Mississippi State Fair Weekend: First Responder Friday, Parade, Rodeo, Pageant
The 167th Mississippi State Fair rolls into its first full weekend with a packed schedule Friday through Sunday at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson — a day after Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson cut the ribbon to open the gates. Watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Friday, Oct. 9 — First Responder Friday
All police officers, firefighters, first responders, healthcare workers and medical professionals get free admission with valid ID. A $30 ride wristband runs from 8 p.m. to close. Gates open at 11 a.m. with free admission until 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10
The “Let Freedom Ring!” Midway Parade steps off at 1:30 p.m., traveling from the Big Ferris Wheel down the Midway. The day wraps with the Tri-State Rodeo at 8 p.m. inside the Kirk Fordice Equine Center ($15 admission). Also on the schedule: livestock shows, chainsaw carving, the petting zoo, pig races, the Royal Legacy Circus and the Flying Fools High Dive Show.
Sunday, Oct. 11
The Tri-State Rodeo continues at 3 p.m. ($15), followed by the Dixie National Rodeo Queen Pageant at 6 p.m. in the Mississippi Coliseum, where the new Miss Dixie National, Junior Miss Dixie National and Dixie National Princess will be crowned.
Know before you go
- Gate admission is $10; parking is free; children 5 and under are free.
- Free admission weekdays 11 a.m.–1 p.m., except Columbus Day.
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older after 6 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and all day Friday and Saturday.
- Veterans and active-duty military with valid ID get a complimentary Brisket Biscuit at the Biscuit Booth, plus vendor discounts on the Midway.
- All bags are subject to search; no outside food or beverage.
Weather note: Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Mississippi coast this weekend — check the latest forecast before heading to Jackson.
