County fairs are always guaranteed family fun — as well as a great opportunity to check out other cool places in Middle Tennessee. There’s no other better way to spend the day than eating fair food, riding carnival rides, seeing animals and listening to music and having a chance to see agriculture up close.
Last month, the Tennessee State Fair announced it will be combining forces with the beloved Wilson County Fair this August, which is sure to make the event bigger and better (if that’s possible) than ever!
Whether you like big motor sports or a nice picnic table and a fried funnel cake, there's a fair for you in Middle Tennessee. Check them out below and plan your fair season accordingly.
Trousdale County Fair in Hartsville
July 29-31, Aug. 5-7
Schedule of events here.
Location here.
Putnam County Fair in Cookeville
July 29 – Aug. 7
Schedule of events here.
Location here.
What's new? See “Grand Ma’s Barnyard,” a reproduction of a real 1940s and 1950s barnyard for animal-loving children and adults. A log cabin, garden, blacksmith, spinning and weaving, cast iron cooking demonstrations and pony rides can all be found here. See bull riders at the rodeo and take a spin on one of the amusement rides. On Aug. 2, the fair will host a big party that includes music from Backroads Band and Jack Hoot followed by a fireworks show to celebrate 95 years of the fair.
Macon County Fair in Lafayette
Aug. 2-7
Schedule of events here.
Location here.
What's new? Miss Fair Pageant, Dairy Show, 4WD Mud Race, Inflatable Park Day, Helicopter Rides, Ag Literacy Night, Ventriloquist Show and more!
Wilson County Fair and Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon
Aug. 12-21
Schedule of events here.
Location here.
Ticket info here.
What's new? This year’s fair honors hometown heroes from EMTs to doctors, police officers and firefighters. Competitions include a cornbread challenge, baking contest, arm wrestling, brick Olympics, cat competition, door and tablescape competitions. A 4-wheeler rodeo, barrel and pole rodeo and truck, tractor and farm stock tractor pulls can also be enjoyed. Get half-off admission (adults $6; children 6-12 years old $3) and $1 per ride as part of the Opening Day Special Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021. Or, purchase online to beat the ticket lines: adults are $12 and children 6-12 years old are $6. An unlimited ride wristband is $25 or individual ride tickets are $1 each.
Cumberland County Fair in Crossville
Aug. 23-28
Location here.
What's new? A variety of contests are planned from photography to baking, pageants to art and floral arrangements. Animal shows include cows, goats, rabbits, sheep and mules. Ride the iconic Rock and Roll Musik Express, a full-size Himalaya-style ride than accommodates up to 60 riders per ride. Other rides and carnival games will be featured as well as a number of food options.
White County Fair in Sparta
Aug. 27 – Sept. 4
Cost: $5 every day except Tuesday, Aug. 31
Schedule of events here.
Location here.
Maury County Fair in Columbia
Aug. 31 – Sept. 4
Schedule of events here.
Location here.
What's new? Last year, we saw Monster Trucks added to the lineup, and they were a huge hit! So, they will return this year to our big arena on Thursday of that week. We also see the return of several other popular events like the junk car jump & run and the Saturday motocross races. In addition to the back arena fun, all your favorite animal shows and exhibitor competitions are back this year too! Our kids zone will see a variety of live, exotic animals and science shows that will amaze kids of every age and our friends at Kissel entertainment will bring back the carnival rides and games we all love.
Robertson County Fair in Springfield
Sept. 7-11
Cost: Monday – Thursday $12 (all ages) covers Fair and Carnival Rides; Friday and Saturday – Adults $10 Students $5 (*Does not cover rides)
Times: 5:30 p.m. each night except Saturday, 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Location here.
For more information, visit tnfairs.com.
