Fairadise Found: The 2025 Georgia National Fair
- Visit Perry
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
The Georgia National Fair is returning from October 2 to 12, and that means one thing: for eleven days, Perry turns into the loudest, brightest, and most delicious place in Georgia. Let's be real—this is the only spot where you can see Polynesian fire dancers, eat a spicy pickle pizza, and hear sea lions splash, all within 20 feet or each other. That's the reason fans drive hours to get here.
New in 2025
This year's theme is Welcome to Fairadise —so there will be steel drums, dole whip, and more pineapple than you thought a fair could handle.
The Fair is also launching America's 250th birthday early. On Patriotic Day (October 5), veterans and active-duty military (plus their families) get in free. Wear your red, white, and blue and grab a red, white, and blue lei. There's even a corndog and funnel cake eating contest, because what's more American than overeating fried food?
First responders get their own day—American Heroes Day (October 7)—with free admission for firefighters, law enforcement, EMTs, and dispatchers, plus their families.
And if you're worried about missing the Dawgs - or your favorite team, don't. On Kickoff Saturday, both Saturdays during the Fair, they'll be streaming college football on the Georgia National Stage. Only in Perry can you eat a turkey leg, ride the Agri-Lift, and still catch kickoff.
Who's Playing
Free concerts, all week long:
October 2 – Shenandoah
October 3 – George Birge
October 5 – Southside Worship
October 6 – West Love & The 478 Band
October 7 – Great White & Slaughter
October 8 – Morris Day & The Time
October 9 – The Fray
October 10 – Tracy Lawrence
October 12 – Rumba Latina
Pro tip: stake out a spot early for the Georgia National Stage. The concerts begin at 7:30 pm, and yes, they can sometimes get packed.
Stuff Locals Never Skip
Concerts and rides are great, but regulars don't miss the weird and wonderful side of the Fair:
Robinson's Racing Pigs — because watching pigs sprint for Oreos is the truest kind of joy.
The Baby Barn — see dairy calves being born right in front of you. The kids' jaws drop every time.
Georgia Grown Building — this year, peanuts join cotton and timber as the stars of the show.
Mutton Bustin' — there's nothing like watching the kids hang on to a sheep for dear life, trying to make it the full six seconds.
Texas Trick Riders, Circus Hollywood, Swashbucklers Comedy Show — where else can you go from bull whips to clowns to pirates in one loop?
And no fair day is finished until the fireworks go off.
Georgia National Fair Food Fight
Half the reason people come to the Fair is for the food—and this Food Fight makes it official. Vendors throw their wildest ideas on the table, and you get to pick the winners. You can even watch the live judging for Best Savory and Best Sweet on Friday, October 3.
This year's entries are all over the map, but here are a few that shine:
Savory standouts
Tybee Island Dog – A bacon-wrapped hot dog that's deep fried, then buried under Georgia pimento cheese, homemade jalapeño mustard, and crumbled bacon. It's messy, but worth it.
The Brutus – Mac and tots topped with pulled pork and smoked brisket. It's a full dinner.
Cranberry Mustard Cheddar Nuggets – Gooey fried cheddar bites topped with German mustard cranberry sauce. A sharp-sweet combo that's hard to resist.
Sweet picks
Pina Colada Funnel Cake – Funnel cake meets the tropics with pineapple, coconut, and cherries. It fits perfectly with this year's Fairadise theme.
Cookie Butter Sandwich Extravaganza – Polar Bear Ice Cream went all-in with ice cream swirled with cookie butter and Biscoff crumbles, sandwiched between two cookies, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in even more Biscoff. It's over the top in the best way.
Death by Chocolate Mini Donuts – Warm sugared mini donuts covered in fudge and white chocolate sauce, piled with chocolate chips, whipped cream, and curls. Basically a chocolate lover's dream in fair form.
Hungry yet? You can try them all during the fair and vote for your fan favorite.
Georgia National Fair 5K
Before you hit the rides and fried food, lace up for the Georgia National Fair 5K on Saturday, October 4. Hosted with the Perry Kiwanis Club, the race takes runners on a scenic course through the heart of historic downtown Perry. Cross the finish line and you'll earn a ticket into the Fair. Run first, funnel cake later. Sign up here.
How to Do the Fair Like a Pro
Sneak A Peek Day (October 2): Gates open late (3 pm), admission is $10, and ride armbands are $30. Crowds are lighter, and honestly, this is the best day to go.
Buy your tickets online—skip the lines at the gate, head straight to the fun. Here's the link.
Don't stress about parking. It's free, and the North, East, and West gates stay open all day.
Need a break? Get a handstamp and come back later the same day.
Mega Passes ($40) are on sale online from September 2 to October 1. That's admission plus unlimited rides for one day. Purchase them here.
Ride armbands aren't sold on Saturdays or the first Sunday. Plan ahead if the Midway is your main mission.
The Georgia National Fair is a little wild and a little weird. Show up hungry, wear your most comfortable shoes, and don't leave until you've had at least one Flaming Hot Cheeto Tot.
We'll see you there.
Be sure to visit the Georgia National Fair event page on our website.
A complete 2024 Schedule of Events can be found here.
Enjoy this slideshow with some of our favorite fair photos (Thank you to Mark Johnson's Advanced Photojournalism class at the University of Georgia!)
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