August and September are the biggest months for fairs in Tennessee. If you’re feeling nostalgic for funnel cakes, pig races, Ferris wheels, and dubiously maintained fair rides, then here are five of the best fairs in the Nashville area.
When: Aug. 7-15
Where: Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, Franklin
Cost: $14 for adults, $7 for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-35
Details: In addition to all the classic fair rides and games, check out the birthing pigs exhibit, come face to face with dragons, enjoy historic reenactments, and stay late for fireworks on Friday and Saturday night.
When: Aug. 13-22
Where: James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon
Cost: $14+ for adults, $5+ for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-30
Details: This is the largest local fair, and considered one of the best in the country. Prepare yourself for crowds; over 700,000 people attend every year. I recommend taking advantage of their satellite parking and riding a shuttle over (pulled by a tractor!). This year’s theme, “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250!,” honors the nation’s 250th anniversary, while the fair also celebrates 2026 as the Year of Forestry.
When: Sept. 3-7
Where: Dickson County Fairgrounds
Cost: $25+, includes unlimited ride armband
Details: This small-town favorite features one-of-a-kind rides like the iconic Giant Astro Wheel and the Python Roller Coaster. Head over to the barn for a “Small Town Throwdown” featuring a range of poultry exhibits and an ugly chicken contest.
When: Sept. 3-7
Where: Maury County Park, Columbia
Cost: $15+, kids 12 and under are free, ride armbands $25+
Details: This year’s theme is “Starry Nights & Midway Lights,” and as the theme suggests, the Midway schedule is booming, with a rodeo, tractor pull, motocross, and more. A livestock show runs alongside the fair.
When: Sept. 11-20
Where: The Fairgrounds Nashville
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $35
Details: This is the least crowded fair, and therefore my favorite. It doesn’t have quite the level of fair food and unique performances as the state fair, but it does have all the classics, and it’s right in our own backyard. My favorite part is the arts and crafts exhibits. There’s still time to enter all the competitive events!
