The Georgia National Fair returns to Perry October 8–18, 2026, and choosing the right ticket starts with a question: Is your group going for the rides, the exhibits, or a little of both? Admission and unlimited rides are not automatically the same purchase.
The fair’s published information also includes changes affecting families with children, evening entry and how much adults pay at the gate. Here is a guide to the details worth checking before the trip to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, 401 Larry Walker Parkway.
Compare the purchase method, not just the headline price
The official online ticket page lists advance adult admission, ages 11 and older, at $15 and children ages 3–10 at $5. Children 2 and younger are free. Listed online prices include ticket fees and taxes. Advance sales run September 8–October 7.
The separate hours and pricing page lists adult gate admission at $15 by card or $20 in cash. Its senior admission is $10 for ages 60 and older. That payment-method difference matters when a group is planning to pay on arrival; bringing cash is not automatically the cheaper choice.
As an admission-only example, two adults and two children ages 3–10 would total $40 at the listed advance prices. The same mix at the posted regular cash gate adult price would total $50. Neither example includes rides, meals or purchases inside the fair.
The Mega Pass has specific eligible days
The Mega Pass and ride-armband page describes a bundle covering admission and unlimited rides on one eligible day. The online ticket page lists an all-in price of $41. Eligible dates are October 8, 9, 12–16 and 18. It is not valid on either Saturday or on Sunday, October 11.
Mega Pass sales end before the fair; the armband page gives an October 7 deadline of 9 p.m. Height requirements still apply. The listed exclusions include the Euroslide, Georgia Wheel, Agri Lift and nonmechanical rides. The pass and armband are not transferable.
Pick the visit date before buying the bundle. A pass that looks like a saving on paper will not solve a Saturday ride budget when Saturday is excluded. Families with younger children should also check ride height requirements before deciding that unlimited rides are worth more than individual tickets.
Opening day starts later
The fair lists general gate hours of 10 a.m.–9 p.m., except opening day, October 8, when gates open at 3 p.m. Gate hours and midway operating hours are separate. The fair’s pages do not all show the same ride-closing time, so confirm the day’s midway schedule rather than planning a last ride from an old screenshot.
For a first visit, decide on a few must-see attractions and leave space between them. An agricultural exhibit, a meal and time on the midway make a different itinerary from arriving specifically for an evening performance. Check the official daily calendar for the date you choose.
Review bags and evening entry rules
The official FAQ requires clear bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, with exceptions for wallet-sized bags, diaper bags and specified infant or medical needs. Bags may be inspected. After 5 p.m., visitors ages 17 and younger must have a legal guardian present to enter.
Public parking is free at the North, East and West gates; the South parking lot is not a general-public entry option. Outside food, drinks and coolers are not permitted under the general policy. Review accommodation information directly when your group has needs beyond those general rules.
Before checkout, confirm the visit date, each child’s age category and exactly what the ticket covers. Save the order and revisit the official schedule shortly before departure. Prices and conditions here reflect the fair’s published pages checked September 16, not a guarantee that every attraction will operate in all weather.
