7 Unmissable Highlights & The Ultimate 2026 Guide To The GA National Fair In Perry, GA
The Georgia National Fair, a beloved annual tradition held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, GA, continues to set the standard for agricultural showcases and family entertainment in the Southeast. Now, as of this December 19, 2025 update, the focus shifts from the recently concluded 2025 event to planning for the massive 2026 celebration, which promises to be bigger, bolder, and packed with new attractions and the deep-fried food you crave.
Whether you’re a long-time fairgoer or a first-time visitor, securing your spot for the next fair is essential. The 37th annual event is already on the calendar, ensuring that the legacy of Georgia's premier fair continues with its unique blend of top-tier concerts, thrilling midway rides, and its core mission to celebrate the state's vibrant agriculture.
Your Essential Guide to the 2026 Georgia National Fair: Dates, Tickets, and Location
The Georgia National Fair, which recently wrapped its 36th annual run (October 2–12, 2025), is already looking ahead to its next iteration. This event is a cornerstone of the community, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the heart of Georgia every year for eleven days of fun, competition, and culture. Knowing the key logistics is the first step in planning your perfect fair experience.
Official 2026 Fair Dates and Location
Mark your calendars! The 37th Annual Georgia National Fair is officially scheduled to run from October 8–18, 2026. The fair is always held at its permanent home:
- Location: Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter
- Address: 401 Larry Walker Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069
This massive, state-of-the-art facility ensures there is ample space for the carnival midway, the livestock competitions, the free concerts on the Clock Tower Stage, and all the unique vendors that make the fair a must-visit destination.
Admission and Ride Pricing (Based on 2025 Rates)
While official 2026 pricing will be updated closer to the event, the 2025 rates provide a reliable benchmark for budgeting your trip. All concerts are free with paid gate admission, making the ticket price an excellent value.
- Adult Gate Admission: $15
- Senior Citizens (60 and up): $10
- Children 10 and Under: Free with a paying adult
- Group Sales: Groups of 25 or more adults can purchase tickets for $14 each.
For the thrill-seekers, the MegaPass is the most popular way to enjoy the rides, offering unlimited access for a single price. For those who only want a few rides on the Reithoffer Shows midway, individual ride tickets are also available.
The Heart of the Fair: Agriculture, Animals, and Competition
Beyond the bright lights and the smell of cotton candy, the Georgia National Fair’s true purpose is rooted in celebrating the state’s agricultural heritage. This focus on Georgia Grown products and livestock is what gives the fair its unique topical authority and educational value.
A Showcase of Georgia’s Finest Livestock
The fair hosts some of the most prestigious Livestock Competitions in the Southeast. These events are a highlight for 4-H and FFA students, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Categories include Equine events, the Rabbit Show & Exhibit, and various cattle competitions. Visitors can witness the crowning of champions, such as the Grand Champion Jr. Heifer or the Grand Champion Jr. Breeding Gilt, a true testament to the quality of Georgia’s farming community.
One of the most popular returning exhibits is the Baby Barn, located in the Georgia Grown Building. This exhibit offers a heartwarming look at newborn farm animals, from piglets and calves to baby chicks, providing an interactive and educational experience for families. It’s a perennial favorite that connects fairgoers directly to the Stories of Agriculture in a tangible way.
The Thrills of the Midway and Live Entertainment
The midway, powered by Reithoffer Shows, features a massive array of rides, from gentle attractions for the youngest visitors to high-octane thrills for adrenaline junkies. The fair’s commitment to providing a full entertainment package extends to its daily, free concert series.
The recently concluded 2025 fair featured a strong lineup on the Clock Tower Stage, with performances from country legends Shenandoah and rising star George Birge, alongside rock acts like Slaughter and gospel performances from Southside Worship. Expect the 2026 concert lineup to be announced in the summer, maintaining the fair’s tradition of offering diverse, top-tier musical talent free with admission.
The 7 Most Talked-About Food and New Attractions
No fair experience is complete without indulging in the culinary creations—often deep-fried, always delicious—that define the midway. The Georgia National Fair’s food scene is a major draw, featuring both classic favorites and inventive new dishes.
1. The Fair Food Fight
The annual Fair Food Fight is a highlight, where vendors compete to create the most unique and inventive dishes. The 2025 competition showcased an incredible 21 unique dishes, ranging from savory creations to over-the-top sweet treats. Vendors like Tybee Island Dog Swift Concessions and Fiesta Grill always bring their A-game, making the food court a destination in itself.
2. New Vendor Delights
Keep an eye out for returning favorites and new vendors. Establishments like Egbert Concessions - Sweet Shop, Fain's Concessions - West Cotton Candy, and Frazier Fair are staples, but the search for new flavors is part of the fun. In recent years, new entries have included everything from unique pork rinds and boiled peanuts to inventive chicken waffle on a stick.
3. The America250 Celebration Theme
The 2025 fair joined the nationwide America250 celebration, honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. This theme often brings new exhibits and educational opportunities that highlight American history and the role of fairs in that history. Expect this patriotic theme to continue influencing the 2026 exhibits.
4. Daily Georgia National Rodeo
For fans of Western sports, the Georgia National Rodeo is a high-energy, must-see event. Featuring professional riders and livestock, the rodeo offers non-stop action and is a core part of the fair's entertainment schedule.
5. The Baby Barn Experience
As mentioned, the Baby Barn is a mandatory stop for families. It’s an engaging, hands-on way to introduce children to the agricultural process and the miracle of life on the farm, solidifying the fair’s educational commitment.
6. The Grand Champion Livestock Parades
Witnessing the parade of the Grand Champion animals is a moment of pride and spectacle. It’s a chance to see the culmination of months of hard work by the state’s young farmers and a powerful display of the quality of Georgia’s livestock.
7. The Clock Tower Stage Free Concerts
The value of seeing national touring acts for the price of a gate ticket cannot be overstated. The free concerts on the Clock Tower Stage provide an accessible, high-quality entertainment option that keeps the fairgrounds buzzing every evening.
The Georgia National Fair is more than just rides and food; it is a celebration of community, agriculture, and entertainment. With the 2026 dates firmly set for October 8–18, now is the time to start planning your visit to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, GA, for an unforgettable experience.
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