The Topsfield Fair — New England’s oldest fair — celebrates local farm animals, agriculture, food, rides, vendors and performances.
Returning for its 207th year on Friday, Oct. 3, the fair will be open for 11 days through Monday, Oct. 13.
Before visitors eat their weight in apple crisp or watch pigs race around a track, there are some things they should know.
When the fair opens
The Topsfield Fair will open at 4 p.m. on opening day, which is Friday, Oct. 3. The rest of the fair’s hours vary, so check the fair’s website for a daily schedule. Gates will close two hours prior to the fair’s scheduled closing time each day.
Getting to the fair
The physical address of the Topsfield Fairgrounds is 207 Boston St. (Route 1) in Topsfield. It is important to know that a GPS might consider the Topsfield Fairgrounds a “Point of Interest.” Parking lots are located around the fair and each has its respective point of entry. More information about getting around the Topsfield Fair can be found here.
Ticket costs
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the fair. A 3-day pass, good for any three days of the fair, is $42 plus a $3 convenience fee. Children under 8 are free with an adult admission ticket. Discounted food vouchers and ride tickets are also available when purchased ahead of time.
Notable events
Highlights of the Topsfield fair include the 41st All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 and the Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m., respectively. Visitors can also catch the Double Figure “8” Race and Demolition Derby both on Monday, Oct. 13. This year’s major musical acts include a Taylor Swift tribute concert on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Sammy Kershaw on Thursday, Oct. 9, and Frankie Avalon on Friday, Oct. 10. All concerts are free admission with ticket purchase.
Budweiser Clydesdales
The famous 8-horse Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch will be at the Topsfield Fair from Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5. Demonstrations will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. each day.
Rides
The Midway is home to all fair rides and includes kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides. Each ride will have a sign with the number of tickets required, but those figures apply only to tickets that are purchased at the ticket booths in the Midway that day. Visitors should keep their ride tickets attached to the strip, as unattached tickets will not be accepted by the ride operators.
Food options
The fair offers dozens of food options, from fried vegetables and funnel cake to gyros and whoopie pies. Click here for a full list of the nearly 70 food spots.
Bring cash
While some vendors do accept cashless payments, others do require cash at the Topsfield Fair. Therefore, visitors should bring some ahead of time or they can take cash out at one of the fair’s ATM’s that located throughout the fairgrounds.
More answers to more commonly asked questions can be found on the Topsfield Fair’s website.
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