Guide to the Mississippi State Fair
The 166th Mississippi State Fair runs October 2-13, 2025 at the Mississippi Fairgrounds.
Pre-sale tickets are available online at $8 through October 1st, with regular gate admission at $10 ($5 and under free).
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The fair features daily livestock shows, providing 4-H and FFA students with opportunities to present their animals and compete for scholarships. Visitors can enjoy over 60 exhilarating carnival rides provided by North American Midway Entertainment and more than 100 food vendors, including the beloved Biscuit Booth hosted by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The event attracts over 520,000 visitors with an economic impact of approximately $30+ million.
Special Days and Discounts
- Military Mondays (Oct. 6 & 13): Free admission for active military and veterans with ID
- First Responder Fridays (Oct. 3 & 10): Free admission for first responders with ID
- Senior American Day (Oct. 8): Special programming featuring Ronnie McDowell
- Disability-Friendly Day (Oct. 7): Sponsored by Joni & Friends
- 4-H Day (Oct. 11): Celebrating youth in agriculture
What's New for 2025?
This year introduces several exciting new attractions:
- Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show with daily performances at 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 6:30pm
- Great American Parade on the final day (Oct. 13) at 9:30am featuring military groups, marching bands, and patriotic floats
- Patriot Village housing family-friendly attractions
- Liberty Landing featuring Mississippi school bands and patriotic performances
Entertainment Lineup
- Montell Jordan & All-4-One (Oct. 2, 7pm-9pm)
- Cory Asbury (Oct. 5, 2pm)
- Maddie & Tae with Tayler Holder (Oct. 9, 7pm)
- Lee Greenwood performance with fireworks finale (Oct. 13, 8pm)
- Additional events include the Tri-State Rodeo (Oct. 4-5), X Riders Cup motocross (Oct. 11), and various pageants and talent shows.
Attractions and Shows
The Taste of Dixie National Rodeo continues to be one of the most exciting events, featuring thrilling rodeo action in Patriot Village with weekday shows at 7pm and weekend shows at 2pm and 7pm.
Other must-see attractions include:
- Zerbini Family Circus (daily shows at 12pm and 6pm)
- Pig Races (1pm, 4pm, and 8pm daily)
- Farm Bureau Petting Zoo (open daily)
- FARMtastic Exhibition with live chick hatching and hands-on agriculture education
- Antique Car Show in Trade Hall A
Food & Shopping
100+ Food Options: From classic carnival treats like funnel cakes and corn dogs to Mississippi specialties, the fair offers diverse dining. Don't miss the beloved Biscuit Booth (hosted by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture), Mr. Turkey Leg, Memphis Que, and traditional favorites from vendors like Pronto Pup and Dippin' Dots.
Mississippi Marketplace: The Trade Mart houses 80+ vendors in the Mississippi State Fair Marketplace Expo (open daily until 7pm). Shop the Genuine MS Store for Mississippi-made products, plus handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and gifts. The Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce directly from Mississippi growers.
Ride Specials
- $2 Ride Special: Thursday, Oct. 9 (2pm-close)
- $30 Wristband Days: Friday evenings (8pm-close)
- $35 Wristband Days: Monday-Wednesday (2pm-9pm)
Planning Your Visit
- Security & Entry: All guests pass through metal detectors when entering the midway.
- Accessibility: Tuesday, October 7 is Disability-Friendly Day, featuring special programming sponsored by Joni & Friends, including a Resource Carnival from 9am-1pm in the Mississippi Coliseum.
- Gate admission is $10.00 per person. Free parking!
- Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free of charge.
- Fair admission is free every weekday from 11 AM until 1 PM, except on Columbus Day.
- Tickets on sale now at www.msstatefair.com
- Any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older) Sunday through Thursday from 6 PM until close and all day Friday & Saturday. Any guest may be asked to show proof of age.
- Only clear bags will be allowed and must not exceed 12"x12"x6". Diaper bags and medically necessary bags and items are allowed after proper inspection and tagging. All bags are subject to search.
- Jefferson Street will be closed between Pearl Street and Amite Street. Greymont Street will be open for Fair traffic only.
- No outside food or beverage allowed. No marketing, soliciting, political, or vending items allowed unless as authorized under Fairground regulations.
- No animals (other than service animals or as authorized by Fair management for Fair activities), banners, fireworks/explosives or laser pointers allowed
Getting There
Mississippi Fairgrounds
1207 Mississippi Street
Jackson, Mississippi
(601) 961-4000
msstatefair.com
Free parking everyday! Gates open at varying times throughout the fair, with free admission offered M-F 11am-1pm (excluding Columbus Day).
Get more in the State Fair FUN GUIDE! Find it here!
Gain Free Admission to Two Mississippi Museums During the State Fair
The free admission Oct. 3, 10 and 11 coincides with the state fair’s participation in the nationwide Great American State Fair initiative as part of the America250 commemoration.
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Multipurpose Special Events Facilities
1207 Mississippi Street
Jackson, Mississippi
(601) 961-4000
Website
Mississippi Fairground Complex1207 Mississippi Street
Jackson, Mississippi