Looking for a way to get out and beat the lingering summer heat at the same time? The annual Nashville Fair is back from Sept. 11-20 and will offer everything from outdoor games and rides to a massive indoor animal exhibit, complete with air conditioning.
The fair, which is celebrating its fifth year, will be held at the Fairgrounds Nashville. This year's theme is "Fun for the Whole Country" in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States, according to a Sept. 3 news release from fair organizers.
"The Nashville Fair's purpose is to bring our community together to celebrate and educate about food, farm, creativity, discovery, entertainment and the people who make Middle Tennessee special," part of the release said. "The carnival rides are a thrilling
bonus, but the heart of the fair can be found inside the expo halls."
Here's what to know about the family-friendly event and what it has to offer.
Nashville Fair cost, parking, location
Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children over the age of 6 or seniors over the age of 55. Kids age 5 and under can attend for free. Children must be accompanied by adults. All-you-can-ride wristbands are available for $35. Ride tickets are available for $1.50 each, but some require more than one ticket. Arena event tickets are individually priced. There are also options for group discounts. More information can be found at nashfair.fun.
The fairgrounds are at 320 Wedgewood Ave. A rideshare drop-off point and an accessible entrance for guests with disabilities are located at Fifty Forward at 174 Rains Ave. There is also on-site parking at gate 7 on the fairgrounds at 320 Craighead Ave. There are several bus routes that drop off near the fairgrounds. Bus information can be found at WeGoTransit.com.
Nashville Fair schedule
Here is the full schedule for the fair, including admission, midway, exhibit and building hours.
Admission hours
- Friday, Sept. 11: 5 – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 13: Noon – 9 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 14 – Friday, Sept. 18: 5 – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19 – Sunday, Sept. 20: Noon – 9 p.m.
Midway hours
- Friday, Sept. 11: 5 – 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 13: Noon – 10:30 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 14 – Friday, Sept. 18: 5 – 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19 – Sunday, Sept. 20: Noon – 10:30 p.m.
Building and exhibit hours
- Friday, Sept. 11: 5 – 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 13: Noon – 10 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 14 – Friday, Sept. 18: 5 – 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19 – Sunday, Sept. 20: Noon – 10 p.m.
Nashville Fair offers wide variety of events, rides, hands-on learning
There's a little bit of everything at this year's Nashville Fair. Want to cheer on racing pigs? You're in luck. In the mood for a monster truck rally or wrestling match? Yep, they have those too. Got a hankering for classic fried fair food, international cuisine or live music? Check, check and check. There are also special arena events that include everything from a murder mystery to a cosplay contest.
Fairgoers can compete for prizes during different events, including the second annual "Fairest of the Fair" beauty pageant, hot chicken and ice cream eating contests, and competitions for fruits, vegetables, livestock and arts, among others.
And of course, what fair would be complete without carnival rides? Midway rides will available to all ages, but some will have height restrictions in place for safety, according to the fair website.
What's new this year at the Nashville Fair
A Nigerian dwarf goat named Barnyard Benny will be on hand as the fair's official mascot. He'll be out and about greeting guests throughout the fair. Visitors can also find him inside the AGtivity Hall, along with other farm animals and hands-on farming and learning experiences.
The American Black Hereford Association will host its annual members meeting and conference at the fair from Sept. 11-13 this year.
"The multi-day event will bring together top breeders, exhibitors and industry leaders from across the country for the National Black Hereford Open Show and National Junior Show, as well as the association’s annual meeting and educational programming," the release stated.
Learn more
Tickets and more information can be found at NashFair.fun.
Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on X or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: From pig races to funnel cakes, the Nashville Fair has you covered
