The countdown is on! The Wilson County Fair returns August 13–22, bringing ten days of rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food, exhibits, livestock, and family fun. Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, we've put together this guide with everything you need to make the most of your trip.
Table of Contents:
😎 General Info
DATES:
August 13–22, 2026
FAIR OPENING TIMES:
Weekdays: 4 pm
Saturdays: 10 am
Sunday: 12 pm
ADMISSION GATE CLOSING TIMES:
Sunday-Thursday: 9 pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 10 pm
CARNIVAL HOURS:
Monday-Thursday: 4 pm - 11 pm
Fridays: 4 pm - 12 am
Saturdays: 10 am - 12 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 11 pm
Hours of operation may be adjusted for the safety of guests & staff
Weather Policy: There are no refunds or rain checks
🎟 Admission
At-the-Gate Tickets (available through August 12):
Adults: $20
Kids (6–12): $10
Kids 5 & under: FREE
Advance Tickets (available through August 12):
Adults: $14
Kids (6–12): $5
Kids 5 & under: FREE
Opening Day Special (Thursday, August 13):
Adults: $12
Kids (6–12): $4.50
Kids 5 & under: FREE
Season Pass – $50
Gate Admission only (no rides). Good for all 10 days of the fair.
Best Value: Mega Ticket – $35
Includes one-day fair admission plus one unlimited ride armband. Available only through August 12, and saves up to $19 compared to buying separately.
Tuesday is Senior Day!
Guests 60 and older receive admission for just $10.
🚗Parking
Getting to the fair doesn’t have to be stressful! Whether you want to avoid traffic with the free shuttle, park on-site, or need accessible parking options, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
🚌 Option 1: Free Park & Ride Shuttle (Recommended)
Want to skip the fairground traffic? Take advantage of the free Park & Ride shuttle service running daily during the Wilson County Fair, August 13–22, 2026.
Shuttle Hours:
Weekdays: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sundays: Noon – 11:00 PM
Shuttle Locations:
📍 Cumberland University (Football Parking Lot)
415 Harding Drive, Lebanon, TN
📍 First Baptist Church & Wilson County Courthouse
209 E Main Street, Lebanon, TN
🅿️ Option 2: Park at the Fairgrounds
If you prefer to park on-site, several options are available:
FREE General Parking
Cost: Free
Location: South side of the fairgrounds
Entrance: Peyton Road
⭐ Preferred Parking
Cost: $10 per vehicle/day
Location: Near the main entrance off E. Baddour Parkway
♿ Handicap (ADA) Parking
Location: Wilson County Exposition Center lot
Access: Convenient parking for guests needing accessibility options
🚕 Option 3: Drop-Off & Rideshare
Getting dropped off or using Uber/Lyft? Please use the official drop-off location to help keep traffic moving.
Designated Drop-Off Point: Gate 1
📍 925 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN
🎡 Quick Tip:
If you want the easiest fair experience, consider arriving earlier in the day or using the free Park & Ride shuttle to avoid the busiest traffic times.
🚨 Important Timing Reminder
Parking gates close 30 minutes before admission gates close, so plan to arrive early!
💡 Fair Entry Tip: Use Your Hazard Lights!
Driving to Preferred or Handicap Parking? Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights (flashers) as you approach the fairgrounds.
Fair traffic staff use your hazards to quickly identify and direct you into the correct lanes, helping speed up the parking process.
🎡 Rides
Kiddie Rides
Bumble Bees: A gentle spinning aerial ride where little ones take flight in buzzing bumblebee cars. (30" min. with adult / 36" min. alone)
Dizzy Dragon: A colorful, friendly spinning dragon ride perfect for younger thrill-seekers. (30" min. with adult / 36" min. alone)
Dragon Coaster: A child-friendly roller coaster featuring gentle dips and turns. (37"–49" with adult / 49" min. alone)
Jumping Jumbo: Kids fly high and soar in gentle circles aboard friendly elephant cars. (36" min. height)
Kite Flyer: A unique lay-down ride that lets kids experience the sensation of soaring through the air like a kite. (42" min. height)
Magic Bus: A cheerful, gently swaying bus ride that bounces up, down, and around. (30" min. with adult / 36" min. alone)
Mini Carousel: A classic merry-go-round sized just right for small children. (30" min. with adult / 36" min. alone)
Mini Himalaya: Wave-action fun moving in forward and backward motion on a mini circuit. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone)
Mini Tea Cup: A pint-sized spin on the classic amusement park favorite made exclusively for young kids. (36" min. height; kids only)
Mini Wave Swinger: A kid-sized chair swing offering low-flying excitement. (36" min. inside seat with adult / 42" min. outside seat)
Monster Truck: Big-wheeled fun for young drivers steering through a miniature truck course. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone; age 3+)
Nascar Speedway: Young racing fans zoom around an oval track in mini racecars. (36" min. height)
Orient Express: A gentle mini coaster delivering fun family-friendly turns. (36"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone)
Red Baron: Young pilots take control in vintage-style fighter planes. (36" min. height)
Rio Grande Train: A miniature train adventure winding down the tracks for small children. (36" min. height; age 3+; kids only)
Rockin Tug Boat: A rocking and spinning tugboat ride that sways back and forth on "waves". (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone)
Samba Balloon: Bright hot air balloons that gently lift, tilt, and spin in the air. (30"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone; age 2+)
Scooby-Doo Train: A fun, themed train ride starring everyone's favorite mystery-solving pup. (36" min. to 42" max. height)
Sky Race: An interactive flight ride where kids pilot their own flying plane. (30" min. with adult / 36" min. alone)
Speedy Gonzalez: A fast and fun mini roller coaster tailored for brave young riders. (37"–49" with adult / 49" min. alone)
Spiderman: An action-packed superhero adventure ride. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone; closed-toe shoes required)
Star Jet: A high-flying airplane ride taking future astronauts into orbit. (36" min. height)
Treasure Island: A fun, pirate-themed walkthrough attraction. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone; closed-toe shoes required)
Wiggle Worm: A cute, undulating worm ride perfect for toddlers and young children. (30" min. with adult / 36" min. alone)
Major Rides (Adult)
Block Craft: An interactive fun-house adventure filled with obstacles and mazes. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone; under 6 with adult; closed-toe shoes required)
Century Wheel: A classic giant Ferris wheel offering scenic, panoramic views of the entire fairgrounds. (42" min. with adult / 54" min. alone; no single riders)
Crazy Outback: An Australian-themed walk-through fun house full of playful obstacles. (42" min. height)
Fun Slide: A classic multi-lane giant slide where riders zip down on burlap sacks. (32"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone)
Galactic Assault: A space-themed, action-packed fun attraction. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone)
Ghost Manor: A classic haunted attraction delivering spooky fun for brave fairgoers. (36" min. height)
Grand Carousel / Merry Go Round: A beautifully lit full-sized traditional carousel featuring ornate horses and chariots. (42" min. height / under 36" in chariot with adult)
Hot Wheelz: High-energy bumper cars where drivers can crash and steer through the arena. (42"–48" passenger / 48" driver)
Madagascar: A jungle-themed walkthrough obstacle adventure. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone; under 6 with adult; closed-toe shoes required)
Pit Stop: Fast-paced, race-car styled bumper car action. (42"–48" passenger / 48" driver)
Sizzler: A fast, spinning attraction that whirls cars around in rapid, unpredictable circles. (42"–52" with adult / 52" min. alone)
Starship 3000: A high-speed, centrifugal force ride that sticks riders to the walls as it spins and tilts. (42"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone)
Tiki Tunnel: An island-themed walkthrough maze filled with fun obstacles. (36" min. height)
Tilt-A-Whirl: The timeless carnival favorite where cars pivot and spin unpredictably on an undulating track. (46" min. height; age 6+)
Wacky Mouse: A family-friendly mini coaster featuring sharp turns and fun dips. (36"–42" with adult / 42" min. alone)
YoYo: A giant swing ride that lifts riders into the air and tilts as it spins. (42" min. height)
Spectacular Rides (Adult)
Fire Ball: A high-intensity looping coaster that rockets riders around a giant vertical ring in forward and reverse. (48" min. height; no single riders)
Music Express: A fast-paced circular ride spinning forward and backward to loud music and dynamic light displays. (42"–52" with adult / 52" min. alone)
Pharaoh's Fury: A giant Egyptian-themed swinging ship sweeping back and forth to thrilling heights. (48" min. height)
RIP TIDE: A rocking, spinning ocean-style ride simulating breaking waves. (42"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone)
Rock Star: A giant guitar-shaped platform swinging riders back and forth high above the crowd. (42" min. height)
Zero Gravity: A high-speed wall-spinning centrifuge that lifts riders off the floor using gravity. (42" min. / 77" max height)
Zipper: An iconic extreme carnival favorite delivering intense flips, tumbles, and sudden drops in rotating cages. (48" min. height; no single riders)
Super Spectacular Rides (Adult)
Air Race: An acrobatic flight simulator performing 360-degree barrel rolls and loop-de-loops. (48" min. height)
*Euro Slide: A massive mega-slide delivering high-speed sliding excitement. (48"–52" with adult / 52" min. alone — Not included in armband)
Galaxy Coaster: A full-size steel roller coaster packed with big drops, sharp turns, and fast speeds. (48"–51" with adult / 51" min. alone; under 8 with adult)
Giant Wheel: The iconic centerpiece Ferris wheel soaring high above the fairgrounds skyline with spectacular nighttime lighting. (42" min. with adult / 54" min. alone; no single riders)
Hulk: High-intensity thrill machine delivering heavy forces and upside-down flips. (55" min. / 77" max height)
Ice Jet: High-speed music-driven spinning ride featuring fast hills, valleys, and backward motion. (42"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone)
Indy 500: A high-octane speedway ride whirling cars around banked turns. (42"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone)
Joker: An extreme thrill attraction featuring intense rotations and airborne flips.
*Lightning: A high-velocity thrill tower dropping and spinning riders at heart-pounding speeds. (54" min. / 76" max height — Not included in armband)
New York NY: A multi-story glass house and fun maze packed with optical illusions and obstacles. (41"–47" with adult / 47" min. alone; closed-toe shoes required)
Sky Flyer: A high-altitude swing tower lifting riders high into the air for 360-degree views. (42"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone)
Super Himalaya: An ultra-fast circular ride racing over hills and dales to pulsing music. (48"–52" with adult / 52" min. alone; under 12 with adult)
*TN Lift Sky Ride: A scenic chairlift transport taking fairgoers on a relaxing aerial tour across the entire fairgrounds. (32"–48" with adult / 48" min. alone — Not included in armband)
Wave Swinger: A grand wave-swing ride that lifts, tilts, and soars high in the air. (38"–44" with adult / 44" min. alone; age 3+)
🎤 Entertainment
🌽 Fair Food
Vendors:
Alsup Concessions — Classic fair staples like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and ribbon fries
Awe Shucks Corn — Fire-roasted sweet corn on the cob brushed with butter and seasonings
B & B Concessions — Carnival snacks, fresh lemon squeezes, and fried favorites
B & D Concessions - Mother Shuckers — Freshly roasted corn-on-the-cob and seasoned sweet corn
Baskin Robbins — Ice cream scoops, sundaes, and frozen novelties
Broad Concessions — Classic carnival fare and deep-fried quick bites
Bundy Concessions — Elephant ears, funnel cakes, and fried dough
Chad's Winter Wonderland — Holiday-themed sweet treats, cotton candy, and festive snacks
CiCi's Pizza — Hot pizza by the slice and cinnamon rolls
Cobbler Café — Warm homemade fruit cobblers (peach, blackberry) served with vanilla ice cream
Collins Concessions — Traditional fair snacks, popcorn, and cotton candy
Country Boy Gourmet — Hearty gourmet burgers, country-fried specialties, and steak sandwiches
Dave's Fun Food — Playful carnival food, deep-fried snacks, and novelty eats
Dentons Fun Foods — Chicken fingers, corn dogs, orange drink
Dixie Chillers — Flavored lemonades, slushies, and frozen fruit drinks
DNL Concessions — Fairground food classics, fried items, french fries, and cold drinks
Doc's Concessions — Fried carnival snacks, dogs, and beverages
Dominos Pizza — Freshly baked pizza slices
Down N The Bayou — Authentic Cajun staples like red beans n’ rice, gumbo, beignets, and po'boys
Earls Concession — Classic fair foods including corn dogs and cheese fries
Ed's Hometown Concessions — Comfort food classics, Philly cheesesteaks, and fair treats
Fried Green Tomatoes — Fish sandwiches, chicken tenders, fried green tomatoes
Fiddle Stix — Deep-fried sweet and savory treats served on a stick
Fox Fudge — Homemade fudge, candy apples, and chocolate-covered treats
Franklin’s Fruit Tea — Sweet Southern fruit tea blended with citrus juices
Fried Fantasies/Optix — Extreme deep-fried desserts like Oreos, Twinkies, and Snickers
Fruit Tea Chicks — Locally brewed, handcrafted Southern fruit teas and lemonades
G and R Concessions — Traditional fair snacks, dogs, and sodas
Giant Ice Tea — Extra-large cups filled with sweet iced tea
Grandpa's Concessions — Old-fashioned fair favorites and classic popcorn/candy
Huli Hut — Hawaiian-style grilled chicken, rice plates, and tropical flavors
Island Noodles — Wok-fried stir-fry noodles loaded with fresh vegetables and chicken
KHK Farms — Farm-fresh produce, boiled peanuts, and local agricultural snacks
Kona Ice — Tropical shaved ice with a self-serve syrup station
Lions Club — Community charity booth serving freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, and pork chops
Lisa's Kettle Corn & Foods — Sweet and salty kettle-popped corn made fresh on-site
Little Jimmy's Wills & Chills — Italian ice, soft-serve ice cream, and chilled treats
Lou Lou's Fruit Smashes — Hand-smashed fresh fruit lemonades and citrus drinks
MAS Concessions — Fairground favorites including corn dogs and curly fries
Merry Bee's Cheesecake — Gourmet cheesecake slices and chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick
Miss Makennas Kitchen — Home-style Southern cooking, baked goods, and comfort dishes
New Berlin Eats LLC — Kebabs, french fries, burgers, sandwiches.
Pa's Ice Cream — Hand-dipped ice cream cones, sundaes, and floats
Pig Pen BBQ — Slow-smoked pulled pork, ribs, and barbecue sides
Pope's Concessions — Carnival treats including cotton candy, popcorn, and funnel cakes
Prince's Hot Chicken — Legendary Nashville hot chicken tenders and spicy sandwiches
Roasted Coconut — Smoothies, bowls, refreshing drinks and sandwiches
Rotary Club — Local community booth serving traditional fair fare
Shop Springs Creamery — Farm-fresh local ice cream, whole milk, and milkshakes
Shop Springs Farms — Locally raised meats, farm-fresh goods, and fried specialties
Strouds Barbeque — Middle Tennessee smoked pork, beef brisket, and homemade banana pudding
Sumthin Smokin — Low-and-slow smoked barbecue ribs, pork, and brisket
Swints BBQ — Hickory-smoked Southern BBQ sandwiches and sides
TN Craft Butchers — Artisanal sausages, smoked meats, and specialty butcher cuts
The Dog House — Gourmet hot dogs, corn dogs, and chili cheese dogs
The Elote Wagon — Quesadillas, Street Tacos, Burgers, Mexican street corn on the cob with custom toppings
The Lemonade Stand — Freshly squeezed, ice-cold lemonade
Tikiz of Greater Nashville — Hawaiian shaved ice and ice cream treats
Travelin’ Toms — Mobile coffee truck serving hot/iced lattes, cold brew, and cocoa
Two Fat Men — Gourmet catering creations, signature bacon dishes, and fried fair delicacies
Veterans Concessions — Veteran-operated booth serving burgers, fries, and fair favorites
Viral Dubai Chocolate — Trending Dubai-style chocolate bars filled with pistachio cream and crunchy kadayif
Walker Foods — Classic fairground concession favorites and fried snacks
🏆 Competitions
There’s nothing quite like the pride of winning a fair ribbon! Whether it’s prized field crops, sweet local honey, fresh baking, or youth art, come celebrate the hard work and passion of Wilson County’s finest makers, growers, and performers.
Click on the photo below for more details on these competitions.
🎻Fiddler’s Grove
Dedicated to preserving the past so stories are not forgotten, Fiddler’s Grove Historic Village features over 60 attractions and is open every day throughout the fair. Whether you are exploring historic cabins, catching live music, or watching live trade demonstrations, history comes to life around every corner.
🏛️ Featured Exhibits & Key Attractions
Stringtown General Store: Shop nostalgic items and soak in the old-time village charm.
Historic Schoolhouses: Tour the Fiddlers Grove and Wheeler Schoolhouses.
Revolutionary War Exhibit: Step inside Town Hall to explore historic displays.
Model Train Museum & Heritage Barn: Featured exhibits for train enthusiasts and agricultural history fans.
🔨 Nightly Demonstrations & Trade Exhibits
Stop by each evening to watch skilled artisans and craftspeople demonstrate historic skills:
Antique Tractors
Basket Weaving
Blacksmithing
Bluegrass Music
Broom Making
Candle Dipping
Hat Making
Pottery
Quilting Demonstrators
Rope Making
Spinning/Weaving
Sorghum Making
Taxidermy
Wood Carving
Wood Turning
Working Grist Mill
🥪 Fair Food Special Spot
Village Special: Treat yourself to a Fried Bologna Sandwich & a Coke Float!
🌿 Wilson County Master Gardeners
Demonstration Vegetable Garden: Located right beside the Master Gardener Building.
Pollinator Butterfly Garden: Located behind Stewarts Cabin in Fiddlers Grove.
"Ask a Master Gardener": Drop by to learn about all the "BEE-utiful" things they do for our community!
🌟 Special Events & Rest Area
"Sit a Spell" Rest Area: Need a break? Relax at the Opry Stage rest area, sponsored by CenterWell Senior Primary Care.
Melrose Church Service: Sunday, August 16 at 9:00 AM.
Jazz Alliance Big Band Dance: Friday, August 21 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Fiddlers Grove Pavilion.
🎶 Complete Performance Lineup at Melrose Church
Thursday, August 13
6:00 PM: Safe Harbor
Friday, August 14
6:00 PM: International Country Singer Cerrito
Saturday, August 15
12:00 PM: Prickly Pair
2:00 PM: Victoria Steelman
4:00 PM: Fredonia
6:00 PM: Cherokee Hope & Alex McLarren
Sunday, August 16
9:00 AM: Melrose Church Service
12:00 PM: Gone With The West
2:00 PM: Elaine Roy
4:00 PM: Ridgetop Ramblers
6:00 PM: Maple Hill Church of Christ
Monday, August 17
6:00 PM: Strings and Beans
Tuesday, August 18
6:00 PM: Lookout Creek
Wednesday, August 19
6:00 PM: Tennessee DNA
Thursday, August 20
6:00 PM: Ridgetop Ramblers
Friday, August 21
6:00 PM: FGMG
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Jazz Alliance Big Band Dance (Fiddlers Grove Pavilion)
Saturday, August 22
12:00 PM: FGMG
2:00 PM: Jerry Ankney Band
4:00 PM: Cedar Ridge
6:00 PM: Victoria Steelman
🛻 Motorsports
Thursday, August 13
7:00 PM — Super Tractor & Truck Pull
Friday, August 14
7:00 PM — Super Tractor & Truck Pull
Evening — Monster Truck Rides ($10)
Saturday, August 15
3:00 PM — Backseat Driver Competition
7:00 PM — Super Tractor & Truck Pull
Selected Times — Monster Truck Rides ($10)
Sunday, August 16
2:00 PM — Antique & Farm Stock Tractor Run
Monday, August 17
7:00 PM — Bump & Run Derby
Tuesday, August 18
7:00 PM — Bump & Run Derby
Wednesday, August 19
6:00 PM — Kids 4 Wheeler Rodeo
Thursday, August 20
6:00 PM — 4 Wheeler Rodeo
6:30 PM — Kids Night Events
Friday, August 21
6:30 PM — Monster Truck Show
Evening — Monster Truck Rides ($10)
Saturday, August 22
6:30 PM — Monster Truck Show
Selected Times — Monster Truck Rides ($10)
🐮 4-H & FFA Highlights
The Wilson County Fair is known for its outstanding 4-H and FFA programs. Throughout the week, you'll find livestock shows, youth exhibits, and competitions showcasing the hard work and talents of local students from across Tennessee.
📍 Where to Go
Q Barn: Livestock shows, poultry, meats, and beef steer competitions
Barn Y (Covered Arena): Livestock judging and regional animal shows
Farm Bureau Expo Center: 4-H exhibits, public speaking, and the Youth Fashion Show
4-H/FFA Building: Educational exhibits, forestry, and environmental contests
Motorsports Arena: Tractor Driving and Welding competitions
⭐ Don't Miss
Aug. 13: Tennessee Junior Sheep Expo begins
Aug. 14: State 4-H Goat Show
Aug. 15 (4 PM): Tennessee 4-H & FFA Beef Steer Show
Aug. 17 (7:30 PM): Wilson County 4-H Youth Fashion Show
Aug. 18: FFA Day – A full day of exciting competitions including livestock judging, welding, tractor driving, public speaking, floral design, forestry, and more.
Aug. 21: Junior Open & 4-H Central Region Dairy Cattle Show
💚 Visitor Tip
Take time to walk through the Farm Bureau Expo Center to see student exhibits featuring photography, crafts, sewing, agriculture, and gardening projects. And when visiting the barns, always ask before petting the animals and help cheer on these hardworking young exhibitors!
🎉 Free Family Fun at The Patch
Looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy? Stop by The Patch, located behind the Expo Center, for free nightly games and competitions!
📅 Schedule
🌰 Friday, August 14 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Pet Acorn Decorating – Get creative and decorate your own "pet" acorn!
🐦 Saturday, August 15 | 6:00 PM
Build a Birdhouse Competition – Put your building skills to the test.
🪵 Sunday, August 16 | 6:00 PM
Log Sawing Competition – A fun, hands-on challenge for all ages!
🏆 Prizes will be awarded for each competition.
Sponsored by the Wilson County Junior Fair Board.
🎉 Exclusive Wilson County Fair Coupons
We hope you found the What's Up Mt. Juliet 2026 Wilson County Fair Guide helpful!
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Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic time at the Wilson County Fair! 🎡