If you close your eyes and concentrate long enough, you can almost smell the corn dogs and funnel cakes at the Mid-South Fair. You can almost hear the screams of joy when a ride takes you higher and faster than expected. You remember your sticky hands from eating cotton candy and getting licked by the goats in the livestock area. You smile as you remember winning a goldfish in a ziplock gallon bag, holding it tightly all the way home.

Ahhhh, the memories of the Mid-South Fair. Now that you’re the parent, you know how important it is to instill these same memories in your own kids, since childhood isn’t complete without a fair experience!

A Guide to taking your family to the Mid-South Fair:

October 1- October 11, 2026

Landers Center
4560 Venture Dr, Southaven MS 38671

GET YOUR TICKETS

August 3rd-September 7th – early EARLY bird sale

• All ages $5

September 8th-20st – early bird sale

• Adults: $8.00
• Children (age 5-12) and senior (age 60+) $5.00

September 21st-30th

• Adults: $10.00
• Children (age 5-12) and senior (age 60+) $5.00

October1st-11th

• Online: Adults $13, Child/Senior $8
• At the Gate: Adults $15, Child/Senior $10

PARKING

• prior to 6pm on weekdays and prior to 4pm on weekends, FREE
• $5 per car during other times

DAYS & TIMES

• Thursday, October 1 / 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Free Entry All Day)
• Friday, October 2 / 4:00 pm -10:00 pm
• Saturday, October 3 / 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Sunday, October 4 / 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm* 
• Monday, October 5 / 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Tuesday, October 6 / 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Wednesday, October 7 / 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Free Entry 10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
• Thursday, October 8 / 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Friday, October 9 / 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Saturday, October 10 / 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Sunday, October 11 / 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Times are subject to change, so be sure to double check their website before going

PRO-MOM TIPS : What to Bring and What to Buy

Outside food is not permitted, but Fair Food is the best food so if you went just for the food we’d understand.

There is an open air pavilion with air conditioned bathrooms, but most of the restrooms are port-a-potties, so make sure you pack your own TP and wipes just in case.

There is a nursing room available for parents, a sensory room through KultureCity, and baby changing stations available.

In the interest of public safety, Landers Center has implemented a clear bag policy that limits the size and types of types of bags that may be brought into the venue. The fastest way to enter is to not bring a bag at all.

FAIR FOOD : The Real Reason We All Go To the Fair

Let’s all just admit it right now: the rides are exciting, the animals entertaining, the games are fun… but none of those things compares to FAIR FOOD. Yep. Dare I say, the *real reason* we all pretty much go every year is to chow down on all the iconic yummy-ness only the fair can provide.

Here’s a list of 5 MUST EATS when you’re at the Mid-South Fair:

1. Pronto Pups Footlong Corn Dogs
2. Funnel Cakes (with or without large amounts of toppings!)
3. Chicken Tenders & Spiral Cut Fries
4. Fair Lemonade
5. Turkey legs

GAMES GALORE : Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

While rides might not be for everyone (or maybe your child is too tiny yet), games are! And The Mid-South Fair has games galore! There are games where you can win a giant stuffed animal, games where you can win a goldfish, and games where you win bragging rights. Whatever is at stake, there are games for all ages and talents.

Here’s 5 MUST TRY games when you’re at the Mid-South Fair:

1. Water race
2. Lucky Ducky
3. Bust a Balloon
4. Basketball free throw
5. Ring Toss (win the live goldfish!)

FAIR RIDES : A Thrill of a Lifetime

Growing up, I LOVED going to the Mid-South Fair and riding all the rides. And I have loved getting to ride with my kids and watch them ride and discover what their favorite rides are. My 13 year old LOVES the gravitron.  My daughter loves the Ferris Wheel! Whatever ride is your’s or your child’s favorite, there are rides for all ages and adventure levels!

Here are 5 MUST TRY rides while you’re at the fair:

1. Ferris Wheel
2. Gravitron
3. Swing ride
4. Roller Coaster
5. Merry-Go-Round

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT : Even More Ways to Enjoy the Fair

Many don’t know that there’s more to the fair than just the exhibits. Since 1856, The Mid-South Fair has been a way to bring the community together and for decades they’ve been achieving their goal.

Here are more ways to enjoy or participate in the fair:

1. Student Art Contest (Kindergarten through 12th grade)
2. Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant
3. Youth Talent Contest & Show

Click here to learn more.

CONCERTS :  Live Music & More

It’s wouldn’t really be a fair in Memphis if there wasn’t live music! Every year The Mid-South Fair offers an unbeatable lineup of local and national artists that enhance your fair experience even more! These talented musicians are the icing on the cake to a fabulous week at the Lander’s Center.

Here is the complete music lineup:

**Announcing soon! Will update as soon as the information is finalized!

What is your favorite part of the Mid-South Fair? Can’t wait to see you there!