Biscuits, bikes and bands: what to expect at the 2025 Mississippi State Fair

The Mississippi State Fair is one of Jackson's most highly anticipated annual events, bringing pig races, circus acts, rides and food vendors to the capital city each year.

This year marks the 166th Mississippi State Fair. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced details of this year's fair during a press conference Thursday, June 5.

"We've put together a top-tier entertainment lineup this year, along with all the classic rides and attractions that fairgoers know and love," Gipson said. "But, we've also got several all new events that we're excited to introduce."

When is the 2025 Mississippi State Fair?

The 2025 Mississippi State Fair will be Thursday, Oct. 2, through Monday, Oct. 13, at the state fairgrounds in Jackson.

What can I expect?

Visitors can expect fair classics and a few new surprises.

The fair will include more than 70 carnival rides and more than 100 food vendors, including favorites like the Biscuit Booth. Fairgoers can also expect the usual attractions: livestock shows, the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo, State Fair Marketplace Expo, Tri-State Rodeo, the Zerbini Family Circus, petting zoo and pig races.

For the first time, the Miss Rodeo Mississippi and Miss Dixie National competitions will take place during the fair on Sunday, Oct. 5. The events will be open to the public and will take place in various locations within the fair.

A new X Riders Motocross event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, and will feature riders performing freestyle tricks on motocross bikes. Tickets will be available closer to the event and will include general admission to the fair.

Also new this year is Disability Friendly Day, a day designed for individuals and families impacted by disabilities. Disability Friendly Day, which will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, will include sensory tents for quiet breaks, state fair favorites adapted for increased accessibility and a Resource Carnival. Admission on that day is free for people with disabilities with advance registration.

Who's playing at the Mississippi State Fair this year?

Each year, the Mississippi State Fair brings in an impressive lineup of musical guests to the Mississippi Coliseum. Local and well-known stars, including Shawn Mendes, have taken the stage in past years.

Below is this year's concert lineup so far:

• Montell Jordan and All-4-One: 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2
• Cory Asbury: 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5
• Maddie and Tae with Tayler Holder: 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9

All concerts take place in the Mississippi Coliseum.

Tickets for each concert are available now through Ticket Master and the Mississippi State Fair website. Admission to the fair is included with the purchase of a concert ticket.

How can I buy tickets to the 2025 Mississippi State Fair?

Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance through the Mississippi State Fair website. After Thursday, Oct. 2, tickets will be $10 each online and at the gate.

Parking is free at the fair grounds.

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com