A complete guide to the Ozarks Empire Fair

SPRINGFIELD – The 88 ^th Ozark Empire Fair will return at the fairgrounds starting next Thursday.

The rides, shows, and all the fair food you can imagine will return to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds on July 25th, and run through Saturday,  August 3rd. Here is a preliminary guide for fairgoers.

FAIR HOURS

July 25

• 4 PM – Close
• E-Plex: 4 PM – 10 PM
• Carnival Midway: 4 pm – Close

July 26 – August 3:

• 11 AM – Close
• E-Plex: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Carnival Midway: 1 PM – Close

Hours are subject to change due to inclement weather or at the discretion of OEF management.

The Carnival Midway is where most of the rides and games are, and it will stay open until at least 10 p.m. weather permitting. The midway will remain open longer due to crowds and at the discretion of OEF management.

TICKET PRICING

Tickets are currently on sale at “early bird” prices. Adult prices for those 12+ years start at $10 for admission and $15 during the fair. It’s $3 for kids age 6-12 in advance, going up to $5 during the fair. Admission for kids under 6 is free.

A “2024 Super Pass” is listed at $30 on the Ozark Empire Fair website. That gets you admission and a ride wristband for any single day. These are only sold in advance.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at area Casey’s General Stores and Springfield Hyvee locations. Early bird pricing ends at Noon on July 25.

PARKING

Parking is $5, but parking on site is not guaranteed, according to the Fairgrounds website.

SHOWS AND CONCERTS

There are several shows at the grandstand stage this year

• July 25: Everclear w/ Marcy’s Playground
  • ($15 – $35)
• July 26: Sugarhill Gang w/  C&C Music Factory
  • ($20 – $35)
• July 27: O’Reilly Outlaw Nationals Monster Truck Show
  • ($15 – $30)
• July 28: Skillet
  • ($20 – $35)
• July 30: Reckless Kelly w/ Jukebox Hero
  • ($10 – $20)
• August 1: O’Reilly Auto Parts Night of Destruction 2024
  • ($8 – $25)
• August 2: Hardee’s Extreme Freestyle Bullfighting
  • $5 – $20
• August 3: Truck & Tractor Pull
  • $5 – $20

The pricing listed for those shows is reflected on the website , but it does indicate that prices will go up on the day of the events.

CARNIVAL, RIDES, AND WRISTBANDS PRICING:

• Carnival tickets
  • 5 tickets for $7
  • 30 tickets for $35
  • 55 tickets for $55

• On-Site wristbands
  • Monday-Thursday for $35
  • Friday-Sunday for $40

The above pricing does not include fair admission. Wristbands are not intended for kids under 36 inches tall.

$3 DAY AND OTHER SPECIALS

• $3 Day | July 29
  • Parking, Admission, Rides, and Several Food items will be just $3.
• Service Day | July 30
  • Free Admission for those with valid Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, EMT, Ambulance, or Firefighter ID. Only good for the ID holder.
• Military Day | July 31
  • Free Admission for valid Military ID holders.
• College Day | August 1
  • Free Admission for Active & Valid College ID holders

FREE ATTRACTIONS

If you are looking for some free attractions at the fair, there are plenty of things you can enjoy that are included in the price of admission:

• Scott’s World of Magic Show
• Off Axis Stunt Show
• Rock N Rolling Piano
• Hedrick’s Exotic Petting Zoo
• Pig Races
• Free Music
• Life & Arts Exhibit
• Livestock shows
• MO Department of Conservation
• FFA Building
• AgVenture
• 4-H Exhibits

Descriptions of each of these events can be found on the Ozark Empire Fair’s website.

MOBILITY SCOOTERS AND WHEELCHAIRS

Scooters and wheelchairs can be reserved in advance on the Fairgrounds website, or you can get them on-site. Guests are welcome to bring their own wheelchairs or scooters.

• Pricing is for half a day (1-5 hours) or full day (6-12) hours.
• Half day rental for scooters are $40, with full day rentals at $55.
• Half day rentals for wheelchairs are $30, with full day rentals at $45.

For questions or phone reservations, call 417-231-2860.

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY

The Fairgrounds has storm shelters in the E-Plex and annex on the lower part of the arena. There will also be law enforcement and first-aid professionals on-site. Guest services is located in the Wilson Logistics Area and E-Plex building. You can call 417-833-2660 if you have an issue.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.