Your ultimate guide to the 2026 Greater Gulf State Fair + how to save on tickets now

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Though the Mobile Bay Area may not have all of the typical signs of fall with turning leaves, one sure way to mark the season’s change is the 72nd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair rolling into town. Beginning Friday, October 30, and running through Sunday, November 8, 2026, the fairgrounds in Mobile will come alive with fun rides, tasty fair food and live entertainment.

We put together an ultimate guide of everything you need to know about this year’s fair, from ticket prices and parking to new rides and unique vendors you won’t want to miss trying.

2026 Greater Gulf State Fair discounted ticket prices, hours + where to park

Ticket prices + discounts for the Greater Gulf State Fair

The early bird gets the worm—or, in this case, cheaper tickets. Until Friday, October 30, you can get advance tickets on the Fair’s website at a discounted price!

ADVANCE TICKETS (until Oct. 30):

• Children (ages 5–10): $4
• Adults (ages 11+): $8
• Unlimited Ride Wristband: $30

After the fair begins at 4PM on Friday, Oct. 30, admission prices will increase:

• Children (ages 0–4): FREE admission (note: if they’d like to ride an attraction, they’ll need a ride wristband or ride ticket)
• Children (ages 5–10):
  • Mon–Thurs: $5
  • Fri–Sun: $6
• Adults (ages 11+):
  • Mon–Thurs: $10
  • Fri–Sun: $12
• Unlimited Ride Wristbands (all ages):
  • Mon–Thurs: $30
  • Fri–Sun: $35

Greater Gulf State Fair hours

Take a peek at the Mobile fair’s full schedule below:

There will be a youth curfew in place this year, meaning all fair-goers 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone aged 21 or older after 7PM (one chaperone may accompany no more than five minors).

There will be no re-entry to the fair after 7PM on any day of the week, so you’ll want to stay inside the fairgrounds until you’ve had your fill of fair fun!

Where to arrive + park at the Greater Gulf State Fair

The Greater Gulf State Fair is located at 1035 Cody Rd N, Mobile, AL 36608, about 20 minutes from Downtown Mobile. Parking is free, but you can grab preferred parking for $20.

Pro-tip: You can bypass the Zeigler Boulevard traffic by entering through Howell’s Ferry Road, which will take you directly into the fair’s parking lot!

Greater Gulf State Fair rides and bites: Familiar favorites + what’s new

Be it the Ferris Wheel, Euroslide, Crazy Mouse or one of the other classics, there will be many rides for you to hop on at this year’s fair — including two new rides: the Downdraft and Super Miami.

The Downdraft spins riders and bounces them to create a sudden free-fall feeling, while the Super Miami hinges on a row of seats that twist 360 degrees.

Throughout this year’s fair, there will be an abundance of other entertainment to enjoy, from a rodeo and petting zoo to magic shows.

Check out just a few highlights you can expect to find:

• Friday, Oct. 30, 6PM:
  • Funnel cake eating contest
• Saturday, Nov. 7, 11AM:
  • Pancake breakfast: $8, includes admission to the fair
  • Goat yoga: $8, includes admission to the fair
• Comedy hypnotist (shows each night)
• Trick-loving dogs + a brand new capybara show

For a complete list of entertainment performing on the community stage, check out the fair’s entertainment line-up on their website here.

Can you smell the funnel cakes, hot dogs and fried Oreos yet? You’ll be able to try as much fair food as your stomach will allow, as a variety of vendor stands can be found all around the grounds.

Try unique vendors like Cheese Love Grill, who will offer interesting bites such as their BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese or Colorado Cheesesteak.

There will be something for everyone — even fair-goers following a special diet won’t have to miss out on the traditional fair food fun! Try Greater Gulf State Fair’s new gluten-free vendor, Key’s Koncessions, for gluten-free versions of faves like cheese curds, funnel cakes, corn dogs and more.

You’ll want to follow along with the Greater Gulf State Fair on their Instagram, Facebook or TikTok for updates, behind-the-scenes photos, entertainment announcements and more!

Are you planning on going to the Greater Gulf State Fair this fall? Don’t miss out on grabbing tickets in advance for a discounted price here! 📲🎟️

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