Just like the Ferris wheel lines, The Tennessee State Fair stretches wayyyyy back (more than a century), long before consolidating with the Wilson County Fair in 2021. Ride along with us as we break down the need-to-knows ahead of this wheely exciting tradition.

Hours, tickets, parking

Open daily: Monday-Friday beginning at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m., and Sundays at 12 p.m.
Tickets are available in-person and online with admission costs ranging from $6-$12 — children ages five and under get in free.
Parking is available on and off-site — preferred parking is $10, otherwise, on-site spots are free. The fair shuttle provides rides to and from three off-site locations.

Pro tip: Season tickets ($45) provide fair access all 10 days and mega tickets ($30) includeadmission and a ride armband. Opening day deals include half-price admission and $1 rides.

The Cedar Creek Boys return to the Entertainment Stage on opening day. | Photo by Randall Coe

The entertainment

Over 100+ acts headline seven stages. Here are some concerts to look forward to:

Exit 219 | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 5 p.m. | Community Stage
A Night with Georgette Jones | Tuesday, Aug. 22 | 6:45 p.m. | Opry Stage
Bluegrass Solutions | Friday, Aug. 25 | 7 p.m. | Back Porch Stage

You’ll also want to check out the Entertainment Stage to see multiple clogging performances and a square dance competition + the Expo Center Stage for pageants.

The demolition derby is always a big hit. | Photo by Carmen Gregson

The competitions

A new year means new competitions. Try your hand at the husband or mom calling contest, state canning competition, or state honey show. You can also expect past sporty favorites like a bike ride across Wilson County, arm wrestling, and horseshoe pitching + show-and-tells across amateur wine, antique cars, and flowers.

A fair share of fun

Fair fanatics have even more opportunities for rides and shows at upcoming county fairs.

The Williamson County Fair | Friday, Aug. 4-Saturday, Aug. 12 | Daily: Monday-Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m., and Sunday at 12 p.m. | Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, 4215 Long Ln., Franklin | $7+
The Nashville Fair | Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 17 | Daily: Monday-Friday at 5 p.m. + Saturday-Sunday at 11 a.m. | The Fairgrounds Nashville, 401 Wingrove St. | $8+