Delaware State Fairgrounds

Harrington, Delaware

Address: 18500 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, Delaware

Size: About 300 acres

Primary Use: Fairgrounds, event venue, agricultural exhibitions, concerts, festivals, trade shows, and community events

Managed By: Delaware State Fair, Inc.

One of the Largest Event Venues in Delaware

The Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington is one of the largest multi-purpose event venues in the state of Delaware. Spanning nearly 300 acres, the complex hosts major festivals, agricultural exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and community gatherings throughout the year.

Best known as the home of the Delaware State Fair, the property transforms each summer into a large fairground featuring carnival rides, livestock competitions, food vendors, concerts, and other entertainment that draws visitors from across Delaware and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region.

Outside of the fair season, the grounds operate year-round as a flexible event complex with multiple indoor buildings, outdoor arenas, and large open spaces capable of hosting events of many sizes.

History of the Delaware State Fairgrounds

The modern fairgrounds trace their origins to 1919, when community leaders in Harrington began planning a regional agricultural fair. The first event was held in 1920 as the Kent and Sussex County Fair, originally covering about 30 acres.

As the event grew in popularity, the fair expanded and eventually adopted the name Delaware State Fair in 1962, reflecting its statewide significance.

Over the decades, the fairgrounds continued to grow with new exhibition buildings, arenas, and entertainment venues. Today the complex hosts hundreds of events annually and draws more than 300,000 visitors during the annual fair alone.

Major Facilities at the Delaware State Fairgrounds

The fairgrounds contain numerous event buildings and outdoor venues designed for exhibitions, concerts, agricultural shows, and large gatherings.

M&T Bank Grandstand

The Grandstand is the fairgrounds’ primary outdoor entertainment venue, hosting concerts, motorsports events, rodeos, demolition derbies, and major fair performances. The venue can accommodate large crowds and serves as the centerpiece of the Delaware State Fair entertainment lineup.

Quillen Arena

One of the largest indoor spaces at the fairgrounds, Quillen Arena is an 80,500-square-foot covered arena with seating for approximately 2,700 spectators. The arena includes a large show ring and flexible flooring, allowing it to host events such as horse shows, livestock exhibitions, sporting competitions, and indoor entertainment.

Major Venues at the Delaware State Fairgrounds

M&T Bank Grandstand

The Grandstand is the primary outdoor entertainment venue at the fairgrounds and hosts:

• National concert tours
• Motorsports events
• Rodeos
• Demolition derbies
• Major fair entertainment performances

During the annual Delaware State Fair, the Grandstand becomes the centerpiece of nightly entertainment.

Quillen Arena

The Quillen Arena is one of the largest indoor facilities at the fairgrounds.

Key features include:

• 80,000+ square feet of covered event space
• Seating for approximately 2,700 spectators
• Large show ring for livestock and equestrian events
• Adjacent practice arenas and livestock stalls

The arena regularly hosts:

• Horse shows
• Agricultural competitions
• Sporting events
• Trade shows
• Community festivals

Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall provides flexible indoor space for large gatherings and conventions.

Events commonly held here include:

• Vendor expos
• Craft markets
• Agricultural displays
• Collector shows
• Community fairs

Dover Building

The Dover Building is a multi-purpose facility designed for meetings, banquets, and large indoor events.

The building can accommodate up to 2,000 guests, depending on seating configuration, making it ideal for:

• Job fairs
• Conferences
• Private events
• Community meetings

Harrington Raceway & Casino

Located directly adjacent to the fairgrounds is Harrington Raceway & Casino, one of Delaware’s largest entertainment destinations.

Visitors to the fairgrounds can also enjoy:

• Harness horse racing
• Casino gaming
• Restaurants and bars
• Live entertainment

The racetrack operates seasonal racing meets and hosts special events throughout the year.

The Delaware State Fair

The Delaware State Fair, held each July, is the signature event at the fairgrounds.

This ten-day summer celebration features:

• Livestock competitions
• 4-H and FFA exhibitions
• Agricultural displays
• Carnival rides and games
• Food vendors and specialty treats
• Grandstand concerts and entertainment

The fair attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making it one of Delaware’s largest annual events.

Year-Round Events at the Fairgrounds

Although the State Fair is the biggest attraction, the grounds host events throughout the year, including:

• Trade shows and expos
• Car shows and motorsports events
• Craft fairs and vendor markets
• Youth sporting competitions
• Agricultural events
• Holiday festivals

This steady schedule makes the Delaware State Fairgrounds one of the most active event venues in the region.

Things to Do in Harrington, Delaware

Harrington, Delaware, sits in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula and offers a mix of entertainment, outdoor recreation, and historic attractions. Located along U.S. Route 13 in Kent County, Harrington is known for the Delaware State Fairgrounds, local parks, and its central location between Dover, the Delaware Beaches, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Visitors traveling through central Delaware will find festivals, casinos, state parks, and historic destinations within a short drive of the city.

Delaware State Fairgrounds

The Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington is the region’s largest event venue and the home of the annual Delaware State Fair, one of the biggest summer events in the state.

The fairgrounds hosts year-round activities, including:

• Agricultural shows
• Concerts and festivals
• Trade shows and expos
• Craft fairs and vendor markets
• Motorsports events

Each July, the Delaware State Fair brings carnival rides, livestock competitions, food vendors, concerts, and family entertainment to the grounds for a ten-day celebration that attracts visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic.

Harrington Raceway & Casino

Located next to the fairgrounds, Harrington Raceway & Casino is one of Delaware’s top entertainment destinations.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Harness horse racing
• Casino gaming
• Sports betting
• Restaurants and bars
• Live entertainment

The racetrack hosts seasonal racing meets and is a popular stop for visitors attending events at the nearby fairgrounds.

Killens Pond State Park

About 15 minutes from Harrington, Killens Pond State Park offers one of the most scenic outdoor experiences in central Delaware.

The park features:

• Hiking and biking trails
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Fishing and wildlife viewing
• A nature center and campground
• The Killens Pond Water Park, one of the most popular summer attractions in Delaware State Parks

Killens Pond is built around a large freshwater pond originally created in the 1700s by a mill dam, and today it serves as a major recreation area for residents and visitors.

Explore Downtown Dover

About 20 miles north of Harrington, the capital city of Dover offers historic attractions, museums, and cultural landmarks.

Popular destinations include:

• First State Heritage Park, Delaware’s urban state park connecting historic government buildings
• The Old State House, which served as Delaware’s capitol from 1792 to 1933
• Biggs Museum of American Art, known for its decorative arts and historical collections
• Legislative Hall, home of the Delaware General Assembly

Dover also hosts festivals, historic tours, and seasonal events throughout the year.

Visit the Delaware Beaches

Within about one hour of Harrington, visitors can reach several of Delaware’s most popular coastal destinations.

Top beach areas include:

• Rehoboth Beach, known for its boardwalk and restaurants

• Bethany Beach, a quieter family-friendly coastal town

• Delaware Seashore State Park, featuring miles of ocean beaches and fishing access

These destinations make Harrington a convenient stop for travelers heading to the Delaware coast.

A Central Hub for Exploring Delaware

Thanks to its location along Route 13, Harrington serves as a convenient gateway for exploring central and southern Delaware. With major events at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, outdoor recreation at nearby state parks, and historic attractions in Dover, the area offers a wide range of activities for visitors year-round.

Visiting the Delaware State Fairgrounds

The fairgrounds are conveniently located along South DuPont Highway (U.S. Route 13) in Harrington, Delaware.

Approximate travel distances:

• Dover: 20 miles
• Wilmington: 60 miles
• Salisbury, Maryland: 40 miles
• Delaware Beaches: 45–60 miles

Large parking areas and event facilities allow the venue to accommodate major festivals and large crowds throughout the year.

A Hub for Entertainment and Agriculture in Delaware

For more than a century, the Delaware State Fairgrounds has served as one of the most important gathering places in the state. From agricultural exhibitions and livestock competitions to concerts and festivals, the fairgrounds continues to celebrate Delaware’s farming heritage while hosting large regional events for the entire Delmarva community.