The Georgia State Fair, the oldest fair in the state, is an annual tradition guaranteed to entertain the entire family from toddlers to teenagers to adults. With cooler temps in Atlanta, be to block some time off to visit the Georgia State Fair running this fall. We’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know to make your visit to this year’s Georgia State Fair terrific!
Use our Fun Fall Guide for Atlanta Kids for even more opportunities to enjoy the season, by visiting corn mazes, apple orchards, and more! And sign up for our free Mommy Poppins newsletters to stay up to date on exciting activities throughout the rest of the year in Atlanta.
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Guide to the Georgia State Fair
When is the Georgia State Fair?
The 2024 Georgia State Fair happens September 27 - October 6, which includes two full weekends! Weekend hours are Friday, 4-11pm; Saturday, noon-11pm; and Sunday, noon-10pm. Weekday hours are Monday-Thursday, 4-10pm. Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton will once again host the 10-day event. Located just 30 minutes south of Atlanta, the venue is easily accessed from two exits off I-75.
Did You Know?
The Georgia State Fair began in 1849! Initially held in Stone Mountain for the first few years, it moved to Macon, where it delighted parents and children for over 150 years. Lucky for us Atlantans, the fair moved to the Atlanta Motor Speedway over a decade ago.
The Georgia State Fair has rides for the whole family!
Georgia State Fair Rides
Toddlers will love age-appropriate rides, such as the Teacups and Flying Elephants; older kids can zip down the large slide, ride the carousel, and enter the fun house. Adventure-seekers can scream their way through roller coasters and zero-gravity rides, like Sky Screamer, Orbiter, and Ring of Fire. For those with nostalgic tastes, there’s always the Ferris wheel and other classic rides!
Entertainment & Attractions at the Georgia State Fair
Admission includes free live shows suited to every age. New this year is the Stone Age Dinosaur Show, which dazzles the audience with juggling, acrobatic feats, and "live" dinosaurs to pet. You'll also want to catch Coronas of Hollywood Circus, complete with clowns, magicians, animals, and trapeze artists.
Everyone also loves watching the pig races. For a unique twist, you can also catch the Banana Derby, where two monkeys (dressed in horse jockey outfits) ride racing dogs.
Families with older kids may want to attend the Comedy Hypnotist, where over a dozen participants will be recruited to the stage for a demonstration. End a visit to the fair with family karaoke!
See, touch, and feed live farm animals at the fair.
Kid-Friendly Highlights at the Georgia State Fair
The petting zoo provides entertainment for all kids, even those who don't like rides or don't want to sit still for a show —they can gently pet, brush, and feed various farm animals. Goat Island allows visitors to interact with these social animals and watch their climbing skills high above the ground. For a memorable experience, treat children to the pony rides or camel rides.
Dig into your favorite fair foods! Photo courtesy of the Georgia State Fair via Shutterstock
Food and Games at the Georgia State Fair
When was the last time you’ve bitten into a warm funnel cake, fresh out of the fryer and topped with powdered sugar?! Forget the carbs and calories and indulge in traditional carnival-type food from multiple vendors. Feast on corn dogs, turkey legs, pizza, curly fries, and more. And save room for funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, candy apples, popcorn, cotton candy, and much more.
Games (and prizes) await you on the Midway —take a chance on darts, ring toss, basketball hoops, and other fun carnival games.
Georgia State Fair Tickets and Other Costs
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and under. Seniors and military personnel receive $5 admission. Purchase admission tickets online or at the gate. Get free admission to the fair on Monday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 2 by visiting the website and entering an email (print out the free ticket voucher and show it upon arrival). $10 parking. Animal rides and food have additional costs.
Rides require tickets, which vary per ride. Purchase an unlimited ride wristband at the fair: weekend wristbands cost $30, and weekday wristbands cost $25. The Georgia State Fair will provide a discount on Tuesday and Thursday: two wristbands for $30.
Know Before You Go
- An adult must accompany all children under 13.
- Bring cash since the $10 parking fee is cash only. Some vendors prefer cash or may charge fees for credit card transactions. ATM machines will be available onsite.
- There is little shade, so apply sunscreen! Drink lots of water —it still gets hot in Georgia, so stay hydrated. Although you can’t bring coolers or outside food or drinks, plenty of vendors will be on hand to sell water and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
- This isn't an event for the pups. Only service animals are allowed.
- Bring strollers for little ones who may get tired after walking around.
- You can find the schedule of shows on the Georgia State Fair website.
- Purchase admission tickets beforehand so you don't have to wait in long lines.
- Plan to spend the entire day. As the sun sets, the Midway lights up and brings a magical feel to the Georgia State Fair!
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the Georgia State Fair