Events & Festivals

Mississippi State Fair 2025: Dates, Tickets, and Travel

September 25, 2025 by zeeshan Leave a comment
Mississippi State Fair

Every October, Jackson, Mississippi, turns into a hub of fun, food, and entertainment. The Mississippi State Fair is one of the South’s oldest and most popular fairs, drawing crowds from across the region. Known for its mix of thrilling rides, Southern food, live music, and family activities, this event offers travelers a true taste of Mississippi culture.

What Is the Mississippi State Fair?

The Mississippi State Fair has been a staple in the South for over a century. It’s a celebration of agriculture, food, music, and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, a huge midway with carnival rides, and free concerts by regional and national acts. With its rich tradition and modern attractions, the fair perfectly blends heritage and entertainment.

Mississippi State Fair 2025 Dates & Location

  • Dates: October 2 – October 13, 2025
  • Location: Mississippi State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi
  • Tickets: Buy Tickets Online

The fairgrounds are located right in downtown Jackson, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.

What to Expect at the Mississippi State Fair 2025

The Mississippi State Fair is one of the South’s biggest fall events, and it offers a mix of old traditions and new attractions. Here’s what you’ll find when you visit in 2025:

  • Southern Fair Food: No trip to the fair is complete without indulging in the food. Visitors can expect staples like funnel cakes, candy apples, and corn dogs, but Mississippi brings its own flavor with catfish baskets, smoked turkey legs, and BBQ pork sandwiches. Don’t miss local specialties like Kool-Aid pickles and fried Oreos.
  • Livestock & Agriculture: The fair has deep agricultural roots. Livestock shows and competitions highlight Mississippi’s farming culture, giving travelers a chance to see prize-winning cattle, goats, and swine up close. It’s a unique way to experience the state’s rural heritage.
  • Concerts & Live Entertainment: Each year, the fair hosts a free concert series featuring a mix of country, gospel, blues, and rock musicians. From rising stars to regional legends, it’s a chance to enjoy live performances under the Mississippi night sky.
  • Midway Rides & Games: A sprawling midway offers everything from high-speed thrill rides to classic carnival staples like bumper cars and Ferris wheels. Families can enjoy dozens of kid-friendly rides, while thrill seekers can test their nerves on the larger attractions.
  • Competitions & Exhibits: From home-baked pies to arts and crafts, the fair’s contests celebrate community creativity. Horticulture exhibits also showcase Mississippi’s agricultural diversity, including flower shows and produce competitions.
  • Cultural & Community Spirit: The Mississippi State Fair is a gathering place for locals and travelers alike. The mix of food, music, agriculture, and entertainment creates a true celebration of Mississippi hospitality.

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Things to Do in Mississippi State

If you are traveling to Jackson for the fair, you’ll find plenty of attractions nearby to fill your trip:

  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: Located just minutes from the fairgrounds, this museum offers a moving and powerful look into the history of the civil rights movement in Mississippi. Interactive exhibits make it both educational and impactful.
  • Mississippi Museum of Art: The state’s largest art museum showcases local, regional, and national works. Its rotating exhibits and sculpture garden make it a cultural highlight for travelers.
  • LeFleur’s Bluff State Park: A natural escape within the city, this park features hiking trails, fishing lakes, picnic spots, and even a playground. It’s a relaxing way to balance the high energy of the fair.
  • Mississippi Children’s Museum: Perfect for families with younger travelers, this museum offers hands-on exhibits in science, health, art, and literacy.
  • Old Capitol Museum: Housed in Mississippi’s first state capitol building, this museum explores the political history of the state in a beautiful historic setting.
  • Fondren District: Just north of downtown, this trendy neighborhood is filled with unique restaurants, coffee shops, street art, and boutique shopping. It is one of Jackson’s most vibrant areas to explore after a day at the fair.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Mississippi State Fair

If you are planning to attend in 2025, a little preparation can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:

  • Best Time to Go: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, especially in the evenings. If you want shorter lines for rides and food, plan your visit Monday through Thursday.
  • Weather Preparation: October in Jackson is usually warm during the day and cooler at night. Bring a light jacket or sweater if you’re staying late for concerts or fireworks.
  • Tickets & Wristbands: Ride wristbands are a great value if you plan on enjoying multiple rides. Buy online in advance to save money and skip long lines.
  • Parking Tips: On-site parking is available at the fairgrounds, but it fills quickly on weekends. Nearby lots and shuttle services may be a better option during peak days.
  • Cash vs. Card: While ticket booths and some vendors accept cards, many food stalls and midway games are cash-only. Bring small bills for convenience.
  • Family-Friendly Planning: Parents with younger kids may want to explore the Children’s Barnyard, kid zones, and petting zoos earlier in the day before the crowds build.
  • Safety & Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll do a lot of walking across the fairgrounds. Also, consider bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Why You Should Visit the Mississippi State Fair in 2025

The Mississippi State Fair is more than just rides and food. It’s a celebration of Southern culture, agriculture, and community. Whether you come for the concerts, the food, or the family activities, you’ll leave with a true sense of Mississippi hospitality and tradition. For travelers looking to dive into the South’s charm, this fair is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Mississippi State Fair in 2025?

The Mississippi State Fair takes place from October 2 to October 13, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Where is the Mississippi State Fair held?

It is held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, right in downtown Jackson.

What kind of food is at the Mississippi State Fair?

Expect Southern favorites like barbecue, fried catfish, funnel cakes, roasted corn, and dozens of deep-fried treats.

Are there concerts at the Mississippi State Fair?

Yes, free concerts are included with admission, featuring country, gospel, blues, and popular acts.

Is the Mississippi State Fair family-friendly?

Absolutely. The fair offers children’s rides, petting zoos, kid zones, and family entertainment.

How do I get to the Mississippi State Fair?

Fly into Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), then take a quick 15-minute drive to the fairgrounds.

Author

  • zeeshan

    Zeeshan specializes in highlighting major travel & tourism related events and festivals across the United States, with a focus on seasonal celebrations, local traditions, and travel-worthy experiences.

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