The Williamson County Fair: Celebrating 20 Years!
Get ready for fun! The Williamson County Fair in Franklin, Tennessee returns for its 20th anniversary, celebrating nine days of excitement for all ages from August 2nd to 10th, 2024!
Over the past two decades, the Williamson County Fair has grown into a beloved tradition, offering family-friendly entertainment, educational exhibits, and thrilling attractions. Visitors can look forward to carnival rides, livestock shows, live music, delicious fair food, and much more. The fair also features various competitions, from baking contests to arts and crafts, showcasing the talents and creativity of local residents.
With something for everyone, the Williamson County Fair promises an unforgettable experience, blending nostalgia with new and exciting events. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this year’s fair, from highlights of the must-see attractions to ticket information and events.
New This Year at the Williamson County Fair
New attractions at the Williamson County Fair this year include exciting rides like the Autobahn, Jumpin’ Kangaroo, Runaway Train, and Up, Up, and Away Balloons. New daily entertainment features Poppin’ Penelope’s Balloon Art, Peter Brunette’s stilt walking, The Amazing Wonderland Circus, Michael Goudeau the juggler, magician Jay Mattioni from America’s Got Talent, and the Wild Science STEM-based exhibit. All stage shows and attractions are free with admission, though ride tickets are sold separately. For more information, visit the New This Year page.
Rides, Attractions, and Events at the Williamson County Fair
The Williamson County Fair offers something for everyone! Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, savor delicious food from various vendors, explore educational exhibits, and enjoy live music.
Rides: Classic Thrills & New Adventures Await
The Williamson County Fair boasts classic favorites like the iconic Ferris Wheel for breathtaking views and the beautifully decorated Carousel for a whimsical ride. Feeling adventurous? Take a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl or bump and dodge in the Bumper Cars.
For heart-pumping excitement, soar on the Drop Tower or try the Swing Ride for a gentle mix of thrills and relaxation. The Fun House challenges your sense of direction, and the Kiddie Coaster provides a perfect introduction to roller coasters for young ones.
See a full list of rides and height requirements here. Remember, closed-toe shoes are required for most rides for your safety!
Attractions: Explore, Learn & Be Entertained
The Williamson County Fair goes beyond rides! Get up close to farm animals at the Livestock Exhibits, or delve into the region’s agricultural history through interactive displays. Discover unique crafts at the Creative Arts Exhibit, or indulge in delicious fair food from a variety of vendors.
The Nissan Stage hosts a variety of live performances including local bands, bluegrass music, and special acts, while the Pickin’ Porch offers daily live acoustic music performances.
Special Events: Beyond the Rides and Attractions
The Williamson County Fair offers more than just rides and attractions, with a host of special events. Witness the grace and talent of local contestants at the Fairest of the Fair Pageant, or cheer on future farmers at the 4-H & FFA Shows. Be dazzled by the awe-inspiring Fireworks Display, and let the little ones explore farm life at the Little 1’s Farming exhibit.
This is just a small taste of the rides, attractions, and events that await – find your fairground adventure!
Plan Your Visit: What You Need to Know Before You Go
The Williamson County Fair takes place at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park at 4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN 37064. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to help you plan your visit:
Days and Hours
The Williamson County Fair runs from Friday, August 2nd to Saturday, August 10th. It’s a rain-or-shine event and no refunds will be given for inclement weather or any reason. The fair hours are as follows:
Friday
Building Hours: 6 pm – 10 pm
Midway: Closes at Midnight
Saturday
Building Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Midway: Closes at Midnight
Sunday
Building Hours: 12 noon – 10 pm
Midway: Closes at 11 pm
Monday – Thursday
Building Hours: 6 pm – 10 pm
Midway: Closes at 11 pm
Admission Tickets
Admission tickets are available at the gate for $14 for adults and $7 for children ages 6 to 12. Visitors can also purchase tickets in advance for a discounted price. The Family Fun Pass, which includes admission for two adults and two children, can be purchased online for $30 plus a $2 convenience fee. Children 5 and under always enter for free.
The Williamson County Fair offers several special days and discounts to help make your visit even more affordable:
- Government Employee Day: On Saturday, August 3rd, government employees with a special ID get in for free, courtesy of Cigna. There’s also a ride special for $15, valid from 10 am to 4 pm. If you’re a government employee outside of Williamson County, you can email EmployeeDay@williamsoncounty-tn.gov with your ID and work info to request two free tickets (while supplies last).
- Senior Day: On Sunday, August 4th, admission is free for those 55 and older, and goodie bags will be given to the first 500 seniors through the gates!
- Pay it Forward Day: On Monday, August 5th, bring four canned goods per person to benefit GraceWorks and get in free!
- Middle Tennessee Electric Discount: On Tuesday, August 6th, get $1 off admission for Middle Tennessee Electric customers with the coupon insert from their July bill (must present original coupon).
- Military Appreciation Day: On Saturday, August 10th, all active and retired military personnel can enjoy free admission with a valid military ID. Additionally, eligible veterans and active-duty military members can obtain admission tickets through the Veteran Tickets Foundation. To request these free tickets, visit the VetTix website and use your existing account or create a new one.
Ride Tickets
For those looking to enjoy the rides, unlimited ride hand stamps are priced at $25 on weekdays, $35 on Saturdays, and $30 on Sundays. Purchase your ride hand stamps online by August 1st and receive a discounted rate! Ride tickets can also be purchased at the fair individually and in bundles of 21, 55, and 120 coupons. Note that all rides require more than one coupon each.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Williamson County Fair ticket page.
Parking and Transportation
Parking at the Williamson County Fair is free, convenient, and accessible.
Gate 1 at the Williamson County AgExpo Park serves as the main entrance for parking. Courtesy carts run continuously throughout the parking areas, providing drop-off and pick-up services at the ticket booths until 15 minutes before closing each night, and until 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday.
Guests needing to drop someone off at the fair entrance should proceed down Long Lane to Gate 2 and pull into the front parking lot to drop off their guests.
Pets
While the Williamson County Fair promises a fun-filled experience for everyone, it’s important to note that furry friends have to stay home as pets (including those on leashes or in cages) are not allowed. However, service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are always welcome. For complete details and any exceptions, check the fair’s animal policy.
Accessibility
The fair provides services for guests with disabilities, including accessible parking, restrooms, and viewing areas. Contact the fair organizers for specific needs.
Tips for a Great Experience at the Williamson County Fair
- Plan Ahead: Review the fair schedule online and decide which days have the events and activities you’re most interested in. The online map makes it easy to plan your day at the fair.
- Stay Hydrated: August can be hot in Tennessee, so bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!
- Cash and Cards: While many vendors accept cards, it’s a good idea to bring some cash for smaller vendors and rides. ATM’s are provided in various locations throughout the fairgrounds.
- Safety First: Keep an eye on your belongings and make a meeting plan with family or friends in case you get separated.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Williamson County Fair
Want to give back to the community and get a behind-the-scenes look at the fair? Consider volunteering! Each year, hundreds of volunteers come together to help make the fair a success. Volunteers are essential in various areas, including assisting with event setup and takedown, providing information to visitors, helping with livestock shows, and supporting educational exhibits. Group volunteering opportunities are also available, making it a great way for organizations and groups to get involved and contribute to the community.
Volunteering at the fair is not only a rewarding experience but also a chance to enjoy the fair from a unique perspective. Volunteers receive perks such as free admission, a volunteer T-shirt, and meal discounts. Additionally, it’s an excellent opportunity for students and community members to earn service hours and add valuable experience to their resumes.
To sign up as a volunteer and be part of this year’s Williamson County Fair, visit the official volunteer page for more information and to complete the volunteer application form. Join the fun, make new friends, and help create lasting memories for all fair attendees!
Join the Celebration: Experience the Magic of the Williamson County Fair
The Williamson County Fair is more than just an event—it’s a community tradition that brings together people of all ages to celebrate the region’s heritage, talent, and spirit. With a wide range of attractions, rides, special events, and opportunities to get involved, the fair promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on this beloved annual celebration!
Follow the Williamson County Fair on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates and special announcements.
