The North Georgia State Fair: A Celebration of Fun, Thrills, and Tradition
The annual North Georgia State Fair attracts an estimated 365,000 people every year from North Georgia and neighboring states. The fair features live music, free attractions and shows, blue ribbon competitions, live farm and exotic animals, talented performers and dancers, fun food, and rides on the Great James H. Drew Exposition – one of the largest carnival midways in the U.S. The fair also offers free concerts with big names hitting the stage each year.
Fun and Entertainment:
The North Georgia State Fair features exhilarating rides, colorful games, and mouthwatering treats. From heart-pounding roller coasters to enchanting Ferris wheels, the fair’s amusement rides offer endless thrills and laughter for adventure seekers. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, the fair also includes a wide range of family-friendly rides and attractions.
A Food Lover’s Paradise:
No fair experience is complete without trying some of the delicious fair foods. The North Georgia State Fair offers a variety of savory delights and sweet treats that range from traditional corn dogs and cotton candy to more innovative creations like the deep fried candy bars.
Live Entertainment and Performances:
Entertainment takes center stage at the North Georgia State Fair, with a lineup of shows, live performances, and musical concerts. Visitors can witness awe-inspiring shows, enjoy live music, and be mesmerized by the fair’s diverse variety of entertainment.
The North Georgia State Fair offers a memorable and thrilling experience that has become a favorite part of the fall season.
Dates:
September 24 through October 4, 2026
2026 Attractions:
Off Axis Stunt Show (new for 2026)
Off Axis Stunt Show delivers nonstop, high-energy entertainment featuring five world-class performers and three incredible headline acts: Trampwall, Pogo, and Teeterboard. Combining jaw-dropping acrobatics, daring stunts, and crowd-pleasing comedy, this fast-paced show keeps audiences fully engaged from start to finish. With no downtime between acts, spectators will find themselves laughing one moment and holding their breath the next as these talented performers showcase their amazing skills and athleticism.
Showtimes:
Monday – Friday: 6:30, 8:30 &10:00 PM
Saturday/Sunday: 2:30, 5:30 & 8:30 PM
Jay Mattioli – Electrifying Magic (new for 2026)
Known for his quick wit and engaging stage presence, Jay combines classic magic with modern humor, pulling volunteers into the spotlight and turning everyday moments into unforgettable surprises. His show focuses as much on laughter and connection as it does on illusion, creating a fast-paced, family-friendly performance where no two shows are exactly the same—and where the audience becomes part of the magic.
Showtimes:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 & 9:00 PM
Saturday/Sunday: 4:00, 6:00, & 9:00 PM
Keith King BMX Show (new for 2026)
Led by X Games competitor Keith King, this nationally recognized stunt team features some of the top BMX riders in the country performing incredible jumps, tricks, and aerial stunts. With appearances at major sporting events, state fairs, and festivals across the nation, the King BMX Stunt Show delivers fast-paced entertainment that will keep audiences of all ages on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss this thrilling display of skill, speed, and extreme action!
Showtimes:
Monday – Friday: 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30 PM
Saturday/Sunday: 1:30, 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM
The Amazing Bubble Factory (new for 2026)
Producing millions of bubbles throughout each performance, this
interactive act features jaw-dropping bubble tricks ranging from tiny,
pea-sized creations to enormous bubbles large enough to surround a
minivan. With a mix of science, artistry, and crowd engagement, the
performers captivate audiences of all ages at fairs, festivals, theaters,
schools, and libraries—creating a magical, laughter-filled experience
that leaves everyone smiling long after the last bubble floats away.
Showtimes:
Monday – Friday: 6:00 & 8:00 PM
Saturday/Sunday: 3:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM
ARCY (new for 2026)
ARCY Live Mural Experience is an internationally acclaimed
artist known for creating breathtaking large-scale murals that
combine photorealistic artwork with incredible live performance.
His work will be on display throughout the fair and make for a
great family photo opportunity!
Hours: Open daily during fair hours
Zerbini Family Circus
Under a 1,200-seat Big Top, the Zerbini Family Circus delivers acrobatics, aerialists, clowns, jugglers, and more in a dazzling family-run show.
Showtimes:
Mon-Fri: 6:30 & 8:30 PM
Sat/Sun: 2:30, 5:30, & 8:30 PM
Oscar the Robot
A witty robotic entertainer who roams the fairgrounds, keeping crowds laughing with quick comebacks and amusing antics.
Showtimes:
Mon-Fri: 5:00 & 8:00 PM
Sat/Sun: 2:00, 5:00, & 8:00 PM (each show lasts 90 minutes)
Fireguy Show
With over 20 years of experience, Fireguy heats up the fair with jaw-dropping fire eating, flames, and light tricks that are guaranteed to surprise and entertain.
Showtimes:
Mon-Fri: 6:30, 8:00, & 9:30 PM
Sat/Sun: 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, & 9:30 PM
Ready-Go-Dog Show
This show brings together champion Frisbee dogs, diving dogs, and even the world’s highest box jump dog. After the show, fans can meet the four-legged stars in person.
Showtimes:
Mon-Fri: 7:00 & 9:00 PM
Sat/Sun: 12:30, 4:30, & 7:30 PM
Eudora Farms Petting Zoo
A hands-on experience featuring exotic animals like zebras, lemurs, wallabies, and even camel rides. A perfect chance for kids and adults alike to learn and interact.
Hours: Open daily during fair hours
North Georgia Animals Petting Barn
Located at the south entrance of the fairgrounds, this barn offers the chance to meet horses, goats, cows, rabbits, llamas, ponies, and more.
Hours: Open daily during fair hours
2026 Schedule:
Thursday, September 24
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- Opening Day: Free Admission
- $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- North Georgia State Fair Beauty Pageant
- 406 Freestyle Motocross, 7 pm & 9 pm
Friday, September 25
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- Senior Day/Heroes Day
- Senior Day: Free admission all day for seniors 55 and older. Special senior programs from 9 am to 1 pm (before the fair opens)
- Heroes Day: All active, reserve, or retired military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and healthcare workers are admitted free with valid identification.
- $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- 406 Freestyle Motocross: 7 pm & 9 pm
- Little Roy and Lizzy Show: 6 pm and 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 26
- Gates Open at 10 am
- Family Fun Day
- 10 am to 11 am Free Admission & Free Rides (1 hour only)
- $35 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person) sold only until 5 pm (good until close)
- 406 Freestyle Motocross: 5 pm, 7 pm, & 9 pm
Sunday, September 27
- Gates Open at 12:30 pm
- Family Day
- $1 off admission with church bulletin
- School Special 12:30 – 2 pm. Free admission & free rides for students (must present ticket included in brochure/digital)
- $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- 406 Freestyle Motocross: 5 pm, 7 pm, & 9 pm
- Beautiful Baby Contest at 6 pm
Monday, September 28
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- 406 Freestyle Motocross: 7 pm & 9 pm
Tuesday, September 29
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- Teacher Tuesday: Free admission for teachers and all school district employees with staff ID
- Special Populations Night
- Sensory friendly rider hours from 2 pm to 4 pm, with no lights, no music, and no large crowds.
- King And Queen of the Fair Special Needs Pageant at 7 pm
Wednesday, September 30
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- Derby Night: Demolition Derby at 8 pm and Kids Power Wheels Derby at intermission.
Thursday, October 1
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- College Night: Free Admission With Valid College I.D
- The Great Cobb County Government Pileup: At 8 pm, Cobb’s Government agencies will compete in a demolition
derby with $10,500 up for grabs for charity.
Friday, October 2
- Gates Open at 4 pm
- $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- American Bull Riders Tour at 8 pm
- Mutton Busting at 7 pm
- Food Drive: Bring 5 non-perishable goods (must not be expired) and receive 1 free admission.
Saturday, October 3
- Gates Open at 10 am
- Family Fun Day
- 10 am to 11 am free admission & free rides
- $35 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person) sold until 5 pm (good until close)
- American Bull Riders Tour at 8 pm
- Mutton Busting at 7 pm
- Food Drive: Bring 5 non-perishable goods (must not be expired) and receive 1 free admission.
Sunday, October 4
- Gates Open at 12:30 pm
- Last Blast!
- School Special 12:30 pm to 2 pm: Free admission & free rides for students (must have ticket distributed in schools)
- $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
- American Bull Riders Tour at 6 pm
- Mutton Busting at 5 pm
- Bring 5 non-perishables can good items (must not be expired) and receive 1 free admission.
Gate Admission:
- $15 admission.
- Seniors age 55 & up $10
- Children 10 and under are free.
- Ride tickets are $1.25 each, $20 for 21 tickets, $50 for 55 tickets and $100 for 120 tickets.
- All rides require more than one ticket.
- Ride tickets are cash, card, or tap to pay.
- Parking is free on site, and there are daily Shuttles from 6 pm to closing from
Cobb Safety Village. - ATM machines are located on the midway.
- Most vendors inside the park accept cash or cards.
Hours:
- Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday, September 25, 2026 from 4 pm to Midnight
- Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10 am to Midnight
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 10 pm
- Monday, September 28, 2026 from 4 pm to 11 pm
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 4 pm to 11 pm
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 4 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday, October 2, 2026 from 4 pm to Midnight
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10 am to Midnight
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 10 pm
No entry after 9 pm Sunday through Thursday
No entry after 10 pm Friday and Saturday
Please take note of the following policies that will be in effect during the fair:
- Youth Attendance Policy: Individuals under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent after 6 pm daily.
- Clear Bag Policy: For security reasons and to expedite entry, all bags brought into the fair must be clear and not exceed dimensions of 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Also permitted is the use of one-gallon resealable clear plastic freezer bags and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Diaper bags are allowed but will be searched and tagged.
- Gate Entry Policy: Entry will not be permitted after 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and after 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
- No pets allowed with the exception of trained ADA-compliant service animals.
Address:
Jim Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta, GA 30008
Heads up for fair traffic near Jim R. Miller Park:
- All fair traffic will be routed to County Services Parkway.
- Eastbound Al Bishop Drive will close to through traffic each day starting one hour before the fair opens. (That means no turning onto Al Bishop from Callaway Road.)
- Westbound Al Bishop Drive will have two lanes open to help move incoming fair traffic more smoothly.
- Catching an Uber or Lyft? Pick-up/drop-off will be at the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (770) 423-1330, (770) 528-8989 after September 2
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNorthGeorgiaStateFair
- Twitter/X: @ngstatefair
- Instagram: Instagram.com/northgeorgiastatefair/
- Email:
guestservices@northgeorgiastatefair.com?subject=NGSF Question via Marietta.com
tod.miller@northgeorgiastatefair.com
pjezerinac@northgeorgiastatefair.com
Legendary Fair, Legendary Fun
Few events signal the start of fall quite like a fair imbued with the scent of cotton candy, the roar of rollercoasters and the halogen glow of old-fashioned carnival booths. This year, autumn in Cobb County begins the same way it has for years, with the start of the North Georgia State Fair. For 11 glorious days in September, a local tradition… Read More…
From 1895 to Today: The History of the North Georgia State Fair
From horse-drawn arrivals to headline concerts, the North Georgia State Fair has seen it all. What began in 1895 as a modest local fair has transformed over the decades into one of Georgia’s biggest annual events. Officially launched in 1921 as the Cobb County Fair, it reflected a time when most homes in the county didn’t yet have electricity or indoor plumbing, and many of the guests still arrived on horseback.
The fair’s history hasn’t been without detours. Ownership changes, venue moves, and global conflicts paused the event at times, with World War II shutting things down entirely for several years. In 1950, it returned with new energy and a new name: The North Georgia State Fair.
The decades that followed brought big growth. The fair moved to its 115-acre permanent home in 1966, expanded from six to ten days in 1986, and by 1989 was drawing major stars like Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and Blake Shelton to the stage. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the grounds took on a new role as a testing and vaccination site, showing once again how central the space is to county life.
Now with 11 days of fun and in its 94th year in 2026, the fair continues to evolve, still carrying forward its agricultural beginnings while delivering new rides, live music, and entertainment for thousands each fall.
Event organizer’s contact information:
Phone:
(770) 423-1330 through September 2
(770) 528-8989 after September 2
North Georgia State Fair Non-Commercial Exhibits and Flower Show
Popular artists and groups who have played at the North Georgia State Fair over the years:
Some of country music’s most famous artists and groups have performed at the North Georgia State Fair, including:
- Trace Adkins (2017)
Trace Adkins is a longtime country mainstay known for his distinctive baritone voice and hits such as “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” - Chris Young (2011)
Chris Young broke out from Nashville Star and delivered multiple No. 1 country singles including “Tomorrow” and “You.” - Scotty McCreery (2016)
Scotty McCreery won American Idol in 2011 and later scored No. 1 country hits including “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It.” - Jake Owen (2010)
Jake Owen has recorded No. 1 country hits including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and “Beachin’.” - Little Big Town (2007)
Little Big Town is a grammy-winning country quartet with crossover hits such as “Girl Crush” and “Pontoon.” - Lady A, formerly Lady Antebellum (2008)
Lady A is a country trio that has won seven Grammy Awards and achieved international success with “Need You Now.” - Brad Paisley (2000)
Paisley has won three Grammy Awards and was named CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2010. - Blake Shelton (2004 and 2007)
Blake Shelton has recorded numerous No. 1 country hits, beginning with “Austin,” and gained national recognition as a coach on NBC’s The Voice. - Chris Janson (2017)
Chris Janson is a Grand Ole Opry member known for songs including “Buy Me a Boat” and “Drunk Girl.” - Luke Bryan (2009)
Luke Bryan has recorded No. 1 country hits including “Drink a Beer” and “Play It Again” and earned Entertainer of the Year honors from both the CMA and ACM. He is one of country’s biggest superstars, known for filling arenas and topping charts with dozens of hits. - Loretta Lynn (2013)
Loretta Lynn was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988 and became the first woman to win CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1972, with signature songs including “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Loretta Lynn is a true country legend and one of the most influential women in the genre. - Kenny Chesney (1997)
Kenny Chesney is a Country Music Hall of Fame member known for stadium tours and a career that includes four CMA and four ACM Entertainer of the Year awards.
Are tickets free if you bring non-perishables today? (Oct. 4th)
Today is October 3, 2026, but yes, today or tomorrow if you bring 5 non-perishable goods (must not be expired) you will receive 1 free admission.