NO FERRIS WHEEL, NO FIREWORKS: STATE FAIR MEADOWLANDS CANCELED FOR 2 YEARS—HERE’S WHY

Say goodbye to pig races, funnel cake, and sky-splitting fireworks — the State Fair Meadowlands is hitting the pause button for the next two summers.

Organizers just dropped the surprise news: The fair is canceled for 2024 and 2025, citing a scheduling conflict with MetLife Stadium. Why? The venue is preparing to host two massive global soccer events — the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an official statement, the fair’s team said:

“State Fair Meadowlands is taking a two-year hiatus at MetLife Stadium’s request… We’ll be reimagining our fair to make it bigger, better, and more family-friendly than ever. We look forward to welcoming guests back in the summer of 2027.”

Fans Caught Off Guard

The news follows weeks of mounting questions on social media, with followers begging for dates. “Hurry up and post new dates!” one fan wrote on Instagram. Instead, they got a curveball — no fair at all.

The event, which usually lights up East Rutherford from late June through early July, has been a New Jersey staple for years, known for its rides, games, food stalls, live music, and epic Fourth of July fireworks.

Where to Get Your Fair Fix Instead

While Meadowlands takes a breather, there are still ways to get your fair and fireworks fix:

• Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular – A free, all-day July 4th celebration with food, music, and fireworks.
• Mercer County Fair (Now–July 6) – Co-hosted by LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs), this fair features rides and a strong community vibe.
• NJ State Fair / Sussex County Farm & Horse Show (August) – From tractor pulls to livestock shows, this one’s packed with old-school fair fun.

What’s Next?

Though the break is bittersweet, organizers are promising a major comeback in 2027 with a revamped experience. Until then, New Jerseyans will have to find their cotton candy, tilt-a-whirl, and pig race thrills elsewhere.

So for now… no lights, no midway, no Meadowlands. But the countdown to a bigger, better 2027 starts now.