South Georgia State Fair 2026 in Savannah: Dates, Tickets & Tips

South Georgia State Fair is Savannah's big fall carnival: midway rides, fair food, games, and family shows on the city's southwest side. The short answer: the 2026 fair runs Thursday, October 29 through Sunday, November 8 at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 105 Fort Argyle Road. Gate admission is modest, ride wristbands cost extra, and weeknights are the calmest time to go.

TL;DR: South Georgia State Fair 2026

• Dates: October 29 to November 8, 2026, per the fair's official site. That's eleven days across two weekends.
• Where: Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 105 Fort Argyle Road, Savannah. You'll need a car or rideshare from downtown.
• Admission: the fair's ticket page lists $10 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday for ages 6 and up, with young children free.
• Rides: unlimited ride wristbands are listed at $30, with a $25 presale through October 24.
• Best time: a weeknight right after opening, when lines are short and admission is cheaper.
• Who runs it: the Exchange Club of Savannah, a local service club.

When Is the South Georgia State Fair in 2026?

The fair's official site lists October 29 through November 8, 2026. One event aggregator has shown a November 1 start, so if you're planning around opening night, double-check the official site before you go.

The dates overlap two other big Savannah weeks. The fair's first weekend is Halloween weekend, and it opens while the SCAD Savannah Film Festival is still running downtown. The second weekend is quieter, which makes November 5-8 a good window for families who want the fair without the Halloween crowds.

For everything else on the calendar, see our Savannah in October guide and Savannah in November guide.

What Are the Fair Hours?

Expect evening hours on weekdays and longer afternoon-into-night hours on weekends. In 2025, WTOC reported weekday gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m., with weekend gates opening at 1 p.m.

Treat those as a guide, not a promise. Confirm the 2026 hours on the fair's website or Facebook page before you drive out, especially for opening night and the final Sunday.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

There are two separate costs: getting in the gate and riding the rides. At the time of writing, the fair's ticket page lists:

• Gate admission: $10 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday for ages 6 and up. Young children get in free.
• Unlimited ride wristband: $30, any day of the week.
• Presale: $25 through midnight on October 24.
• Ride tickets: also sold, for people who only want a few rides.

Prices can change before opening, so check the ticket page when you buy. A family of four doing admission plus wristbands on a weekend will spend real money before anyone buys a funnel cake. If you're watching costs, a weeknight visit and presale wristbands are the easiest savings.

Is a Ride Wristband Worth It?

For kids who want to ride everything, usually yes. Wristbands pay off after a handful of rides, and they save you from juggling tickets at every line.

For adults who mostly want to eat, walk the midway, and catch a show, skip the wristband. Pay gate admission and buy a few individual ride tickets if something catches your eye. Toddlers who are too small for most rides also rarely need one.

Local tip: Go on a Monday through Thursday night and arrive right at opening. Admission is cheaper than on weekends, ride lines are at their shortest in the first hour, and you'll be home before a school-night bedtime.

What Is There to Do at the Fair?

Expect a classic Southern state fair. The main draws are:

• Carnival rides: kiddie rides, family rides, and bigger thrill rides for teens and adults.
• Fair food: corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and the rest of the midway menu.
• Games: the usual midway games and prizes.
• Family shows: the 2025 lineup included a chainsaw carving act, a petting zoo, a dinosaur show, a comedy magic show, and a dog show. The 2026 acts may differ, so check the entertainment schedule.

The fair also has a long local history. WTOC noted that 2025 was its 75th anniversary.

Where Is the Fair and How Do You Get There?

The Exchange Club Fairgrounds sit at 105 Fort Argyle Road on Savannah's southwest side, well outside the Historic District. It isn't a walk from downtown, so plan to drive or take a rideshare.

The fair describes a large lighted parking lot on site. Weekend evenings are the busiest time to arrive, so give yourself extra time. If you're taking a rideshare home at closing, expect a wait while everyone leaves at once.

What Should You Know Before You Go?

• Dress code: the fair's FAQ says people wearing offensive or gang-related clothing won't be admitted. Savannah-Chatham police enforce the entrance rules.
• Weather: late-October evenings can be cool once the sun goes down. Bring a light layer.
• Cash and cards: payment options vary by vendor, so bring some cash for food and games.
• Policies: bag, re-entry, and minor rules can change. Read the fair's FAQ page before you go.

Is the South Georgia State Fair Good for Kids?

Yes. This is one of the easiest family outings on Savannah's fall calendar, especially for younger kids who aren't ready for a spooky night downtown. Pair a fair evening with a daytime outing from our Savannah with kids guide.

If your family wants a Halloween thrill that isn't a carnival ride, our guide to kid-friendly ghost tours lists the gentler options. Teens may prefer the ideas in our things to do with teenagers guide.

Where Should You Eat and Stay?

If you'd rather not fill up on fair food, eat downtown before or after. Our kid-friendly restaurants guide covers family spots, and the full Savannah restaurants directory has more.

For lodging, most visitors stay downtown and drive out to the fairgrounds. Browse Savannah hotels, and book early if your trip falls on Halloween weekend. Our Savannah Halloween guide explains why that weekend fills up fast. If you're watching costs, our Savannah on a budget guide has more ways to save.

Bottom Line: South Georgia State Fair 2026

The South Georgia State Fair runs October 29 through November 8, 2026 at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds on Fort Argyle Road. Buy presale wristbands by October 24 if your kids will ride a lot. Go on a weeknight for lower admission and shorter lines. And confirm hours and prices on the fair's official site before you head out. For more trip ideas, browse our Savannah travel guides.