State Fair of Virginia 2026: Dates, Tickets, Rides, Food and What to Know

If you are looking for one of Virginia’s biggest fall traditions, the State Fair of Virginia returns September 25 through October 4, 2026, at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell. Ten days of midway rides, live music, livestock, fair food, demonstrations and family entertainment make this an easy addition to a fall weekend itinerary.

Whether you are planning a full family day or heading in for an evening concert, this guide covers the details that matter most: hours, admission prices, parking, rides, food and ways to save.

State Fair of Virginia 2026: Quick Facts

• Dates: September 25–October 4, 2026
• Location: The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Boulevard, Doswell, Virginia
• General parking: Free
• Public hours: The fair opens at 10 a.m. daily. Buildings remain open until 9 p.m., and amusement rides begin at 11 a.m. The main Ticket Plaza closes at 10 p.m.; no gate tickets are sold after 8 p.m.
• Theme: Virginia’s Best of Show
• Official website: StateFairVA.org

Hours and programming can vary by attraction and day, so check the official Daily Thrill Guide before leaving home.

How Much Are State Fair of Virginia Tickets?

Buying online before the fair is the simplest way to save. Advance online pricing is available September 1–22, 2026:

• Adult admission, age 18 and older: $14.50, including fees
• Child admission, ages 5–17: $12
• Children age 4 and younger: Free
• Family Gate Four Pack: $44
• Fair Fan Pass for all 10 days: $87
• Advance midway wristband: $29
• Family four-pack of midway wristbands: $110

From September 23 through October 4, online admission costs $15 for adults and $13 for children Monday through Thursday, or $19 for adults and $17 for children Friday through Sunday. Online midway wristbands are $32 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.

At the gate, adult admission is $17 Monday through Thursday and $21 Friday through Sunday. Child admission is $16 on weekdays and $18 on weekends. Gate discounts are available for seniors age 65 and older, military members and veterans, and Virginia Farm Bureau members.

Ticket prices and policies can change. Review the official ticket and hours page before purchasing.

Two Ways to Save at the Fair

State Fair Cares: From September 28–30, guests can receive $10 gate admission between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. by donating two school supplies, two canned food items or one new pair of winter gloves. Donations are distributed to Virginia nonprofits.

Early Bird Midway: On September 25 and September 28–October 2, a $20 ride wristband is available onsite from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is valid for rides until 4 p.m. that day.

Midway Rides and Kidway Fun

The State Fair midway offers classic carnival rides, thrill rides and games, while the Kidway is designed for younger fairgoers. Ride height and weight requirements vary, so families with small children should check posted rules before buying wristbands.

Guests can ride with an unlimited-use wristband or purchase reloadable ride credits. The published credit options are $10 for 100 credits, $20 for 200 credits and $50 for 550 credits. A $15 Fast Lane upgrade is also available per person, per day; it does not include admission or ride access and is nonrefundable.

See the fair’s official rides page for current midway information.

Concerts Included With Fair Admission

One of the best values at the State Fair of Virginia is the Main Stage Concert Series. Concerts are included with paid gate admission, with no separate concert ticket required.

The announced 2026 lineup includes Sammy Kershaw, Lakeview, The Jack Wharff Band, George Birge, BRENCORE Allstars presenting a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire, Leanna Crawford, Red Camel Collective and the Amanda Cook Band.

Performance dates and times are best confirmed through the official Main Stage Concert Series and daily schedule shortly before your visit.

Free Entertainment Throughout the Fairgrounds

The fair offers plenty to see between rides and exhibits. Scheduled attractions include racing pigs, Flippenout’s trampoline and stunt show, the Fritzy Brothers One-Man Circus, chainsaw carving by Chad Gainey, the Greenlee Draft Horse Hitch and appearances by Abraham Lincoln and George Washington interpreters.

Many of these shows run several times daily, making them easy to work into a flexible itinerary. Popular performances can fill quickly, so arrive a little early if there is one your group does not want to miss. Browse the full list of featured fair attractions for times and locations.

Do Not Miss Virginia Agriculture

The State Fair is more than a midway. Agricultural competitions, livestock exhibits, youth programs, demonstrations and Virginia-made products remain at the heart of the event. Make time to explore the barns and competition areas, especially if you are bringing children who may not often see farm animals up close.

The Meadow Event Park is also the birthplace of Triple Crown winner Secretariat, giving the property a special place in Virginia’s agricultural and equestrian history.

What to Eat at the State Fair of Virginia

Come hungry. The 2026 vendor list mixes fair classics with a wide range of savory meals and over-the-top treats. Options include barbecue, gyros, Jamaican food, Korean corn dogs, crab nachos, ribbon fries, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, cinnamon rolls, doughnut burgers, maple cotton candy and fresh doughnuts.

If your group has dietary restrictions, check menus before ordering and ask individual vendors about ingredients and food preparation. Vendor locations may change, so use the official food and drink directory and fairgrounds map when planning your food stops.

Parking and Directions to The Meadow Event Park

General parking is free. For navigation to the public parking entrance, use:

13048 Meadow Farm Road
Doswell, VA 23047

Drivers using I-95 should take Exit 98 and travel about 1.5 miles east on Route 30. U.S. 301 and U.S. 1 can serve as alternate approaches when interstate traffic is heavy.

Premium parking is available for $25.50 and uses the entrance at 13191 Dawn Boulevard. It must be purchased by 5 p.m. the day before your visit. Ride-share passengers should use the Meadow Farm Road address and consider reserving their return ride in advance.

Check the official directions and parking page for traffic updates and current instructions.

What to Know Before You Go

• Buy early: Advance tickets offer the lowest published prices, and buying online reduces time at the gate.
• Plan around one or two priorities: Pick a concert, animal exhibit or show first, then build rides and food around it.
• Allow extra travel time: I-95 and roads near the fairgrounds can become busy, particularly on weekends.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The fairgrounds are large, and a full visit involves plenty of walking.
• Prepare for the weather: Bring sunscreen and check the forecast. Tickets are nonrefundable, and the fair does not offer rain checks.
• Know the payment rules: The main Ticket Plaza and alcohol sales accept credit or debit cards rather than cash. Reverse ATMs are available. Food vendors, midway ticket booths and independent sellers may accept cash.
• Leave selfie sticks and weapons at home: Selfie sticks, guns and knives are prohibited.

Watch: Another Virginia fair outing with Chris

For another look at Virginia fair outings, watch my August 2021 visit to the Prince William County Fair in Manassas. This is a different fair, not footage of the State Fair of Virginia or its 2026 attractions. Use the official State Fair links in this article for this year’s event details.

Watch my Prince William County Fair visit on YouTube.

Is the State Fair of Virginia Worth the Trip?

For families, food lovers, music fans and anyone who enjoys a classic fall festival atmosphere, the State Fair of Virginia offers enough variety for a full day. The combination of free parking, concerts included with admission and a packed schedule of no-extra-cost shows can also make it a strong value when you plan ahead.

Before you go, confirm the latest details on the State Fair of Virginia website and review the fair’s frequently asked questions.

Thinking about making Virginia home? The Colgan Team can help you explore communities throughout Northern Virginia and beyond. Call 571-437-7575, email info@colganteam.com or start your search at ChrisColgan.com.