11 Things You Need to Know About the Alabama National Fair

The fair runs October 4-14 and includes an additional day this year, as well as safety updates and a change in parking fees. They also brought back the Taste of the Fair food event on Thursday, October 3rd.

The Alabama National Fair opens this week in Montgomery with all the fun shows, rides, music and food you expect, and more. But this year also brings with it some significant changes.

Here are 11 things you need to know about the 2024 show, taking place October 4-14 at the fairgrounds at Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive:

This year you have an extra day to play

The Alabama National Fair is usually known as “The 10 Best Days of Fall,” but thanks to Columbus Day, which falls on Monday, October 14, that has changed to 11 days. Normally the mass would end the Sunday before.

“Due to the holiday, we are extending the fair by one day,” said Randy Stephenson, executive director of the fair.

There will also be an additional school day at the fair on October 14th.

Take your taste buds on a journey at Taste of the Fair.

I eat my way through Taste of the Fair

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel eats food samples from the Alabama National Fair at Taste of the Fair on Oct. 5, 2023.

More: Festival Guide: Experience plenty of festivities in the Montgomery area

To be honest, the fair lasts about eleven and a half days this year. In 2023, a pre-fair food event called “Taste of the Fair” was added and will be held again on Thursday, October 3, from 5 to 8 p.m

Walk around and try the fair food as often as you like. Go back for seconds, thirds or more. You have three hours to stuff yourself with your favorite treats and maybe try something new.

“We have a few vendors that will be showcasing their products at Taste of the Fair,” Stephenson said.

Tickets for Taste of the Fair are $30. They are limited, but Stephenson said they are still available at alnationalfair.org. If you purchase one, you will also receive a pass to the Alabama National Fair during the term.

Last year's inaugural event was a fundraiser for the Cancer Wellness Foundation. This year, proceeds will benefit the Miracle League of Montgomery. It will be used to replace the turf at the Miracle Field community area.

“Their lawn is 20 years old, so we’re starting this campaign for them,” Stephenson said.

So does Stephenson have a favorite food at the fair? While Polish sausage and funnel cake are at the top of his list, there is one particular food on a stick that he craves.

“My staple is the corn dogs,” he said. “I love a good corn dog.”

Parking fees are included in your ticket

When drivers park at the fair, they are usually greeted by friendly people at the gate who charge a parking fee. While people will probably direct you to parking spots, they won't charge you a fee. Parking fees are already included in the tickets, Stephenson said.

“It’s on your ticket when you pay for your ticket. It’s included in the ticket price,” he said. “We negotiated a deal with Garrett Coliseum. This should allow the lines to move much more quickly.”

17 and younger? Bring an adult and behave!

“We strictly enforce our policy for those under 17,” Stephenson said.

This means that people under the age of 18 must be admitted to the fair when accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or over. Stephenson said minors will be allowed to roam once inside at the discretion of their parents or guardians. If the children get into trouble, they and their parents face consequences, regardless of whether the parents are at the fair or not.

“They (the adult) will be responsible for their behavior,” Stephenson said. “We have spoken to the prosecutor's office and the prosecutor's office is cooperating with law enforcement. These kids coming in will hold the parents accountable for their actions. If they come in without the parents' knowledge, the parents will still be held accountable for their actions.

There will be more security

Fair security measures have been strengthened and they will enforce a transparent bag policy. Prohibited items include alcohol and weapons.

In addition to the fair's private security, members of the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are also on site.

“You’ll see drones flying around and you’ll see the helicopter flying around,” Stephenson said.

Added additional rides to the fair

Wade Shows is back to bring guests wild rides, and they're adding a few more for 2024.

“We have almost 50 trips again,” Stephenson said.

You can purchase ticket packages on site as usual. If you plan on driving a lot, check out the wristband deals, which vary from day to day. The gate opening and stops also vary from day to day. So be sure to visit alnationalfair.org or get the fair's mobile app to plan your fun in terms of prices and times.

Active military members, veterans and first responders have free admission to the fair with ID.

Big concerts on the Colosseum stage

Admission to the fair provides access to music taking place indoors on the Garrett Coliseum stage in 2024. They have a few major touring acts and a local convention fan favorite:

Dru Hill, October 5th, 7pm – R&B group Dru Hill brings their iconic chart-toppers such as “In My Bed”, “Never Make a Promise” and “How Deep Is Your Love”.
Dylan Scott, 7 p.m. on October 10th – Country superstar Dylan Scott has top hits like “My Girl,” “Hooked” and “Nobody.” The trade fair concert is part of Scott's I Owe You One Tour. This takes place on College Night, so guests wearing college fan gear will have access to the convention and concert for half price, just $10.
Steel CuZ'n Band, 7 p.m. on October 12th – Steel CuZ'n is a group of brass players from Montgomery who have been together since 2020.

Watch all the shows!

A big part of the fun at the Alabama National Fair is that your admission includes several shows that you can see at no additional cost throughout the fair's run:

Zerbini Family Circus – Enter the big top and experience a nationally touring circus with a ring of acrobats, trapeze artists, daredevils, clowns, dancers and jugglers.
The Fearless Flores Thrill Show – gravity-defying acrobatic stunts like the Globe of Death and the dizzying Aerial Swaypole.
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs – It's the Nascar of pork, where pigs race around a race track. This will be the racing hogs' second event in Montgomery this year, as they were used for Buckmasters for the first time just a few weeks ago.
Tiger Encounter – A wild encounter with Bengal tigers and a rare white lion. Be amazed by these majestic animals and learn more about their protection.
Cowtown USA – This is an interactive agricultural exhibit for all ages that introduces fairgoers to life on the farm. Milk cows and goats, work with oxen, and even learn about the border tannery.
The Puppetone Rockers – A high-energy, character-filled show featuring floating wings, 10-foot dancing puppets, parades, skits and catchy songs.

Grab the money!

The cash machine is back and people can sign up to try out how to get cash to keep. These are aimed primarily at adults, and there is also one planned for seniors. During school days, the little ones have the chance to get in and get “Fair Bucks”. Times may vary, but many of the regular adult times are around 7 p.m. Watch for announcements about when to register and view the schedule online.

Special entry offers to save you money

The entrance fee varies a little daily, but one thing is for sure: the fair is perfect for people with lots of small children. Children up to 5 years have free entry. Regular admission is $20, but there are special offers that can reduce the price by half or more:

Dollar Day on October 4th – $1 entry for a non-perishable item.
School Day October 7th – $10 admission for all.
Pink Out Day October 8th – $10 entry if you wear pink.
College Night on October 10th – $10 entry if wearing college attire.
Senior and Pet Food Specials October 11th – $7 admission for ages 55 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., $10 admission all day with a donation of dog or cat food.
School Day October 14th – $10 admission for all.

What else is there?

Many competitions take place at the fair. Even if you're not there, you can check out the amazing things people are doing with school art, flowers, robotics and ranching, quilting, photography and much more. The Creative Living Center will host live cooking competitions. There will also be a mounted shooting competition on October 12th and 13th.

For guests with sensory issues such as autism, the fair will host Sensory Friendly Sunday on October 6th and 13th from 1 to 3 p.m. In the children's area there will be no flashing lights, music or announcements and no noise from the events and fairgrounds will be lowered.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel reports on activity in the river region. Contact him at [email protected]