Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson invites the public to attend the Mississippi State Fair and reminds fairgoers of several items to “Know Before You Go.” The 165th Mississippi State Fair takes place October 3-14, 2024, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

Fairgoers can continue to expect the best of carnival rides and games, fair foods, livestock shows, concerts and special fair-related events. The State Fair Marketplace features 73 vendors, including the Genuine MS® Store, FARMtastic Exhibition and more, and will be open to the public daily inside the Trade Mart. Returning to the Kirk Fordice Equine Center is the Tri-State Rodeo October 5-6, as well as the annual Horse, Mule and Pony Pulls during the second weekend of the State Fair.

The Mississippi State Fair’s Frontier Village will debut two new attractions this year. In addition to the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo, petting zoo, pig races and pony rides, spectators will enjoy an award-winning comedy Wild West gunfight and stunt show. The Tumbleweed Crossing will hold daily shows at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. An educational and entertaining puppet show, Agri-Puppets, will also hold daily shows following the Tumbleweed Crossing. This family-friendly puppet show tells unique stories focused on agriculture and animals.

Also new this year is the 4-H and FFA Barnyard Exhibit housed inside Barn 6. Visitors will meet and talk with Mississippi 4-H and FFA star exhibitors, pet farm animals and engage in hands-on learning experiences. Across the mile-long Midway, fairgoers will find the Kid Zone, which includes kiddy vendors and rides, as well as the popular Zerbini Family Circus which hosts two shows each day during the State Fair.

The highly anticipated Miss Mississippi State Fair Pageant takes place October 3 at 6:00 p.m. and the Mississippi State Fair Talent Show follows the next day, October 4, at 4:00 p.m. Both special events will be held inside the Coliseum and tickets can be purchased at the door.

Four nationally recognized artists will perform on the Busch Light Mainstage inside the Coliseum this year: the Oak Ridge Boys, Matthew West, Dru Hill and Ronnie McDowell. Admission to the concerts can be purchased now at www.msstatefair.com or at the Coliseum Box Office. Local artists and bands will also perform in the Busch Light Pavilion along the Midway throughout the duration of the State Fair. These performances are free with regular fair admission.

Ronnie McDowell will perform on Wednesday, October 9, during Senior American Day which will include various health and informational booths, the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board serving breakfast muffins and surprise guest performances. Xperience JXN is also hosting a special show this year called “The WE OUTSIDE but INSIDE Party” featuring several entertainers on Saturday, October 12.

Over 60 carnival rides, provided by North American Midway Entertainment, and over 100 food vendors will be available throughout the 105-acre fairgrounds. The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has partnered with several local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure the security and safety of fairgoers.

Commissioner Gipson would like to remind fairgoers of several things to “Know Before You Go.”

• The 2024 Mississippi State Fair will open at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3. The ribbon cutting will be held at Gate 1 at the corner of Jefferson Street and Amite Street.
• Gate admission will be $10.00 per person and parking is FREE. Children aged 5 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase advance admission tickets, concert tickets and ride wristbands at www.msstatefair.com.
• Online tickets are available for purchase now through Wednesday, October 2, for a discounted price of $8 per person.
• Fair admission is free every weekday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., except on Monday, October 14, Columbus Day.
• Beginning at 9:00 p.m., any guest under the age of 18 seeking admission to the Fairgrounds must be accompanied by a legal adult (21 or older). Any guest may be asked to show official proof of age to be admitted after 9:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring identification.
• When entering the Midway, all guests will proceed through one of several entry security points utilizing a metal detector and/or be subject to magnetic wanding.
• All bags are subject to search. The maximum bag size that will be accepted into the Fair is 12”x12”x6”.
• No outside food or beverage allowed.
• No marketing, soliciting, political or vending items allowed unless and as authorized under Fairground regulations.
• No animals (other than service animals or as authorized by Fair management for Fair activities), banners, fireworks/explosives or laser pointers allowed.
• Pursuant to state law, the legal carry of firearms by all lawful adults is recognized on the Mississippi Fairgrounds.
• Exceptions and challenges to these policies will be satisfied at the discretion of Fair Management.

Admission can be purchased online or at the gate through one of multiple kiosks or a ticket booth. Tickets will then be scanned from a smartphone or printed receipt next to the point of purchase. Fairgoers who purchase online tickets in advance can skip the line. For more information, visit www.msstatefair.com.