What the North Georgia State Fair Is
The North Georgia State Fair is the fall fair held each year at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, Cobb County. The 2026 fair was the 94th edition, ran 11 days from September 24 through October 4, and carried the theme "Fair Nights under Stars and Stripes" as a nod to America's 250th birthday. Organizers expected about 300,000 to 350,000 visitors over the run. It is a midway fair with rides, shows, food, petting barns and ribbon competitions, not a livestock-show circuit.
What You Find There
- Rides: More than 40 rides from Drew Exposition. New in 2026 were Horror Hotel, Flying Cows, Aero Max, Krazy Cars and a carousel. Returning favorites included the Georgia Mountain Lift, the Seattle Wheel and the Wildcat roller coaster.
- Shows: A fire show, magic show, motocross show, stunt shows, bull riding, a dog show and the Zerbini Family Circus.
- Mutton Bustin': In its second year, children ride sheep before the bull riding show. The longest rider wins a belt buckle, and helmets and knee and elbow pads are provided.
- Animals and exhibits: Petting barns, including one new barn in 2026, and blue ribbon competitions for craft goods, fruits, vegetables and other foods.
- Food: Corny dogs, funnel cakes, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and cheesecake, with new menu items priced at $10 and under.
Hours
| Day | Hours (2026) |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Friday | 4 p.m. to midnight |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to midnight |
| Sunday | 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
Gate entry closed at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Tuesday, September 29, sensory-friendly hours opened the fair at 2 p.m., with rides running without music or lights from 2 to 4 p.m. and a lighter crowd.
Tickets and Costs
Gate admission
- General: $15
- Seniors 55 and up: $10
- Children 10 and under: free
- Parking: free
Rides
Single-ride tickets were $1.25 each, with 21 tickets for $20, 55 for $50 and 120 for $100. Every ride takes more than one ticket. Pay-one-price wristbands were $25 on September 24, 28, 29, 30 and October 1; $30 on September 25, 27 and October 2 and 4; and $35 on Saturdays (September 26 and October 3) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., good until close. Tickets are not specific to any one day of the fair and are non-refundable, including for weather closures.
Rules Worth Knowing
- After 6 p.m. every day, anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent.
- A clear bag policy is in effect. Bags can be no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, and one-gallon resealable clear freezer bags and clutch purses up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches are also allowed.
- Security was expanded in 2026, with both electronic and staffed measures.
- ATMs are located throughout the fairgrounds.
Where to Go
Jim R. Miller Park, 1345 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, Georgia. Parking is free.
Questions
Is it open when I want to go?
The fair runs once a year in late September and early October. The most recent edition was September 24 to October 4, 2026; the next edition's dates have not been announced.
Can my child go without me?
Not after 6 p.m. Anyone under 17 needs a parent with them after that hour.
What is the cheapest way to ride?
A pay-one-price wristband was $25 on the weekday-heavy dates listed above, compared with $30 or $35 on weekend dates.
Can I enter a pie, a pumpkin or a craft?
The fair runs blue ribbon competitions for craft goods, fruits, vegetables and other foods. Check the fair's website for the current entry list.
Official Links
- 2026 ticket page: hours, gate prices, ride tickets and wristbands, rules
- Cobb County Courier: 2026 theme, rides, shows and sensory-friendly hours
- AJC 2026 fairs guide: dates, address and new rides
Georgia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Georgia's youth livestock season runs from January jackpots to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, which ran through October 18 in 2026, per WTOC. The top show is the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry: lambs and goats October 7 to 11, 2026, and hogs, beef, heifers, ewes and does February 17 to 20, 2027, per Georgia 4-H.
Who can show
Georgia 4-H and FFA members who have not finished high school. Grade minimums run from 1st grade for lambs and goats to 4th grade for beef.
Tags and papers
Market lambs and goats need state ear tags by August 1 and hogs by December 5. Livestock need a veterinary inspection certificate.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension agent or ag teacher for the fair book and entry dates.
Rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Georgia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Blue Ridge Cattle Classic
Two-day junior cattle show at the Union County Agricenter in Blairsville, part of the Georgia 4-H and FFA winter show circuit.
Blairsville, GA Official event details - Rockin The Ridge Market Hog Show
Market hog show for 4-H and FFA exhibitors at the Fannin County Ag Facility in Blue Ridge, run by the county FFA Alumni.
- Syrup City Harvest Classic Cattle and Pig Show
Three-day cattle and pig show in Cairo, the Syrup City, scheduled for November 13-15, 2026. Held each year as part of the fall youth livestock circuit.
Cairo, GA Official event details - MAC Attack Cattle Show
One-day junior cattle show held in the MAC Building in Hazlehurst, Jeff Davis County, on the Georgia 4-H show calendar.
Hazlehurst, GA Official event details - The MAC Attack Cattle Show
One-day cattle show at the MAC Building in Hazlehurst, scheduled for November 14, 2026. Held each year on the fall youth show calendar.
Hazlehurst, GA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.