The 19th century is perhaps the classic period for the fairground. The growing population and the industrial revolution saw the fairgrounds evolve once more.

The 19th century marks the end of the fair as venue for trading. The rise of the shop contributed to this and over the century the character of the fair gradually changed from trade to pleasure. Many fairs were threatened with closure and it was often the showmen who organised to keep them going. The population continued to grow across Europe throughout the century keeping pace with the industrial revolution. The showmen who catered to these people became more outrageous and wealthier as the century wore on. As empires grew and cities flourished so too did the rhetoric of the orators. By 1861in Bolton, England, fairgoers could buy a ticket for the first steam-driven ride. Modern technology was emerging. However the major attractions on the fairgrounds remained the shows.