It’s not too late to have a blast at the Nashville Fair, which ends Sunday. My family and I attended last weekend, and had so much fun. It’s a surprisingly cozy fair that never felt too overwhelming, unlike others I’ve been to. Here’s everything you need to know about how to have a great time at the fair.
🕠 The Deets
- Where: The Nashville Fairgrounds. Parking is at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
- When: Today-Sunday
- Time: Thursday & Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors 55+, free for kids five and under. MNPS students received a free ticket from their school, which will only be good for Thursday. All-you-can-ride wristbands are $35. I recommend swinging the wristband if you can afford it, especially if you have kids. The cost of individual rides adds up quick.
Toddlers, older kids, and adults alike can find rides to enjoy. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
🎡 The Rides & Games
The fair has so many rides for kids of all ages. My daughter first wanted to hit up three little kiddie rides and a giant slide, then she toured the bouncy houses. We saw preschoolers and up on the kiddie rides, and the bouncy houses had toddlers and big kids jumping together.
Farther into the fair we found a mix of kid rides and roller coasters, but it still leaned heavily on rides for kids. I was feeling a bit dizzy at this point after a round on the spinning teacups, so I took a brief rest on the Ferris wheel before telling my spouse it was his turn to accompany our daughter on rides. They took a turn on the Alien UFO, and I had a good laugh when the ride ended and my daughter skipped out happily while my spouse grabbed onto the railing and slowly made his way back to Earth.
After that, my daughter went to a couple of the playground-style rides, and played some games. The games are also very kid-friendly. You pay a certain amount to play, and are guaranteed a prize based on how much you spend. Sadly, the bunny my daughter ‘won’ from playing darts had a giant hole in it and immediately started shedding stuffing, but we sewed it up once home.
While the fair leans into kid-friendly fun, several bigger roller coasters offer fun for teens and adults. So if you’re childless and thinking of attending, you’ll still enjoy it.
Fried Oreo, anyone? (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
🍽️ The Food
The food for the most part is typical fair food: Funnel cakes, hot dogs, burgers, fries, cotton candy, etc. I also saw fried Oreos, if you want to be adventurous, and there were food trucks from Delicias Colombianas RR and Prince’s Hot Chicken. Maybe don’t eat hot chicken and then immediately hop onto one of the roller coasters 🤢
I hoped there might be some allergy-friendly options, but that was wishful thinking. I couldn’t eat anything there, but although the website says no food or drink, I brought a snack and water, and they let me pass through the front gates with them.
This is clearly a first-place bunny, though I would’ve given them all ribbons. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
🐄 The Exhibits
Honestly, the exhibits were my favorite part. I loved the animals, produce, and crafts. We saw award-winning goats, cows, rabbits, and chickens; pumpkins, cucumbers, and other produce; quilts and table settings; and even Lego builds. My daughter wants to enter the Lego contest next year. Scattered throughout the exhibits are games and activities. It’s a great way to cool down after a day at the fair.
🎤 Special Events
A stage has constant performances throughout the day. This weekend they’re celebrating the Festival of Nations. Pro Wrestling Entertainment is coming to the fair on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and there’s a range of musical acts every day. Make sure to check the schedule!
