Missouri State Fair 2023: Tickets, carnival, concerts, exhibits

The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo., on Friday, Aug. 10, 2007. (AP Photo / Dan Gill)

by: Makenzie Koch

Posted: Jul 29, 2023 / 07:00 AM CDT

Updated: Jul 25, 2023 / 02:39 PM CDT

SEDALIA, Mo. — The 2023 Missouri State Fair is just around the corner, bringing carnival rides, fair food, livestock and national acts to Sedalia.

This year, the Missouri State Fair runs from Aug. 10-20, and the theme is “Where Traditions Grow.”

The fairgrounds will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the box office doesn’t open until 9 a.m.

Events, concerts and exhibits will all also have various times. Most exhibit buildings, for example, don’t open until 9 a.m., and the midway doesn’t open until 11 a.m. or noon, depending on the day.

Want to see everything going on? The Missouri State Fair makes it easy with daily schedules published online for each day of the fair. They’re also printed at several entrances.

If you’re planning to travel to Sedalia for the state fair, make sure you’re prepared. Here’s what you need to know:

Prices have gone up this year for the Missouri State Fair, but you can still save if you buy tickets early. Up until Aug. 9, adults can get daily fair admission at $12, saving $3.

You can purchase advance tickets in person at the Missouri State Fair Box Office, Break Time Convenience Stores and Bomgaars locations — or online before July 28.

Starting Aug. 10, regular single-day gate admission is $15 for adults, $10 for those 60 and older, $4 for kids 6-12 and free for kids 5 and younger.

It’s important to note that Grandstand concert/event tickets do not include fair admission. See the Grandstand section below for more information on concert tickets.

There are several special ticket deals going on during the Missouri State Fair. These deals can’t be combined with other promotions or coupons. Here are some of the best ones:

If you’re just coming to the fair in the evening, there’s a good deal to grab. From Aug. 13-17, adult admission is just $5 after 5 p.m.

There are four entrances at the fairgrounds:

There are three public parking lots around the fairgrounds:

Single-day parking for the general public is free at the Missouri State Fair. If you want to upgrade to VIP parking, it’s $5 per day.

There’s a 60-acre camping site on the west side of the fairgrounds. The unreserved spot rental is $35 per day (per vehicle/tent), and it’s all first-come, first-serve. The public campground opens at 9 a.m. Aug. 4. Make sure to enter at the Centennial Gate, located on 65 Highway.

Find more details on camping at the Missouri State Fair here.

From country to rock and even a little rap, there will be a bit of everything at the Missouri State Fair grandstand.

Some of the biggest acts include country stars Tyler Hubbard and Lainey Wilson, rock band 3 Doors Down, and rapper and Missouri native Nelly.

Here’s the full grandstand schedule for this year’s Missouri State Fair:

All tickets are available on Etix and at the Missouri State Fair box office at the fairgrounds in Sedalia. Event ticket prices do not include fair admission.

The State Fair Arena will host plenty of rodeo action, racing and a demolition derby during the fair. See the full arena schedule here.

The MRCA Show-Me State Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 10-12. Tickets on Thursday and Friday are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free. On Saturday, adults are $12, kids 6-12 are $6, and kids 5 and under are free.

The bull riding competition kicks off the following weekend, Aug. 18 and 19. Tickets on Friday are $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6-12; tickets on Saturday are $14 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free both days.

Motocross, dirt bike and ATV racing take over the arena on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14. Admission is $7 for adults, and kids 5 and under are free. Fairgoers can catch a variety of truck and tractor pulls from Aug. 15-17.

The Demolition Derby wraps up the fun at the State Fair Arena on Aug. 20. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6-12, and free for kids 5 and younger.

You can order tickets for any of these events on Etix, at the Missouri State Fair Box Office, or by phone at 1-800-514-3849.

It’s important to note that arena event tickets do not include fair admission. See the tickets section above for more details on getting into the fair.

There’s plenty of free entertainment included with fair admission.

The Boulevard Stage will host multiple free concerts each day. Bands like the Nace Brothers, Dirt Road Addiction and The Vincents will take the stage. Plus, fair-goers can see the Show-Me Showcase to check out fellow Missourians’ talent.

To see more local expertise on display, check out the People from our Pages exhibit, Missouri Wine 101 classes, the Show-Me Tailgate Throwdown BBQ Contest and more.

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If you’re bringing the family to the fair, burn off some energy at the Kids Zone, visit the 2023 butter sculpture, cheer on the racing pigs, experiment on STEM Day or watch a comedy magic show.

No matter your age and what day you head to the fair, there’s something to do. Check out the full list of entertainment options here.

The carnival midway opens at noon on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends and will close at 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Tickets to carnival rides aren’t included in Missouri State Fair admission, but just like fair admission, if you buy early, you can save.

Through Aug. 9, you can get a one-day unlimited rides wristband for $25, saving $10-15. You can only purchase these in advance online.

If you want to combine your advance carnival wristband with your adult fair admission, you can get both for $37, saving up to $16. You can buy the carnival-admission combo at Bomgaar and Break Time stores or online.

If you want to wait until you get to the fair to get carnival tickets or wristbands, here’s a cost breakdown:

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband

Family Packs

Check out other carnival deals on the Missouri State Fair’s website.

From horses to rabbits, animals of all shapes and sizes will be on display for livestock judging and other competitions. If you want to catch the judging sessions, find all the livestock contest schedules here.

The big Sale of Champions will be held Saturday, Aug. 19.

Grand champions and reserve grand champions from several main livestock shows will go up for auction. A portion of each sale goes to the Missouri State Fair Foundation Youth in Agriculture Fund.

How do I get there?

The Missouri State Fairgrounds is located at 2503 W. 16th St. in Sedalia, at the intersection of Highway 65 and 16th Street.

If you’re coming from the Kansas City area, you’ll likely want to take Interstate 70 and Highway 65 or 50 Highway to get to the fairgrounds. See a map and get directions here.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Attendees are welcome to bring their own coolers to the fair, as long as they don’t contain alcoholic beverages. Coolers are subject to search at the admission gate.

Are pets allowed?

The only pets permitted on the fairgrounds are:

Are the fairgrounds wheelchair accessible?

There are two accessible parking lots available through the Main Gate, Gate 11 and the Centennial Gate.

All public buildings on the fairgrounds are also accessible via paved streets or sidewalks and most major buildings and areas have ADA-compliant restrooms. For more information, visit the Missouri State Fair’s accessibility page.

Are there wheelchairs, electric scooters and strollers available to rent?

Wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers and wagons will be available for rent at the fair. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Have more questions about the Missouri State Fair, visit their FAQ page.

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