The State Fair of Virginia aims to give visitors even more bang for their buck with new ticketing options for this year’s event. For instance, the youth ticket age was expanded from 5 to 13 years old to 5 to 17 years old in 2026.
“We focus on listening to our customers’ needs and add products and discounts that are focused on family affordability,” said Marlene Jolliffe, executive director of the State Fair of Virginia.
The 2026 fair kicks off Friday, Sept. 25, running through Sunday, Oct. 4.
Purchasing tickets online brings the prices down a few dollars, and the earlier you buy, the better the deal. For the lowest pricing, mark your calendar to snag advance sale tickets when they go live on Sept. 1 through Sept. 22. Even if you miss the presale window, purchasing tickets online during the fair is still cheaper than paying for admission at the gate.
Advance tickets are priced at $14.50 for ages 18 and over and $12 for ages 5 to 17. Advance pricing also includes a family deal: $44 for four tickets.
Tickets sold at the gate during the fair will cost $17 for adults on weekdays and $21 on weekends. Tickets will cost $16 for ages 5 to 17 on weekdays and $18 on weekends. Admission is free for children ages 4 and younger. Fares at the gate for seniors ages 65 and older, as well as active military members and veterans, will cost $14 on weekdays and $18 on weekends.
Large groups of 50 or more can snag discounts by purchasing their tickets in advance. To inquire about deals on group tickets, email groupsales@statefairva.org or call 804.994.2800.
“The $85 Fair Fan pass is valid for one admission per day throughout the fair, but it doesn’t have to be used by the same person every day, so you can share it with family, neighbors or friends,” Jolliffe said.
On State Fair Cares promotional days (Sept. 28 through 30), guests can get in for $10 at the gate between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a donation of two school supplies, two cans of food or a pair of new winter gloves. All contributions collected will go to local nonprofits.
And let’s not forget about parking. General parking is free, but fairgoers angling for a closer prime spot can reserve premium parking for $25.50, available online in limited quantities per day. If you want a premium parking space, don’t dawdle as Jolliffe said they tend to sell out.
“When you think about everything we have to offer — more than 300 total hours of entertainment, main stage performances every night of the week, educational value, the chance to see live animals and interact with real farmers, a ticket to the State Fair of Virginia is really a tremendous value,” she said.
The 2026 State Fair of Virginia runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 4 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. For online tickets, schedules and more information, visit statefairva.org.
