Updated September 22, 2026
Some fall plans require a packed suitcase. This one calls for comfortable shoes, a little planning, and room for dessert.
The North Georgia State Fair returns to Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta from September 24 through October 4, 2026. It brings together midway rides, fair food, entertainment, and exhibits for an outing close to home for readers around Kennesaw, Marietta, and metro Atlanta. The official fair website confirms this year's dates.
The detail worth circling first? Opening-day admission is free. Here's how to build a visit around the things you actually want to do.
Start with a day that fits your budget
On Thursday, September 24, the fair opens from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with free admission courtesy of 94.9 The Bull. Rides and food cost extra; the day's unlimited-ride offer is listed at $25.
Families should also check Saturday, September 26, and Saturday, October 3: the organizer advertises free admission and free rides from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. That is a one-hour promotion, so arrive with a plan.
The daily specials schedule also lists Teacher Tuesday on September 29 and College Night on October 1, both with qualifying ID requirements. Check your chosen date before buying admission.
Come hungry: there are new flavors for 2026
If your favorite fair ride is the walk between food stands, this year's lineup gives you plenty to investigate.
The official 2026 food list includes Carbart's K-Dogs, serving Korean corn dogs, boba tea, and milk tea; Bun and Bites, with Asian fusion sandwiches, dumplings, potstickers, and coconut shrimp balls; and Tots-A-Lot, with tater tots and chicken bites.
Returning options include Williamson Brothers BBQ for barbecue plates, sandwiches, ribs, and brisket, plus Bianco's Funnel Cakes for funnel cakes, elephant ears, and fried Oreos.
Try taking a lap before ordering. Pick one savory stop, leave room for a sweet finish, and compare menus before committing your whole food budget at the first stand. Traveling with friends? Sharing can turn dinner into a small tasting tour.
Rides, shows, and time to wander
Cobb Travel & Tourism lists the Wildcat Rollercoaster, Georgia Mountain Lift, and Mega Slide among the midway attractions. It also highlights petting barns, flower shows, competitions, and live entertainment.
You do not need to spend every minute on a ride to enjoy the visit. Mix an attraction with a food break, stop at an exhibit, and leave room for whatever catches your attention. Families with children should check individual ride requirements before purchasing tickets.
Know what your ticket covers
According to the official ticket page, standard gate admission is $15, seniors 55 and older with ID pay $10, and children 10 and younger enter free. Parking is free.
Advance online admission is listed at $10 through September 23. The organizer also advertises $7.50 admission tickets at metro Atlanta O'Reilly Auto Parts locations through October 4.
Admission covers the fairgrounds, ground shows, exhibits, pageants, and live music. Food and rides are additional. During-fair unlimited-ride offers range from $25 to $35, depending on the date; Saturday sales end at 5 p.m. Check the offer's terms before paying.
Plan your arrival before leaving home
Use 1345 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30008 for directions, as requested in the organizer's 2026 traffic plan. Traffic is routed through County Services Parkway, so follow posted signs and staff directions near the fair.
Cobb Safety Village is the designated rideshare pickup and drop-off point. Review the shuttle information if you plan to use it, and give yourself breathing room between arrival and a show you want to catch.
A quick check before you go
Review the fair's entry policies, especially the clear-bag rules and evening youth-attendance requirements. For a family outing with teenagers, plan to enter together with a parent present after 6 p.m.
Entry closes before the fair itself: the organizer lists 9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday as the entry cutoffs. Exiting requires a new ticket to return.
Charge your phone, choose a meeting place, and set a food-and-rides budget before you arrive. Then leave some space in the plan for the best part of a fair: finding something fun you weren't looking for.
Prices, promotions, and schedules were checked September 22, 2026. Confirm your chosen day's details with the organizer before traveling.
