The 165th Mississippi State Fair runs October 3-14, 2024 at the Mississippi Fairgrounds, and for the first time, tickets can be purchased in advance online. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s the entertainment lineup look like?
- Oak Ridge Boys: Saturday, October 5, 2 pm | Iconic country and gospel group performing as part of the fair’s entertainment lineup.
- Matthew West: Sunday, October 6, 2 pm | Contemporary Christian artist known for his heartfelt lyrics and storytelling.
- Ronnie McDowell: Wednesday, October 9, 8 am – 11 am | Shared Health Mississippi Senior American Day, celebrating seniors with events.
- Dru Hill: Friday, October 11, 8 pm | R&B group performing their hits as part of the main stage entertainment.
What’s there to do besides games, food and rides?
Plenty! In fact, some folks come to the fair to enjoy everything BUT rides and games!
- Taste of Dixie National Rodeo: Held in Frontier Village, a Western-themed attraction featuring Agri-Puppets and Tumbleweed Crossing. Also includes the famous Mississippi Biscuit Booth, petting zoo, and more.
- Zerbini Family Circus: Shows held daily at 2 pm and 6 pm.
- Live Music: Performances in the Busch Light Pavilion from 6 pm to 10 pm.
- Pig Races: Held daily at 1 pm, 4 pm, and 8 pm.
- Tumbleweed Crossing: Gun-slinging and Western skit performed at 12 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm.
- Mississippi State Fair Pageant: Thursday, October 3, 6 pm in the Coliseum.
- Mississippi State Fair Talent Show: Friday, October 4, 4 pm in the Coliseum.
- Tri-State Rodeo: Saturday, October 5, 8 pm; Sunday, October 6, 2 pm at the Equine Center.
- Antique Car Show: Ongoing in Trade Hall A; voting for best car with proceeds going to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.
Know Before You Go
- The Mississippi State Fair opens at 11 am on Thursday, October 3. The ribbon cutting will be held at Gate 1 at the corner of Jefferson Street and Amite Street.
- Gate admission is $10, and parking is free. Children ages 6 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase advance admission tickets at the Coliseum Box Office until through October 2.
- Ride specials are planned for October 4, 6-9, 11 and October 14.
- Fair admission is free every weekday from 11 am until 1 pm, except on Monday, October 14.
- Beginning at 9 pm, any guest under the age of eighteen (18) seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by a legal adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age to be admitted after 9 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
- When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one (1) of the seven (7) entry security points utilizing a metal detector, and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
- All bags are subject to search. The maximum bag size that will be accepted into the Fair is 12”x12”x6”.
- No outside food or beverage allowed.
- No marketing, soliciting, political, or vending items allowed unless and 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.
*All photos are courtesy of Visit Mississippi/Visit Jackson
