DOSWELL,Va. — When making plans to attend the State Fair of Virginia between Sept. 29 and Oct. 8, make the most of your visit with this handy guide to tickets, parking, hours and services.
Held at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, the fair will open at 10 a.m. each day except for Midway Madness by Virginia Lottery and Virginia529 Kidway, which will open at 11.
“The State Fair attracts visitors from all across the commonwealth, and providing an enjoyable experience for those fairgoers is a priority,” said Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “Information for planning a visit, as well as a full schedule of events, is online at StateFairVa.org. We encourage guests to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that take weather into account. It’s not a bad idea to have warmer clothing or rain gear in the car, too, just in case.”
Tickets
Fairgoers who like to plan ahead can purchase advance tickets at StateFairVa.org and at participating Walgreens locations in Virginia. Advance-price online ticket sales will run through Sept. 28. Regular-price fair tickets can be purchased online Sept. 29 through Oct. 8. Advance tickets and discounted ride wristband vouchers also will be available through Sept. 28 at participating Walgreens locations in Virginia. Regular-price fair tickets and ride wristband vouchers will be available at Walgreens Sept. 29 through Oct. 8.
Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for youth 5-12 and seniors 60 and older—representing a savings of $3 each. They can be used any day during the fair. Children 4 and younger will be admitted free with a paid adult admission. Season passes good for all 10 days of the fair are $40 and can be purchased online through Sept. 26.
Rides are not included in fair admission, but ticket buyers can save $5 online on advance-purchase vouchers for Unlimited Ride Wristbands. The advance wristbands are $20.
A Premium Weekday Parking pass, good on Monday through Thursday, is $10, and a Premium Weekend Parking pass, good Friday through Sunday, is $20.
Parking
General parking at The Meadow is free, and parking lot trams will be running in Lots A and C to help customers get to and from their vehicles. Look for Ford Tram stops designated with small tents and flags. Fair officials advise guests to note the numbered sign nearest their vehicles so they can find their way back easily.
In the portion of the fair on the north side of state Route 30, customers can use guest service carts to shuttle between designated stops.
Hours, rides and amenities
Ticket Plaza and building/exhibit hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays and Monday through Thursday. Rides will operate for at least one hour after the Ticket Plaza closes.
General admission includes access to all concerts, performances, exhibits and demonstrations. Ride tickets and single-day unlimited-ride wristbands will be available for purchase at Ride Ticket Booths in the Midway and Kidway areas. Requirements for rides and some attractions include height, weight and whether a child must be accompanied by an adult. Those requirements will be displayed at each ride and attraction, as well as at the Midway Customer Service booth.
Guests will be able to rent wheelchairs, motorized scooters and single and double strollers outside the Ticket Plaza on a first come, first served basis. Chair rentals and a personal chair check station will be available near the main stage, and guests are welcome to bring blankets as well to enjoy musical performances from the lawn outside Meadow Hall.
Handwashing stations will be strategically located throughout the property. The State Fair recommends washing hands after leaving an animal or midway area and before eating or drinking.
The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.
— State Fair of Virginia
