What the Mississippi State Fair Is
The Mississippi State Fair is the state's flagship fair: eleven days each October of midway rides, concerts, food, exhibits and junior livestock shows on the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. The most recent edition, the 167th, ran October 8-18, 2026 under the theme "Let Freedom Ring," which marked America's 250th anniversary and honored military veterans. The fair is run by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
What Was on in 2026
- Opening-day fireworks on October 8
- The fair's first military parade on October 10, with military vehicles along the midway
- A Flo Rida concert on October 15; concert tickets include fair admission
- New acts: a high-dive show, a chainsaw-carving act and an open-air circus
- A replica of Mississippi's booth from the July Fourth America 250 celebration on the National Mall, inside the Mississippi Trade Mart
- The Mississippi Beef Council's Beef Barn
- Junior livestock shows for 4-H and FFA youth
- A "Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo" at Patriot Village, and the Dixie National Rodeo Queen Pageant
Admission and Perks
| Who | What it cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| General admission | $10 at the gate |
| Advance online tickets | $8 through October 8, bought at MSStateFair.com |
| Weekday lunch hours | Free for everyone |
| Senior Citizen Day (a Wednesday) | Free for seniors |
| Veterans and active duty | Show ID at the gate for a wristband with vendor discounts and a free brisket biscuit during Biscuit Booth hours |
Parking carried no separate fee. Biscuit Booth hours were 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Security and Rules to Know
Guests passed through metal detectors at seven midway entry points and were asked to bring identification. Full face coverings were not allowed. Anyone under 18 had to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older after 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and all day Friday and Saturday. Law enforcement from several agencies was present, and the Mississippi National Guard was on site for opening day.
Junior Livestock Shows at the Fair
Mississippi 4-H and FFA members aged 8 to 18 show market steers, lambs, goats, hogs and breeding animals at the fair. County Extension offices took entries by September 1, 2026, and the final Showman app deadline was September 18 at $5 per head. A veterinarian's health certificate is required to get livestock onto the fairgrounds.
Where
Mississippi Fairgrounds, 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, a campus of more than 105 acres. The Mississippi Coliseum seats 6,500 and the temperature-controlled Kirk Fordice Equine Center seats 2,500. The fairgrounds administrative office is 601-961-4000.
Questions
Can I get in free?
Yes, during weekday lunch hours, and seniors on Senior Citizen Day. Veterans get a free brisket biscuit with ID.
Is the concert included?
Concert tickets include fair admission.
Can teenagers go alone?
Not in the evening. Under-18 guests needed an adult 21 or older after 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and all day Friday and Saturday.
Where do I buy tickets?
Advance tickets were sold at MSStateFair.com.
Official Links
- Mississippi Fairgrounds
- WLOX: security measures and veteran perks ahead of the opening
- Mississippi Fairgrounds upcoming events
- Junior livestock show general rules (MSU Extension)
Mississippi County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Mississippi's youth livestock circuit runs from the State Fair in October through district shows in January to the Dixie National Junior Round-Up, February 1 to 11, 2027, per MSU Extension's general rules. County fairs set their own dates.
State fair
The 2026 Mississippi State Fair ran October 8 to 18 in Jackson, per WLOX. Exhibitors must be 4-H or FFA members, at least 8 and not yet 19 on January 1.
Ownership and tags
Ownership and county entry dates were September 1 and December 1, 2026. Market and commercial animals need 840 EID ear tags and a veterinarian's health certificate, per the general rules.
Health papers
Brucellosis and tuberculosis tests are not required while Mississippi stays free of those diseases, and exhibitors also submit a 60-day animal health record in the check-in app.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office or FFA advisor for your fair book, tagging dates and sale rules.
Weights and entry rules differ by species and show. The 2025 State Fair drew 1,283 animals and 827 youth exhibitors, per the October 2025 newsletter, so book your barn and check-in times early.
Read the full guide: Mississippi County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- MSFB Classic Livestock Show
The Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show fills the Livestock Arena at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 20-22, 2026.
- Tri-State Rodeo Finals
Rodeo finals are held at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center on the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson, with flag girl tryouts alongside. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 20-21, 2026.
- Dixie National Junior Round-Up
Youth beef, sheep, goat, swine and dairy exhibitors compete in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up. The 2027 show is set for February 1-11, with ownership deadlines of September 1 and December 1, 2026 by division.
- MS Ag and Outdoor Expo
Farm, ranch and outdoor exhibitors gather at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson for a three-day expo scheduled for February 19-21, 2027.
Jackson, MS Official event details - Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo
The 61st Dixie National Rodeo ran nine performances over two weekends at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. Held each year in February; the most recent dates were February 13-21, 2026.
All Mississippi events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.