The Alabama National Fair is open in Montgomery with all the fun shows, rides, music and food you'd expect, and much more. But this year is also bringing a few significant changes.
Here are some things you need to know about the 2024 fair, which runs from Oct. 4-14 at the fairgrounds by Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive:
Alabama National Fair 2004
Alabama National Fair is usually known as "The 10 Best Days of Fall," but that's changed to 11 days thanks to Columbus Day falling on Monday, Oct. 14. Normally the fair would end on the previous Sunday.
"We're going an extra day because of the holiday," said Randy Stephenson, fair's general manager.
Oct. 14 will also bring an extra School Day to the fair.
More: Festival guide: Fall into fun with a ton of celebrations in Montgomery area
Alabama National Fair admission
Normally when drivers come to park at the fair, they're greeted by friendly folks at the gate who take up a parking fee. While people will likely be directing you to spaces to park, they won't be taking a fee. The cost to park is already included with the tickets, Stephenson said.
"It'll be on your ticket when you pay for your ticket. It's included in the ticket price," he said. "We worked out a deal with Garrett Coliseum. That should move the lines along a lot faster."
17 and under? Bring a grownup and behave!
"We're strictly enforcing our 17-and-under policy," Stephenson said.
That means that anyone under 18 has to be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 21 and up to get into the fair. Stephenson said minors are allowed to roam once they're inside, at their parent's or guardian's discretion. If the kids get into trouble, they and their parents will face consequences, whether or not the parents are at the fair.
"You (the adult) will be responsible for their behavior," Stephenson said. "We've talked with the (district attorney's) office, and the DA's office is working with law enforcement. These kids that get in, they're going to hold parents accountable for their actions. If they get in without the parents knowledge, the parents are still going to be held accountable for their actions."
More security will be in place
Fair security has been strengthened, and they'll be enforcing a clear bag policy. Alcohol and weapons are among the prohibited items.
Along with the fair's private security, they'll have members of Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on site.
"You'll see drones flying around, and you'll see the helicopter flying around," Stephenson said.
Alabama National Fair wristbands price
Wade Shows is back to give guests wild rides, and they're adding a few extra ones for 2024.
"We're up to almost 50 rides again," Stephenson said.
As usual, you can buy ride ticket packs on site. If you plan to ride a lot, check out their wristband deals, which vary from day to day. Gate opening and midway hours also vary from day to day as well. So be sure to visit alnationalfair.org or get the fair's mobile app to plan out your fun for pricing and times.
Active military, veterans and first responders get into the fair free with ID.
Big time concerts on coliseum stage
Admission to the fair brings access to music, which for 2024 is indoors on Garrett Coliseum's stage. Here are the concerts still to come:
- Dylan Scott, 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 — Country superstar Dylan Scott has chart-topping hits like “My Girl,” “Hooked,” and “Nobody.” The fair concert is part of Scott\'s I Owe You One Tour. This one\'s happening on College Night, so guests wearing college fan gear can get in to the fair and concert for half-off, just $10.
- Steel CuZ'n Band, 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 — Steel CuZ'n is a group of brass rockers from Montgomery who have been together since 2020.
Catch all the shows!
A big part of Alabama National Fair fun is that your admission covers several shows that you can catch throughout the fair's run for no extra cost:
- Zerbini family circus — Step into the big top for a nationally touring one-ring circus with acrobats, trapeze artists, daredevils, clowns, dancers an jugglers.
- The Fearless Flores Thrill Show — Gravity-defying acrobatic stunts like the Globe of Death and the dizzying Aerial Swaypole.
- Swifty Swine Racing Pigs — It's the Nascar of pork, with pigs racing around a track. This will be the racing pigs\' second event in Montgomery this year, as just a few weeks back they were brought in for Buckmasters for the first time.
- Tiger Encounter — A wild encounter with Bengal tigers and a rare white lion. Be thrilled by these majestic beasts, and learn about their conservation.
- Cowtown USA — This is an all-ages interactive agricultural exhibit that puts fairgoers into farm life. Milk cows and goats, work with oxen, and even learn about frontier tanning.
- The Puppetone Rockers — A high-energy, character-filled show with driving performing grand pianos, 10-foot-tall dancing puppets, parades, skits and catchy songs.
Take a grab at the cash!
The Money Machine is back, and folks can register for a shot at stepping in to grab cash to keep. These are mostly for adults, and they've got one planned for seniors. The little ones have a chance to get in and grab "Fair Bucks" during School Days. Times can vary, but many of the regular ones for grownups are around 7 p.m. Listen up for announcements on when to register, and see the schedule online.
Special admission deals that'll save you cash
Admission price varies a little daily, but one thing for certain is that the fair is perfect for folks with lots of little ones. Kids age 5 and younger get in free. Regular admission is $20, but there are special deals ahead that can cut that by half or more:
- College Night on Oct. 10 — $10 admission when you wear college apparel.
- Senior and Pet Food specials on Oct. 11 — $7 admission for ages 55 and up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10 admission all day with a donation of dog or cat food.
- School Day on Oct. 14 — $10 admission for everyone.
What else is there?
There's a lot of competitions happening at the fair. Even if you're not a part of them, you can check out the amazing things people are doing with school art, flowers, robotics and livestock, quilting, photography and more. They'll have live cooking contests at the Creative Living Center. There's also a Mounted Shooting Competition on Oct. 12 and 13.
For guests with sensory issues like autism, the fair will have Sensory Friendly Sunday Oct. 13, from 1-3 p.m. They won't have flashing lights, music or announcements in the kiddie land, and sounds from the events and fairgrounds will be lowered.
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
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This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama National Fair: What time does the fair close?
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