The midway is the strip of carnival rides, games and fried-food stands that runs beside a fair's livestock barns and exhibit halls. It is the loudest part of a fair and the part most people picture, but it is not universal in Massachusetts: only 17 of 96 events have rides, so a midway with a Ferris wheel and a Tilt-A-Whirl is the exception. Food is part of 78 of the 96 events and live music of 62, both far more common than rides.
Midway
The strip of carnival rides, games and food stands beside a fair's exhibits.
Massachusetts fairs that record a midway
Shown first
AgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Topsfield Fair
Eleven days of livestock, rides, and giant pumpkins.
Oct 2–12Topsfield
EndedAgriculturalFamilyFood Festival
The Big E (Eastern States Exposition)
New England’s great state fair, 17 days, six state buildings, and cream puffs.
Sep 18 – Oct 4West Springfield
EndedAgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Marshfield Fair
A South Shore tradition since 1867. Midway, demo derby, and agricultural exhibits.
Aug 21–30Marshfield
EndedAgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Spencer Fair
A Labor Day country fair with ox draws, demo derby, and a full midway.
Sep 4–7Spencer
EndedAgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Cummington Fair
An old-fashioned Hilltown ag fair with horse pulls and a skillet toss.
Aug 27–30Cummington
EndedAgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Barnstable County Fair
A full week of rides, concerts, and animals on Cape Cod.
Date not confirmedFalmouth