Oregon State Fair's First Weekend Brings Beach Boys, 'Weird Al,' and Bigger Crowds Than Last Year

The Oregon State Fair opened Friday in Salem and runs through September 7, and if last year's numbers are any indication, this opening weekend is going to be busy — 2025 attendance surged more than 37% over the year before, one of the best-attended fairs in recent memory.

This year's concert lineup at the L.B. Day Amphitheatre includes The Beach Boys, Clint Black, All Time Low, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, all free with general fair admission on a first-come, first-served basis — or a reserved ticket guarantees a seat if you don't want to risk it. Beyond the concerts, expect the usual mix of over 500 food and commercial vendors, agricultural exhibits, and competitions.

Gate admission runs roughly $8 presale, $12 at the gate for adults, with discounts for kids and seniors. For families in Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, or the Clackamas area, it's a straightforward drive down I-5 — though note the overnight lane and height restrictions that started Friday night if you're heading back late.

Opening weekend and the final Labor Day weekend tend to be the fair's two busiest stretches. If you'd rather skip the biggest crowds, an early weekday visit next week is usually the easiest way to see everything without the wait.