New England’s oldest fair will ring in its 207th year on Friday, so it’s time to get the lay of the land.
The 2025 Topsfield Fair will officially open for an 11-day run on Friday, Oct. 3 and last until Monday, Oct. 13.
Located at 207 Boston St. in Topsfield on the North Shore, the fair has provided fairgoers with a map that includes bathroom locations, where to park and other things visitors should know.
More information about the most notable areas is below:
- Parking Lots: Parking lots for the Topsfield Fair can be accessed via Route 1 (Lots A, B, C and D) and Route 97 (Lot E). There is additional parking at Fair-View Farm on Route 1 North and at North Shore Community College on the weekends. Shuttle buses will bring visitors to and from the fair via the Race Rear gate. Parking is free in all lots on opening day, but is $15 after the first Friday.
- Entrance Gates: The main gate is located directly across from Lot C, off Route 1. Public safety can be found to the left upon entry, while the administration building is on the right. Meanwhile, those who park in Lot A or B can enter the fair through the River Gate. Those who park in Lot D can enter through the Maple Street Gate, while those in Lot E can enter via the Route 97 Gate.
- Information booths: The fair’s two information booths can be found just past the Main Gate and near the Fair Trade Building on Coolidge Square. Here, visitors can find information about daily events, get a fair map, ask questions, or report any concerns.
- Grandstand: The entrance to the Grandstand can be found between the poultry and fruits/vegetables barn on Oval North. This is where the fair’s largest shows are held, including this year’s performance by Sammy Kershaw on Thursday, Oct. 9.
- The Midway: Rides and games can be found at the Midway, which can be accessed through Rabbit Road via Arena Road or directly across from the entrance to The Arena. Activities range from kiddie and family rides to thrill rides and carnival games.
- The Arena: The entrance to The Arena can be found across from the Midway off Arena Road. Events held here include horse or oxen pulling, sheep dog trials, tractor pull, touch a tractor, horse shows, figure “8″ racing and the demolition derby. There are also bathrooms located in the back of The Arena.
- Bathrooms: Portable bathrooms are scattered throughout the fairgrounds. They can be found on Coolidge Square next to Coolidge Hall, upon entering the Midway, inside The Arena, on Cattle Road behind the Kids’ Safe Zone, in Lot E and right after entering through the River Gate lot (Lot A).
- Souvenir Booths: The Topsfield Fair has two souvenir booths: one at the Main Gate and another outside the Fair Trade Building.
- Lost and Found: All lost and found items should be brought to the Administration Building, which is located to the right of the Main Gate. There is also another Lost and Found in the Midway at the Fiesta Show office.
- ATMs: While most vendors do accept cashless payments, it may be worth taking out some cash at the fair. ATMs can be found scattered throughout the grounds, including just past River Gate, within the vicinity of the Main Gate, near Coolidge Hall on Coolidge Square on The Midway and The Arena.
- First Aid: Those in need of First Aid can get assistance by the Main Gate.
Founded in 1818, the Topsfield Fair features a showcase of local farm animals, agriculture, food, rides, vendors and performances. Hours vary by day, so visitors should check the fair’s website for a daily schedule.
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