Growing up, state fairs were a yearly tradition, and let’s be honest—the food was always a highlight. State fairs are the Wild West of culinary creativity, where anything goes and the weirder, the better.
Think giant portions, strange pairings, and deep-fried everything. But some state fair foods take things to a whole new level. These creations will leave you wondering, “Who thought of that?”
Get ready, because here are the 10 weirdest state fair foods in the U.S. Is your state’s fair on the list?
Why State Fair Foods Are So Unique?
State fair foods blend creativity, indulgence, and a bit of curiosity. Every year, vendors try to outdo each other with outlandish creations, turning familiar snacks into something extraordinary. It’s not just about taste—it’s about the experience.
From the early days of corn on the cob and lemonade stands, fair foods have always pushed boundaries. Vendors realized the more memorable their food, the more people would line up.
That’s how we got classics like corn dogs and funnel cakes. Now, fair food is all about going bigger, bolder, and sometimes, downright bizarre.
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The 10 Weirdest State Fair Foods
Whether you’re brave enough to try them or just here for the shock factor, these wild state fair eats make fairs the ultimate food adventure.
1. Kool-Aid Pickles – Mississippi State Fair
@morganchompz Replying to @huh*nah*bih🙄 who would try these? 👀 #koolaidpickles #koolaid #fruitpunch #walmartfinds #pickles #dillpickle #foodfinds #tryingnewfood #snackfinds #summerfood #summersnacks #weirdfoodcombos #foodcombo #morganchomps ♬ Kawaii Aesthetic – LoES
At the Mississippi State Fair, Kool-Aid Pickles, or “Koolickles,” are a staple. Picture this: a pickle infused with the sweet, fruity flavor of Kool-Aid, turning it bright red, green, or purple. It’s a strange mix of dill and dessert that delivers a surprisingly bold flavor.
2. Fried Scorpions – Arizona State Fair
For a crunchy, adventurous snack, head to the Arizona State Fair for fried scorpions. Yes, real scorpions are skewered, fried until crispy, and served to daring fairgoers.
If you can get past the fact that you’re eating a scorpion, they actually taste a bit like shrimp!
3. Deep-Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs – Texas State Fair
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the fair food. Deep-fried spaghetti and meatballs take comfort food to the next level.
Breaded and fried, this dish is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, combining all your favorite Italian flavors in one decadent bite.
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4. PB&J Cheeseburger – Wisconsin State Fair
@cookerofdeliciousness Used @Holy Grail Steak Co. santa carota 1/2 patties and they did not dissapoint! #schwankgrillspartner #schwankgrills #holygrailsteak #burger #cheeseburger #pbandj #comfortfood ♬ original sound – Matt Ramsey
The Wisconsin State Fair knows how to mix things up. Enter the PB&J cheeseburger—a beef patty topped with peanut butter, jelly, and a slice of cheese. It’s a surprisingly delicious combination of savory and sweet that hits all the right notes.
5. Krispy Kreme Burger – North Carolina State Fair
@grubspot Wild combination #grubspot #donuts #burger #cheese #dessert #dinner #foodtiktok #food ♬ original sound – Chicanotok
At the North Carolina State Fair, the Krispy Kreme burger is king. Imagine a juicy burger, bacon, and cheese sandwiched between two glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts. It’s a sweet and savory explosion that leaves regular buns in the dust.
6. Deep-Fried Butter – Iowa State Fair
Iowa goes all-in with deep-fried butter. Yes, you read that right—frozen butter is dipped in batter and fried until golden brown. The crispy outer layer gives way to a warm, melted buttery center that’s as indulgent as it sounds.
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7. Hot Beef Sundae – Indiana State Fair
@scottsiepker Fair classics: Hot Beef Sundae #iowastatefair ♬ original sound – Scott Siepker
The Indiana State Fair serves up a dish that looks like dessert but tastes like dinner. The hot beef sundae features mashed potatoes as “ice cream,” topped with shredded roast beef, gravy, cheese, and a cherry tomato on top. It’s a hearty, savory twist on a classic sundae.
8. Fried Alligator on a Stick – Louisiana State Fair
@l3v3ticus fried gator! washington state fair . #biggator ♬ original sound – LiLBittyChop
At the Louisiana State Fair, you can get a taste of the bayou with fried alligator on a stick. This Southern favorite is seasoned, breaded, and fried to perfection, offering a unique flavor that’s often compared to chicken, but with a little extra bite.
9. Pig Lickers – Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair gets creative with Pig Lickers: chocolate-covered bacon sprinkled with sea salt. It’s the perfect blend of salty, crispy bacon and smooth, sweet chocolate. This treat is savory, sweet, and totally addictive.
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10. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Ice Cream – California State Fair
@andiasicecream 🍦🍦🍦 #icecream #scoopability #scoop #rating #raleigh #nc #northcarolina #foryou #pandan #durham #northcarolinacheck #honeycomb #nceats #fyp ♬ Funny Song – Funny Song Studio & Sounds Reel
In California, they’re taking flavor to a whole new level with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos ice cream. This daring creation pairs creamy vanilla ice cream with spicy, crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for a wild mix of heat and cool sweetness. It’s an experience your taste buds won’t forget!
The Ultimate Food Adventure
State fairs have become the ultimate playground for adventurous eaters. Whether you’re there to try the strangest foods or just want to marvel at how wild fair snacks can get, one thing’s for sure: state fairs are where food creativity knows no bounds. So, which of these weird foods would you dare to try?