Missouri State Fair
The Missouri State Fair has been a family favorite event for Missouri locals and visitors, and this year, the organizers invite you to “come home!” Since 1901, families have made memories at the Missouri State Fair, taking in carnival rides and games, live grandstand music, livestock exhibitors, competitions and much more. Others are taking notice, too. In 2018, the Missouri State Fair was recognized for excellence in agriculture education, sponsorship, competitive exhibits and communications at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Convention.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Hours of Operation:
Gates:
7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (use Gate 6 after 10 p.m.)
Carnival Midway Hours:
The carnival midway opens by noon on weekdays and by 11 a.m. on weekends. The midway closes between 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. daily, at the Carnival company’s discretion and weather permitting.
Exhibit Buildings:
August 8-17: Most buildings are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 18: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Box Office Hours:
June 25 – Aug 2, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. (M-F)
Closed July 4 in observance of Fourth of July Holiday
Aug 5-7, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Aug 8-18, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wristbands are sold until 10:30 p.m. each day and are valid only on the day of sale (no refunds).
There is plenty of fun for all ages and the entire family. Some of the attractions and lineup include:
Special Contests: Special contests include the Homegrown Singer Contest, Kids Contest, Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Come Home Special Contest, Show-Me Robotics Competitions & Exhibitions, Show-Me Stock Dog Trail, and Pedal Pull.
Competitions and Livestock: For more information on competitions and livestock visit the Missouri State Fair website.
Rides and Attractions: There are a wide variety of carnival rides and games for all ages. Click here for more information about the carnival midway and for carnival deals.
Livestock Shows: From poultry to rabbits, goats, cattle, swine, horses and much more, the Missouri State Fair features animal and livestock shows and competitions everyone will love to watch. For a complete listing, click here.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are plenty of amenities available at the State Fair of Missouri. They include food and drink concessions, ATMs, a Family Fun Center that includes air conditioning, baby changing station, feeding area and wash basin, courtesy carts, electric scooter, stroller and wheelchair rental, first aid, internet access, lost and found, picnic areas, tram service from parking areas to admission gates and more.
LOCATION
The Missouri State Fair occurs each year at the State Fairgrounds, located at:
2503 W. 16th Street
Sedalia, MO 65301
LINEUP
Grandstand: Acts include: Dwight Yoakam with King Leg, Brantley Gilbert, The Struts with White Reaper, Missouri State Fair shoot out, Lucas Oil Pro pulling league, Chicks with Hits Featuring Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, and Suzy Boggus, Tyler Childers with Brent Cobb, For King and Country with Matt Maher, Foreigner with Night Ranger, Brother Osborne with Ashley McBryde, and ASCS National Sprint Car and Ulma Late Model Races.
Budweiser Stage: Shows are daily at 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm. Acts include: The Homegrown Singer Contest, Nace Brothers, Cedar Creek Band, Members Only, Broseph, Jason Brown, Supermantics, Full Moon Band, Big Riggs, The Stolen Winnebagos, Platinum Rock Legends, Retroactive, Dirt Road Addiction, Little Dixie Revival, Brandon Lay, and Jeremiah Johnson Band.
State Fair Arena: The State Fair Arena is home to the MRCA Show-Me Rodeo, Motocross, Final Round Missouri State Fair Cross series, Flat Track TT, MSF Truck and Farm Tractor Pull, Antique Classic Tractor Pull, Missouri Stock Antique Classic Tractor Pull, Garden Tractor and Mini Rod and Truck Pull, Bull Riding Competition, and Demolition Derby.
Free Entertainment: The Missouri State Fair offers free performances including Them Sweeney Boys, Ventriloquist David Malmbert, Chicago Honey Bear Dancers, CJ Ryder and the Pastmasters, Comic Stunt Juggler Tuey Wilson, Mariachi Divas, Blacksmiths’ Association of Missouri, Mu Mule Team, Mulekicker Cloggers, Lutheran Worship Service, Dixie Union, MSF Truck and Farm Tractor Pull, Kazual, Allez-Oops!, Antique Classic Tractor Pull, Missouri Stock Antique Classic Tractor Pull, Day of Dancing, Garden Tractor and Mini Rod and Truck Pull, Johnson County Cowboy Church, and the Homegrown Singer Contest.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Camping is available at the Missouri State Fair at the 60-acre campground just west of the fairgrounds! There are over 1,100 sites available. For fair camping, the public campground opens by 9am on Friday, August 2nd. No campers are permitted to enter prior to 7am, but they can enter through the Centennial Gate (Gate 12), located on 65 Highway, starting at 7am. Once there, campground staff will line up campers and issue permits in numerical order. Keep in mind that permits are only given to camping units only (motor homes or vehicles pulling campers.) No early lineup is permitted and no early permits will be distributed.
Some information to keep in mind about RVing onsite at the Missouri State Fair:
· Spot rental is $25 per day (per vehicle/tent)
· Nearly 850 of the 1,100 sites available have 50/30/20 amp service. The remaining sites have 30 amp only.
· Three sewage waste dump stations are available.
· Restrooms and shower facilities are available.
· A pedestrian underpass located near the campground exit connects the campground to the fairgrounds. Regular fair admission will be charged.
For more information, campground rules, maps and more, click here.
You can still enjoy camping right at the Missouri State Fair, even if you don’t own an RV. The ease and comfort of travel and on-site fair camping is easy by renting an RV from RVshare. The options are endless – you can pick up an RV in Missouri, or rent one from your hometown and travel to the fair in the best way possible.
WHERE TO STAY
RV Camping
Regardless of if you’re bringing your own RV or renting an RV, staying in an RV, you can choose to stay at an RV park in the nearby area or right onsite at the fairgrounds! Some offsite options include:
Hotels
If you’ve chosen not to RV, the Missouri State Fair is located nearby several hotels. Some include:
HOW TO GET THERE
The Missouri State Fairgrounds are located at the intersection of Highway 65 and 16th Street. Follow the directions below to get to the fairgrounds.
From the north: Travel south on US 65 and go through four (4) traffic lights in Sedalia; Centennial Gate entrance is on the right.
From the east: Travel west on I-70 to US 65. Go south on US 65 (approx. 18 miles), then go through four (4) traffic lights in Sedalia; Centennial Gate entrance is on the right.
From the south: Travel north on US 65 and go through two (3) traffic lights in Sedalia; Centennial Gate entrance is on the left.
From the west: Travel east on I-70 to US 65. Go south on US 65 (approx. 18 miles) and then go through four (4) traffic lights in Sedalia; Centennial Gate entrance is on the right
PARKING
Parking at the fairgrounds is free, but VIP parking options are available for $5 a day. Handicap accessible parking lots are also available. Trams are also available for free from parking admission to entrance gates.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets to the Missouri State Fair are:
· Single Day Adult: $10
· Seniors (age 60 & over): $7
· Youth (ages 6-12): $2
· Kids (age 5 & under): FREE
Tickets can be purchased at the fairgrounds box office beginning on June 25th. Box office hours are:
Box Office Hours:
June 25 – Aug 2, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. (M-F)
Closed July 4 in observance of Fourth of July Holiday
Aug 5-7, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Aug 8-18, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
For more information on ticketing, gate admission specials and coupons, click here.
WRAP UP
Planning on “coming home” to the Missouri State Fair this year? We’d love to help make the experience more comfortable and easy! Visiting the Missouri State Fair in the comfort of an RV from RVshare allows you to enjoy the fair, stress-free, and enjoy a great camping experience. Regardless of whether visit in an RV rental from us or use other accommodations, we’d love to see pictures of your trip! Send us photos at [email protected], and tag us on social media to share details and tips about your visit. Your adventures could be featured on our blog or social media!
Check out @MOStateFair on Twitter and Instagram, and @MissouriStateFair on Facebook for event updates!
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.