PERRY, GA — The 37th annual Georgia National Fair is underway at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, bringing 11 days of rides, concerts, food and family events to central Georgia.
This year’s fair runs from Oct. 8 through Oct. 18 and carries the theme “America250: Georgia Grown,” tying the celebration to the state’s agricultural heritage and the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Organizers say the fair combines classic traditions with several new attractions, including a towering Ferris wheel, fresh food offerings and new educational exhibits.
Fair officials expect the mix of entertainment and history to keep longtime visitors coming back while giving first-timers plenty to see. From morning gate openings to nightly fireworks, the fair’s schedule is packed from start to finish.
New attractions highlight this year’s midway and exhibits
One of the biggest additions is the new Georgia Wheel, a 155-foot Ferris wheel that costs $7 to ride and is designed to give visitors a wide view of the fairgrounds and surrounding area. Addie Hodges, marketing and communication specialist for the fair, said the wheel can let riders see about 15 miles out.
Food is also getting a boost, with roughly 20 new fair foods added this year. Hodges said those choices are part of the reason the fair remains a popular stop for families who want to sample something new along with the usual staples.
Beyond the midway, two new educational experiences are part of the lineup: Voices and Votes, which focuses on American history, and Freedom Truck, which walks visitors through information about America over the last 250 years.
Gate times, ticket prices and entry rules visitors need to know
For guests planning a visit, the fair opens daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on opening day, Thursday, Oct. 8, when gates opened at 3 p.m. The midway operates on a different schedule, opening at noon on weekdays and at 10 a.m. on weekends. Weekend midway hours run until 11 p.m., while weekday hours close at 10 p.m.
Tickets can be bought online or at the gate. Adult admission is $15 by card, but it rises to $20 for cash purchases at the gate this year. Seniors age 60 and older pay $10, children ages 3 through 10 pay $5, and children under 2 get in free with a paying adult.
Guests under 18 must be with an adult to enter the fairgrounds. Parking is free, and re-entry is allowed with a visible hand stamp.
Concert schedule stretches across most of the fair’s 11 nights
Nightly live music remains one of the fair’s biggest draws, and all concerts are free with paid gate admission. The main stage is outdoors near the South Gate, and most shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
The schedule opens Thursday, Oct. 8, with Lonestar. Friday brings Hanson, while Sunday, Oct. 11, features Southside Worship. Other acts include Darryl Worley on Oct. 12, Fuel on Oct. 13, Tucka on Oct. 14, Jesse McCartney on Oct. 15 and Tracy Byrd on Oct. 16.
The fair also has no main stage concert on Oct. 10 or Oct. 17. The final night closes with Rumba Latina at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18, giving fairgoers one earlier show before the event wraps up.
Tower Stage adds local music throughout the fairgrounds
For visitors who want music beyond the main stage, the Tower Stage offers local and rotating acts throughout the fair’s run. Organizers say the venue will provide a steady backdrop of entertainment during the day and into the evening.
American Flyers is scheduled to perform Oct. 12 through Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Beginning Oct. 16 and continuing through Oct. 18, Alex Miller is set for shows at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., while Richie and the High Street Rockers are listed for 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tru Gentlemen is also scheduled during that same stretch at 4:30 p.m.
The mix of stage times gives visitors several chances to catch live music without having to plan around just one performance window.
Opening ceremony, food contest and 5K race anchor special events
In addition to concerts and rides, the fair has a full slate of special events spread across the 11-day schedule. The official opening ceremony takes place Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. in Reaves Arena, where the fair will recognize local agricultural champions and kick off Freedom 250 festivities with light refreshments.
On Oct. 9 at 11 a.m., the Fair Food Fight will be held in the Miller Murphy Howard Building. A panel of local judges will choose the best sweet and savory entries, while fairgoers also vote for a Fan Favorite.
Runners can start their day early on Oct. 10 with the Georgia National Fair 5K at 8 a.m. That race winds through the fairgrounds and adds a fitness-focused option to the week’s entertainment.
Daily shows and nightly fireworks round out the fair experience
Several recurring attractions return every day, giving visitors something to watch between rides, concerts and meals. Those include Robinson’s Racing Pigs at 5 p.m., the Nerveless Nocks Extreme Water Ski and Stunt Show, Circus Hollywood, Sea Lion Splash! and the ShenaniGuns Wild West Show.
Organizers say the fair ends each evening with a fireworks display over the fairgrounds at 10 p.m. That nightly finale is meant to cap off the schedule with a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Fair workers also say the event has an atmosphere that keeps drawing people back. One game booth operator described the fair as a place to meet visitors, travel, try new foods and experience something different each year, reflecting the fair’s mix of tradition and discovery.