County Fairs in Georgia
Georgia has 159 counties — the most of any state east of the Mississippi — and a deeply rooted agricultural fair tradition dating to the 19th century. The Georgia National Fair in Perry (Houston County) is held annually in October at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The Georgia State Fair runs separately at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton (October 2–11 in 2026).
County fairs across Georgia reflect the state's geographic diversity: north Georgia mountain communities, Piedmont farming counties, coastal Lowcountry regions, and central Georgia's agricultural heartland each bring distinct character to their local fairs. The Georgia Fairs Association supports programming across the county fair network, with most fairs running from late summer through fall.
Top County Fair Events in Georgia
- Georgia National Fair — Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry; October; agricultural exhibits, livestock, craft and fine arts, entertainment
- Georgia State Fair — EchoPark Speedway, Hampton; October 2–11 in 2026; fair with vendor halls and agricultural programming
- Gwinnett County Fair — Lawrenceville (2405 Sugarloaf Parkway); county fair in the Atlanta metro area; check the fair's website for dates
- Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair — Statesboro; October (64th annual, October 19–24, 2026); regional south Georgia fair with farm animals and rides
What to Expect
Georgia county fairs typically include livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, home arts competitions, carnival midways, and live entertainment. Craft and home arts exhibits feature quilts, canned goods, baked items, and needlework. Vendor halls at larger fairs mix handmade artisan goods with commercial products. The Georgia National Fair in Perry has multiple buildings dedicated to exhibitions and vendor areas.
The fair season peaks in September and October, aligning with cooler fall weather and the harvest season. North Georgia mountain communities often tie their fairs to fall foliage tourism. Admission at most county fairs is modest; gate admission to the 2026 Georgia National Fair is $15 for adults.
Popular Cities for County Fairs
- Atlanta — Gateway to Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb county fairs; Stone Mountain Park events nearby
- Savannah — Coastal Georgia county fairs with Lowcountry traditions
- Augusta — Exchange Club Fair in the CSRA region; Richmond County fair tradition
- Athens — Oconee County Fair and access to north Georgia mountain fairs
For a full overview of craft events in the state, visit the Georgia craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia National Fair?
The Georgia National Fair is held each October at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry (Houston County). It features agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, craft and fine arts competitions, entertainment, and vendor areas. It is one of the largest annual events in central Georgia.
When do county fairs run in Georgia?
Georgia county fairs run primarily from late summer through fall, peaking in September and October. The Georgia State Fair at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton runs October 2–11 in 2026. The Georgia National Fair in Perry runs in October.
How many county fairs does Georgia have?
Georgia has 159 counties, and the Georgia Fairs Association supports county fair programming across the state. Fair sizes range from small rural one-day events to multi-day fairs with carnival midways and concert stages. The state's diversity of geography gives each region its own fair character.