ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A circus within a fair, a butterfly universe, an animal-act show, a strongman, a one-man band and famed paddling pigs will be among free shows at Allentown Fair.
The fair on Monday announced the free-with-admission lineup for its 173rd edition, which will run Aug. 27 through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 1, at Allentown Fairgrounds.
"As always, the 2025 edition delivers a dynamic array of acts that range from the sublime to the downright ridiculous, ensuring there's something for everyone."Allentown Fair release.
"As always, the 2025 edition delivers a dynamic array of acts that range from the sublime to the downright ridiculous, ensuring there's something for everyone," the fair said in a release.
Most performances will run three or four times a day, with the full schedule and showtimes to be posted on the fair’s websitethis summer.
Advance admission tickets to the fair at $5 each — a 50% savings from the regular $10 gate prices — are on sale through Aug. 27 at the fair box office or online.
Ages 12 and under are always free.
Here is the grounds entertainment lineup:
Victoria Circus: Victoria Circus brings the magic of the big top to the midway, with circus and thrill-show acts, including a motorcycle riding in the Globe of Death, high-wire experience, along with other ground acts and clown gags.
Butterfly Kingdom: An indoor exhibit featuring 200–300 fluttering butterflies, representing a kaleidoscope of colors and species inviting you to wander as butterflies dance around you. Also hands-on learning about the life cycle of butterflies —from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis to graceful adult. Educational displays and guided talks for all ages.
Hog Diggity Dogs & More: A "spectacle of laughter, excitement and animal magic" whose performers are a 700-pound hog, 13 rescue dogs and two camels. Fairgoers might just become part of the act, and the show doesn’t believe in staying behind the fence.
Mighty Mike: A new spin on the classic carnival strong man — Guinness World Records juggling bowling balls and sledgehammers, tearing through decks of cards and bending steel with his bare hands. "It's strength, style and showmanship rolled into one unforgettable show," according to the fair release.
Dan-Dan, The Farmer Man — Comedy Rainmaker Show:
Dan-Dan and his Sarcastic Sidekick bring the laughs with
farmyard follies, silly songs and audience participation, including his crop-cooling contraption, which offers summer-soaking fun — perfect for sizzling fair days, the release says.
Steve Goodtime: Guitarist Steve Goodtime plays a comedic rock opera as he performs circus feats such as juggling, balancing on a swaying board and holding a candelabra on a balloon atop a knife in his mouth. He's appeared on "America's Most Wanted."
The Cup Guy: Comedic performer does stunts, juggles, balances, stacks and more — all with red cups.
Robinson’s Pig Paddling Porkers: Returning will be one of the fair's favorite free shows: The swine that race around a track and through the water to be the first to get the grand prize of a cookie. The show debuted at the fair 20 years ago and continues to pack the attraction’s bleachers.
Strolling midway acts
Fairgoers also will encounter strolling performers that make walking the fairgrounds' 46 acres fun.
They are:
Moodonna: Allentown Fair's mascot, a hip and stylish bovine with femme fatale charms roams the grounds many times throughout the day meeting and greeting fair-goers.
Glenn Miller: A one-man-band who sings his own Great Allentown Fair song and others, serenades crowds with his accordion, harmonica, trumpet and other instruments. Performs daily on Harvest Patio in Agri-Plex Square.
W. Kris Clayton: Juggling stilt walker performs his show with a bit of comedy as he roams the grounds throughout the day.
Robbie’s Balloons & More: With a twirl, a twist and a pop, he turns ordinary latex into extraordinary creations.
The fair previously announced its paid-ticket grandstand headline shows.
They are: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Heart on Aug. 27; country-rock pioneers Alabama on Aug. 28; top country music singer Kane Brown with chart-topper Kameron Marlow on Aug. 29; and top comedian Gabriel Iglesias on Aug. 31.
Also, the fair-closingJ&J Demolition Derby on Sept. 1.
A headliner for Saturday, Aug. 30, remains to be announced.
The fair is also selling all-day ride wristbands, half-price fair admission tickets and prepaid premium concert parking.
