The Tennessee State Fair has become a long-standing tradition. Held at the Tennessee State Fair
Grounds, the fair holds the traditional array of carnival rides, fair food, livestock showings and
competitions, live music and even motorsports events, such as the famed Demolition Derby. The fair is
a highly publicized event that is a must for any resident of Middle Tennessee.
Sophomore Reed Sircy had a great experience when he attended the fair. “I had a blast at the fair,” he said. “The food is great, and the rides are awesome.”
The fair is also an excellent way to socialize. Freshmen Grant Sinclair said, “The fair is a fun place to be because there is a lot of stuff to do with your friends.”
The fair begins this Friday night, Sept. 9 and concludes Sunday, Sept. 18.
Adult tickets are $5 through an advance online sale, and $8 at the gate. Twenty dollars will get you the “ultimate ride wristband” through the advance online sale, but at the gate, tickets are $25 on Monday through Friday and $30 on Saturdays and Sundays. Kroger is currently selling general admission tickets and “ultimate ride wristbands” in advance, as well, for the online price without the hassle of buying them online.
Consult the Tennessee State Fair website for further price information concerning the fair itself,
Demolition Derby and State Fair Spectacular Auto Race (listed below).
The dates and times are as follows (taken from the site):
Opening Day (9/9) – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturdays (9/10 & 9/17) – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sundays (9/11 & 9/18) – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday (9/12) – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday (9/13) – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday (9/14-9/16) – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
If you are looking for some inexpensive fun to enjoy over the next week or so, then make a trip to the
Tennessee State Fair, especially if you are new to Tennessee (or the South, for that matter) and want to
get a small taste of the down-home, country-style life we Tennesseans have come to know and love. Oh,
I might add that an event featuring monkeys riding pigs is said to hit the fair. If that doesn’t entice you, I don’t know what will.
Here is a link to the official website if you have any questions, need directions, or just want to get a
better idea of the fun in store.