As the calendar turns to the fall season, this beautiful time of year always brings lots of fun and celebrations. For the 164th year, the Mississippi State Fair returns to the Capital City at the Mississippi Fairgrounds. Jackson will greet visitors from all over the region to enjoy the fantastic food, favorite midway rides and games, and fabulous music and entertainment.
The Mississippi State Fair begins on Oct. 5 and will bring lots of fun to the “City with Soul.” You’ll be in for a treat for music lovers because a talented lineup is coming to the Mississippi Coliseum. On Oct. 5, you can catch Grammy-nominated country music superstar Josh Turner, best known for “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and “Hometown Girl.” This will be a memorable moment in Turner’s career as he brings his “Long Black Train 20th Anniversary Tour” to The Magnolia State.
Winner of “The Voice,” Mississippi native Todd Tilghma will also perform. Line Dance with Cupid will have everyone grooving at this dance party featuring R&B vocalist Cupid on Oct. 8. Up-and-coming country music artist ERNEST will hit the stage on Oct. 12 with Mississippian Walker Wilson opening up for him.
Feel like a laugh? Comedy will take over as Mississippi native and comedian Rita Brent, JJ Williamson, Kerwin Claiborne, Marvin Hunter, and DJ Koolaid will also be at the fair.
The magic of Motown hits the midway on Oct. 14 as the legendary Commodores and other iconic Motown and R&B stars will take the stage. On Oct. 15, the last headliner for the fair will be Grammy-nominated Christian solo artist Jeremy Camp and Mississippi native Kayla Berry.
There will also be even more excitement for music lovers as the Mississippi State Fair has joined forces with the iconic talent contest show “American Idol” to bring the first stop of auditions to The Magnolia State. If you aspire to be a star and bring your vocal talents to the stage, here is your opportunity!
After application and video submissions are completed, the top 40 performers will highlight their talents at the “Mississippi State Fair Idol” competition on Monday, Oct. 9. The Top 20 finalists will advance to one more performance on Oct. 10, where the top five performers will be selected. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to get a chance to view the beginnings of many talented performers as they begin their journeys in the world of music.
There will be familiar and favorite rides for excitement seekers, from fast and furious twirling and whirling rides to fun and cute rides for the little ones. There will also be plenty of games of chance and skill to win that treasured prize from the fair. And remember all the delicious food vendors that will line the midway, bringing a wide array of delectable corndogs, funnel cakes, and plenty of other fabulous fair foods.
When we say that the Mississippi State Fair has something for everyone, we mean it. You’ll have plenty of great options if you’re more interested in taking in the exhibits and shows. There will be an antique car show, informational presentations, and the always fabulous Ag Expo featuring FARMtastic, an entertaining and exciting display for the kids and kids at heart. Retail shopping will also be for those looking to bring home a special souvenir from the fair.
Other events include the Mississippi State Fair Pageant on Oct. 6 in the Coliseum. The Fordice Equine Center will host the Tri-State Rodeo on Oct. 7. The whole family will love the Frontier Village, which will be on the midway daily. You’ll also be treated to a little Dixie National Rodeo action, featuring special guest Forrie J. Smith, bull riding, rodeo clowns, bucking broncs, and much more rodeo fun.
There will be livestock on display as well as beautiful arts and crafts. Take advantage of the Zerbini Family Circus, as they will perform not once but three times a day at the fair.
Without a doubt, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Mississippi State Fair scheduled for Oct. 5-15. Please visit Daily Schedule | Mississippi Fairgrounds (ms.gov) for more information.
But most importantly, have a grand time at the fair!
