The State Fair of Virginia aims to give visitors even more bang for their buck with new ticketing options for this year’s event.
“We’ve listened to what our customers want and worked hard to make the fair more affordable by introducing new products,” said vice president of operations Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe. “We’re also bringing back several options we haven’t had since before the pandemic.”
For instance, both the senior and child ticketing options will be available for purchase again this year.
The 2025 fair kicks off Friday, Sept. 26, running through Sunday, Oct. 5. Standard adult tickets (age 13 and up) at the gate are $16 during the week and $20 on the weekends. Tickets for kids age 5 to 12 are $12 weekdays and $16 on the weekends, while children 4 and under get in free. Gate tickets for seniors age 65+, active-duty military and veterans are $14 on weekdays and $16 on weekends with valid ID.
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. 25. Even if you miss the pre-sale window, purchasing tickets online during the fair is still cheaper than paying for admission at the gate.
The Family Four-Pack ($42.50) is a brand-new offering for 2025, and the Fair Fan pass is back by popular demand, covering 10 admissions for $85. Both options include all online processing fees and require advance purchase.
“The 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,” Pierson-Jolliffe said.
Advance sales are the best way to go for midway wristbands as well, offering a full day’s worth of unlimited rides for $27. On Sept. 26, the price increases to $31. Or guests can always purchase a swipe card for $15 on-site to load and reload with credits at stations throughout the midway.
On “State Fair Cares” promotional days (Friday, Sept. 26; Monday, Sept. 29; Tuesday, Sept. 30; and Wednesday, Oct. 1), guests can get in for $9 at the gate between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a donation of 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 fair-goers 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 space, don’t dawdle. Pierson-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 2025 State Fair of Virginia runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. For online tickets, schedules and more information, go to statefairva.org.
