Information
Landmark: Allentown FairgroundsCity: Allentown
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
The Allentown Fairgrounds, a historic and adaptable event space in the heart of downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, has hosted everything from bustling farmers’ markets to the smell of fresh popcorn at annual fairs.Spread across 46 acres, it’s the place where the Lehigh Valley comes together-neighbors chatting over fresh produce, music echoing from the stage, cultural festivals filling the air, and markets bustling with trade.Founded in 1852, the Allentown Fairgrounds began as a bustling spot for livestock shows and crop displays, organized by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society.The first fair took place on a modest five-acre patch of grass before shifting to its present site in 1889, and it’s been growing ever since.During World War I, the grounds became Camp Crane, a bustling U. S. Army training base where ambulance drivers learned their trade, underscoring the site’s place in the nation’s history.Over the years, the fairgrounds have seen everything from thundering horse races and daring airship contests in the early 1900s to packed concerts headlined by stars like Herb Alpert and Liza Minnelli.Every late summer-usually from late August into early September-the Great Allentown Fair takes center stage, filling the air with the scent of popcorn and the buzz of carnival rides.Each year, tens of thousands pour in for a lively, multi-day festival that blends agriculture, community spirit, and entertainment-you can smell fresh hay and popcorn drifting through the air.You’ll find live music and entertainment here, from nationally known headliners to local bands and eclectic street performers.In past years, the stage has lit up with rock legends, country icons, and hilarious stand-up acts.Carnival Rides & Games: From spinning teacups to roaring roller coasters, plus bright midway games for families and thrill‑seekers alike.Agricultural exhibits bring Lehigh Valley’s farming heritage to life with bleating goats, 4-H projects, lively horse shows, and hands-on demonstrations straight from the field.Food Vendors: From sizzling corn dogs and fluffy funnel cakes to spicy empanadas and hometown favorites you won’t find anywhere else.Competitions range from baking pies that fill the air with cinnamon to lively talent shows and colorful craft displays, giving locals a chance to join in and take home awards.Open year-round, the Agri~Plex Expo Center is a sleek, 58,000‑square‑foot space that hosts everything from bustling trade shows and lively conventions to indoor agricultural exhibits, where you might catch the scent of fresh hay.Since 1953, the Farmers Market has brought together over 65 local vendors, offering everything from crisp apples and warm loaves of bread to fresh meats, dairy, plants, and handmade crafts.Open just three days a week, the place draws locals looking for fresh, regional foods-like baskets of crisp apples straight from nearby orchards.Ritz Barbecue has been dishing up homemade barbecue sandwiches and creamy, old-fashioned ice cream since 1928, drawing fairgoers and locals alike through its warm, smoky aroma all year long.The Fairgrounds Hotel Restaurant, serving guests since 1904, dishes up traditional American favorites-seafood fresh from the bay, juicy steaks, and hearty sandwiches-all in a warm, old-fashioned dining room.MainGate Nightclub brings the fairgrounds to life with live concerts, energetic dances, and late-night events, the bass humming through the air and drawing crowds for a night out.Beyond the Great Allentown Fair, the fairgrounds bustle year-round with everything from livestock shows and handmade craft fairs to flea markets where you can smell fresh kettle corn, trade expos, holiday markets, and colorful cultural festivals.The grounds buzz year-round with special community events and hands-on educational programs, from summer picnics under the oaks to winter workshops in the old meeting hall.You’ll find the fairgrounds at 302 North 17th Street in Allentown, PA 18104, with wide ramps, plenty of parking, and facilities designed to welcome visitors of all abilities.Call 610‑433‑7541 or visit allentownfair.com for details.You can drive, hop on a bus, or simply stroll from downtown Allentown’s shops and cafés.The Allentown Fairgrounds stands as a lively heart of culture and community in the Lehigh Valley, where the smell of popcorn drifts over bustling crowds.With its deep roots and lively year-round events-think tractor shows rumbling across the fairgrounds-it draws families, farm fans, music lovers, and anyone craving community and a good time.You might stroll through the bustling farmers market, wander the expo center, or join the crowds at the famous Great Allentown Fair-these fairgrounds keep tradition alive while serving up fresh thrills all year.
