Here’s to more fun, tradition, and community in 2026!

09/21/2025

SUNDAY Schedule: it’s the final day of the Granite State Fair and we’ve got another great day of events planned.

The lumberjack contest AND draft horse agility are kicking things off this morning. We end with the Demolition Derby at 4pm in the grandstand

Tickets will be available at the grandstand box office starting at 2pm. See you at the fair.

09/20/2025

Are you ready for the woodsman contest?!? Kicks off on Sunday morning at 10am!

09/20/2025

Saturday schedule! Lots of free activities today! In addition to all listed below, there are also bunny photos available in the rabbit barn this afternoon at approximately 1pm.

Bus derby tickets will be available at the grandstand at 5pm! See you at the fair! 🎡🎠🎟️

09/20/2025

09/19/2025

FRIDAY SCHEDULE! It's going to be a great night for the fair!

09/19/2025

We've got a busy weekend in our grandstand! FRIDAY & SATURDAY we've got the famous school bus demolition derby.

Additional tickets will be sold at the grandstand box office starting at 5pm on both days.

SUNDAY: Demolition Derby at 4pm. Additional tickets will be on sale starting at 2pm.