The 2026 Mississippi State Fair will have a patriotic feel to it, with Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson choosing “Let Freedom Ring” as this year’s theme in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“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 state fair runs from Oct. 8-18 and will be headlined by hip hop giant Flo Rida, while featuring familiar amusement-style rides, local eats, classic foods, rodeo events, and more.
As part of the America250 celebrations, Gipson said that veterans would be honored at the Biscuit Booth, where free syrup-filled biscuits are handed out daily. There will also be an America250 Military Parade at the fairgrounds on Oct. 10
Other noteworthy entertainment opportunities for state fair guests include pig races, petting zoo, Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo, livestock shows, State Fair Marketplace Expo, an antique car show, and equine competitions. Several new shows, such as the Flying Fools High Dive, Royal Legacy Circus, Fetch & Fish Show, and chainsaw carving demonstrations, will be on display for fairgoers this year.
In 2025, just under half a million people visited the Mississippi State Fair. The event is annually one of the largest economic and tourism boosts for the city of Jackson.