North Georgia State Fair 2026: Rides, Food, and Family Fun in Marietta

The lights are about to turn on, the Ferris wheel is ready to spin, and somewhere in Marietta, a funnel cake is preparing to destroy somebody’s diet.

The North Georgia State Fair returns from September 24 through October 4, 2026, with carnival rides, wild stunt shows, fair food, animals, live entertainment, motocross, demolition derbies, and bull riding.

Now celebrating 94 years in Marietta, the fair is one of Cobb County’s biggest annual family events. North Georgia State Fair

Generated editorial illustration inspired by a fall evening at the North Georgia State Fair.

When and Where Is the Fair?

The 2026 North Georgia State Fair takes place at:

Jim R. Miller Park
1345 Al Bishop Drive
Marietta, GA 30008

Operating hours vary by day:

• Weekdays: Generally open at 4 p.m.
• Saturdays: Open from 10 a.m. until midnight
• Sundays: Open from 12:30–10 p.m.
• Friday nights: Open until midnight

Gate admission ends before the fair closes, and re-entry is not permitted. Check the official daily schedule before leaving because each day has different shows and discounts.

Admission, Parking, and Ride Prices

Advance admission costs $10 online through September 23. Regular gate admission is $15, seniors age 55 and older pay $10, and children age 10 and younger enter free.

Parking is also free.

Rides and food are not included with general admission. Individual ride tickets cost $1.25, and most attractions require three to five tickets.

The better option for serious riders may be the Pay-One-Price pass. Advance unlimited-ride passes are listed at $23.95 and can be used on any single fair day. Once the event begins, daily unlimited-ride prices range from $25 to $35. Admission is still required separately. Official ticket information

Come Hungry for the Fair Food

This is not the place to bring a carefully organized salad.

Fair food is supposed to be excessive, slightly ridiculous, and worth photographing before you take the first bite. Expect familiar carnival favorites such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, fries, and cold lemonade, alongside rotating food vendors.

Generated editorial illustration representing classic state-fair food; vendor menus may differ.

Walk through the food area before committing to a complete meal. That enormous funnel cake may look like the perfect opening move, but it becomes a questionable decision when you discover another tempting stand five minutes later.

Visitors may bring one factory-sealed bottle of water per person. Outside food and coolers are generally prohibited, with exceptions for infants, allergies, and special dietary needs.

Big Action at the Grandstand

The Carriage Kia Grandstand hosts several of the fair’s most exciting events.

The 406 Freestyle Motocross team is scheduled to perform September 24–29. Riders will launch from ramps and perform aerial tricks during multiple evening shows.

The Demolition Derby arrives on Wednesday, September 30 at 8 p.m., including a children’s Power Wheels Derby during intermission. On October 1, Cobb government agencies compete in a separate charity demolition derby.

Generated editorial illustration inspired by the scheduled motocross and demolition-derby events.

The final weekend brings the American BullRiders Tour on October 2, 3, and 4, with Mutton Busting scheduled before each show.

These events are included with fair admission, but popular performances can fill the seating area. Arrive early if the grandstand show is one of your main reasons for visiting.

New Entertainment for 2026

Several new attractions are joining the fair this year.

The Off Axis Stunt Show combines tramp-wall performances, pogo tricks, teeterboard stunts, acrobatics, and comedy. The Keith King BMX Stunt Show features ramps, jumps, and aerial bicycle tricks.

Visitors can also watch the ARCY Live Mural Experience, Jay Mattioli’s magic show, Fireguy, and the Zerbini Family Circus.

The official entertainment lineup says these ground shows are included with admission. Explore the 2026 attractions

Animals and Activities for Children

The Ready-Go-Dog Show features Frisbee dogs, diving dogs, and impressive jumping performances, followed by opportunities to meet the four-legged stars.

The North Georgia Animals Petting Barn includes horses, goats, cows, rabbits, llamas, and other familiar farm animals. Eudora Farms also brings an exotic-animal experience with approximately 20 to 25 animals.

Generated editorial illustration inspired by the fair’s scheduled family attractions.

Families should photograph their children at one of the identification stations near the entrances and request free child-identification wristbands.

After 6 p.m., visitors younger than 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter.

Best Discount Days

Opening day, September 24, includes free admission and a $25 unlimited-ride special.

On September 25, seniors, military members, veterans, law-enforcement personnel, firefighters, first responders, and healthcare workers receive free admission with valid identification.

Teachers and school-district employees receive free admission with staff identification on September 29, while college students can enter free with valid college ID on October 1.

On October 2–4, visitors can bring five unexpired nonperishable food items for the MUST Ministries Food Drive and receive free admission.

Know Before You Go

Only clear bags and security-checked diaper bags are allowed. Backpacks, oversized purses, fanny packs, outside food, and coolers are prohibited.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring a clear bag, charge your phone, and purchase advance tickets if you already know you are going. September afternoons can remain warm, while October evenings may feel cooler after sunset.

Final Take

The North Georgia State Fair delivers the complete fall-fair experience without leaving Cobb County. You can spend the afternoon visiting animals and watching stunt shows, eat something wonderfully unhealthy, and finish the night beneath a glowing Ferris wheel.

Choose a discount day, buy your ride pass early, and arrive with an empty stomach. The funnel cake will take care of the rest.