Georgia-Carolina Fair 2026: Oct. 16-25, Kids Free, $2 Nights

Yes, the fair is on this year. The Georgia-Carolina State Fair runs Friday, Oct. 16, to Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the fairgrounds at 1101 Fourth St. in downtown Augusta. Children 12 and under get in free every day, and the cheapest nights are Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Thursday, Oct. 22, when admission and every ride cost $2.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. Dates, hours, prices and rules come from the fair’s own website. This page is updated each year at the same address.

Updated Oct. 25: today, Sunday, Oct. 25, is the last day of the 2026 fair; it opens at noon. The 2027 dates have not been announced, and this page will carry them when the fair posts them.

Before you go

• Where: Georgia-Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1101 Fourth St., Augusta; gates on Fourth Street and Hale Street
• Fair office: 706-722-0202
• Specials by day: the fair’s daily specials
• Weather: National Weather Service forecast for Augusta
• Traffic: road construction and closures

Dates and hours

The fair’s home page gives the 2026 dates as Oct. 16-25 and the hours as 5 p.m. until closing Monday through Friday and noon until closing on weekends. Its FAQ says the gates close at 10 p.m. and the rides stay open until 11 p.m.

That FAQ page still gives the dates as Oct. 15-26. The home page and the daily specials page both say the fair opens Friday, Oct. 16, and closes Sunday, Oct. 25, so we use those dates. Call the fair office at 706-722-0202 if you plan to go on Oct. 15 or 26.

The fair does not offer rain checks, its FAQ says.

Admission and ride prices

From the fair’s FAQ and daily specials pages:

The fair takes Visa, Mastercard and Discover, and there are ATMs on the grounds.

Day by day: the specials

On every day except the two $2 nights, the fair sells a pay-one-price wristband for unlimited rides.

What is there

• The midway, run by James E. Strates Shows, with thrill rides and family rides. Each ride has its own height rule, from 30 to 36 inches for the children’s rides; a parent with ride tickets can ride with a child. The fair posts its ride list on its home page.
• Livestock, in the Livestock Exhibit Building on Third Street, across the midway from the Fourth Street gate, plus livestock and talent competitions.
• A petting zoo, pony rides and pig races, listed on the fair’s entertainment page.
• The Pavilion, near the Hale Street gate, hosts the Miss Fair Pageant on Saturday, Oct. 24.
• Food booths across the grounds, run by commercial vendors.

Parking and getting there

The Exchange Club of Augusta, which runs the fair, operates the fair lot on Fourth Street between Hale Street and Laney-Walker Boulevard. The fair says the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office patrols it. Other lots near the fairgrounds are run by other groups and people, and the fair warns they “may or may not be secure” (services at the fairground).

There are two gates: one inside the Fourth Street parking lot and one on Hale Street. Both sell admission and ride wristbands. Taxis wait outside both. For downtown parking and roads, see getting around Augusta and road construction and closures.

Rules at the gate

From the fair’s rules:

• Anyone 17 or under must come with a parent. The fair may ask for ID as proof of age.
• Bags, strollers, cups and packages can be searched.
• Not allowed: backpacks, selfie sticks, outside food and drinks, pets other than service animals, concealed weapons even with a permit, drones, Segways and tents.

Advance tickets

The fair sold advance tickets from Sept. 15 to Oct. 16 at South State Bank, Roadrunner Cafe, Synovus Bank, Barney’s Pharmacy, First Community Bank, Queensborough National Bank and South Georgia Bank, and online. Its outlet page notes that admission is not included (advance ticket outlets).

On the grounds

First aid, with an EMT, is at the Fourth Street gate, and an ambulance stands by. The fair office, lost and found, and the lost child center are at the fair office. The sheriff’s office and the fire department have posts at the Fourth Street gate.

About the fair

The Exchange Club of Augusta voted to take on a fall fair in October 1923, weeks after the club was chartered, and has run it since. In 1937 the club bought 18 acres between Third and Fourth streets for the fairgrounds, the fair’s history page says.

What it means for you

• Bring the kids: 12 and under get in free every day.
• Save money: go on Tuesday, Oct. 20, or Thursday, Oct. 22, for $2 admission and $2 rides.
• Ride a lot: buy the $30 wristband on any other day.
• Leave the backpack at home, and pay for the fair lot on Fourth Street.

More this month: things to do this month, fall festivals and pumpkin patches and Halloween events.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Georgia-Carolina State Fair in 2026?

Friday, Oct. 16, to Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the fairgrounds at 1101 Fourth St. in Augusta, the fair’s home page and daily specials page say.

What time does the Augusta fair open?

5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday. The fair’s FAQ says the gates close at 10 p.m. and the rides run until 11 p.m.

How much is admission to the Georgia-Carolina State Fair?

The fair’s FAQ lists $10 admission and $30 for unlimited rides. Children 12 and under get in free every day, and active-duty military and veterans get in free with ID. Admission is $5 on Oct. 16, 19 and 23.

What are the $2 nights at the fair?

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Thursday, Oct. 22, admission is $2 and every ride is $2. Unlimited ride wristbands are not sold on those nights.

Where do I park for the fair, and what does it cost?

The Exchange Club of Augusta runs the fair lot on Fourth Street between Hale Street and Laney-Walker Boulevard, patrolled by the sheriff’s office. The fair’s FAQ lists parking at $10.