Virginia State Fair 2018: Dates, Tickets, Event Schedule, Parking

DOSWELL, VA — Begun in 1854 as a largely agricultural showcase, the venerable State Fair of Virginia that opens Sept. 28 for a 10-day run at Meadow Farm in Caroline County scarcely resembles its original version that highlighted things such as hefty hogs and grand gourds.

To be sure, those things are still around but they're surrounded by live music, a dizzying array of rides, chainsaw sculptures, a demolition derby, a rodeo, the annual a tribute to homegrown Triple Crown winner Secretariat and offerings of food ranging from deep-fried to exotic.

This is the fair's 10th year at Meadow Farm, or as the site is now called, The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Boulevard. Here's a rundown of what to do and what to see, including information about parking, tickets and hours:

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PARKING

It's free, but there's also premium parking (asphalt, on the north side of Route 30) for the first 300 guests daily. Premium parking passes are available online for $15 and must be purchased one week in advance of a visit.

HOURS

On Fridays and Saturdays, the fair runs from 10 a.m.-10 p.m; Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. The fair runs Sept. 28-Oct. 7.

TICKETS

Gate price is $15 for adults and $12 for children (ages 5-12). Concerts are included in the price of admission, although there is "blue ribbon seating" for an extra $10. The Fair also has a variety of other ticket options. Ride tickets are sold separately.

CONCERTS

Here's the lineup:

• Sept. 28: Brooks Connection Band, 6-8:30 p.m.
• Sept. 29: The Dust Cutters, 4-6 p.m.
• Oct. 1: Craig Campbell, 7-9 p.m.
• Oct. 2: Dylan Scott, 7-9 p.m.
• Oct . 3: Trent Harmon, 7-9 p.m.
• Oct. 5: Chris Lane, 7-9 p.m.
• Oct. 6: Ralph Stalney II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, featuring the Earl White Stringband, 7-9 p.m.
• Oct. 7: Virginia Gospel Singers, 4-6 p.m.
• Oct. 7: Scotty McCreery, 7-9 p.m.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

So much to see, so little time: Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, Secretariat program, firefighter combat challenge, logging demonstrations, demolition derby, racing pigs, FMX bike show, monster trucks, state auctioneer contest, chainsaw carving.

RIDES
There's quite the variety, from the tame rides to the scream-inducing rides.

ANIMALS
Where to begin? Ducks, hatching chicks, roosters, a dairy cow birthing center and on and on. There also are multiple livestock competitions in which Virginia students can compete to earn college scholarships. The beef, goat, lamb and market hog judging takes place the second weekend of the fair.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• The Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest will take place Oct. 6 from 2pm-7pm. Attendees will receive a souvenir tasting glass and enjoy unlimited 4 ounce tastings from over 20 Virginia breweries. This event is a partnership between the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild and State Fair of Virginia to celebrate the booming independent craft beer industry in the state and introduce a new audience to this unique agricultural product. Fest attendees will have the opportunity to interact with owners, brewers and representatives from throughout the commonwealth and enjoy their fantastic products while listening to live music. A combo ticket that includes admission to the fair and the beer festival are $30. Day of tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
• The 2018 State Fair of Virginia will hold the Sale of Champions at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. The sale celebrates the hard work of Virginia 4-H and FFA participants, and auction proceeds will benefit the State Fair scholarship fund and aid the fair’s continued support for youth across the commonwealth.
• 2018 Black Tie & Boots—Mingle at The Meadow—A VIP preview-night celebration of the State Fair of Virginia will be held Thursday, Sept. 27, and will feature live music, fair-style surprises, fabulous live and silent auction items, award-winning Virginia wines, an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. BUY TICKETS

PARADE
Join the State Fair Parade that marches through the fairgrounds, Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. The parade showcases marching bands, dance troupes, baton clubs, cheering groups, service organizations, mascots, car clubs and all others that want participate in this annual display of The Best of Virginia. Parade participants receive complimentary admission to the fair on Sept. 30.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
Alcohol, guns, knives of any kind, pets and selfie sticks, to name the main no-nos. Personal bags might be checked by security when entering the fair.

For more information, click here. Also, check out the fair's Facebook page.

Photos: State Fair of Virginia