The Mississippi State Fair is gearing up to open its gates for the 167th edition of rides, food, agricultural events, entertainment, and more in downtown Jackson.
The fair is not only the largest of its kind in Jackson, but it’s also the biggest in the state and generates significant revenue for its host city. In 2025, the Mississippi State Fair welcomed just under half a million people. This year, officials are expecting to continue a longstanding tradition of bringing joy to families across the Magnolia State.
Before you go to the fair, here’s what you need to know.
Mississippi State Fair dates
The 11-day Mississippi State Fair runs from Oct. 8-18 this year. The event will begin with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Oct. 8, and the festivities will continue from there.
Mississippi State Fair location
The Mississippi State Fair is held annually at the state fairgrounds in Jackson.
For those traveling to the fair and needing to stay overnight, Visit Jackson offered a list of recommended hotels.
Admission price
Tickets to the Mississippi State Fair are $10 at the gate. They can also be purchased online. This year, the fair is offering a $20 Patriot Pass. The pass ticket is valid for one admission each day for up to three days. Admission does not apply to children ages 5 and under.
For lunchtime fairgoers, there will be no admission from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during weekdays. The regular rate will apply all day during the weekend.
Entertainment lineup
Headlining the 2026 Mississippi State Fair is hip hop star Flo Rida. The “Whistle,” “My House,” and “Club Can’t Handle Me” singer will take the main stage at the Mississippi Coliseum on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available here.
Also included in this year’s state fair will be an antique car show that is available for daily viewing. The Flying Fools High Dive Show will run from Monday through Friday at 12, 3, and 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m. It features world-class athletes performing death-defying stunts, serious Olympic-style maneuvers, synchronized diving, and comedic routine acts.
The Royal Legacy Circus returns with international acts, high-energy stunts, and traditional circus entertainment. It will run Monday through Friday at 12:30, 3:30, and 6 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 12, 3:30, and 6 p.m.
Fair rides and games
Visitors can enjoy more than 60 carnival rides from North American Midway Entertainment. For children, there will be a special “Kiddy Land” area packed with slower-paced rides like the traditional carousel, Wacky Worm Rollercoaster, and classic yellow slide. Older children and adults can enjoy more high-intensity rides like the Ring of Fire, Scy Screamer, and Starship 3000. Fan favorites like the Ferris wheel and sky ride will also be at the fair.
Games at the Mississippi State Fair include ring tosses, basketball shooting, balloon darts, duck pond, and more.
Food and drink
Fairgoers will be able to enjoy classic food and drink options with footlong corndogs, freshly squeezed lemonade, turkey legs, taffy, fried Oreos, and donut burgers being among the seemingly endless menu. Local options also include food at the Beef Barn and Penn’s, which boasts its famous catfish and chicken on a stick. For attendees 21 and older, there will be beer tents set up.
The Mississippi State Fair is also known for its tradition of providing free biscuits and syrup at the Biscuit Booth. This year, brisket biscuits will be available for purchase, unless you’re a veteran or active military member.
Ag events
A staple of the Mississippi State Fair is its emphasis on agriculture, and this year will be no different. A petting zoo will be on site for visitors to enjoy feeding animals on site. There will also be pig races and livestock shows throughout the fair’s 11-day run. And more importantly, the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo will allow guests to experience snippets of what’s to come when the annual rodeo makes its way back to Jackson in February.
America250 celebration
Mississippi State Fair visitors can expect a patriotic flair, with the theme being “Let Freedom Ring!”
“In celebration of 250 Years of American Freedom, for 2026, our entire Mississippi State Fair will be geared around honoring those who have served in defense of our freedom, our Veterans,” Gipson said in a statement on Friday. “Thank you, Veterans!”
The fair will notably feature a military parade on Oct. 10, along with other celebrations to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States as a nation. Guests are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue when attending the fair.