The Topsfield Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the United States — celebrates local farm animals, agriculture, food, rides, vendors and performances.
Returning for its 206th year, the fair will open for its 11-day run on Friday, Oct. 4, and last until Monday, Oct. 14.
Below is some crucial information ahead of the Topsfield Fair’s opening day.
When does the fair open?
The Topsfield Fair will open at 4 p.m. Friday, opening day. 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.
How do I get 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.” You can enter the fairgrounds through the main gate, which is right off Route 1. There are also gates leading into the fair from the Maple Street lot (Lot D), River Gate lot (Lot A) and Route 97 lot (Lot E).
Where do I park?
Several parking lots surround the Topsfield Fair on Route 1 (Lot C) 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 you to and from the fair via the Race Rear gate. Parking is free in all lots on opening day and is $15 each day after. More information about parking bans and expected traffic can be found on Topsfield’s town website.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the fair. You can also buy an $8 food coupon that is good toward the purchase of $10 worth of food at more than a dozen stands. Children under 8 get into the fair for free when an adult buys a ticket. All active military members, along with their immediate family members accompanying them, also get into the Topsfield Fair for free on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
What events are happening?
New this year at the Topsfield Fair is the “Dock Dogs Big Air Wave” competition from Oct. 4 to 6. Other highlights of the fair include the giant pumpkin weigh-off and the hot dog eating contest, which are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 5, respectively. This year’s musical acts include performances from Three Dog Night on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 38 Special on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Maddie & Tae on Friday, Oct. 11. Those who purchase tickets to the Topsfield Fair will get to see the shows for free.
What rides are there and where?
The Midway is home to all fair rides and includes kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides. People can either buy tickets for rides at the fair or get a discounted pass for 10 fair rides for $33 dollars online. 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. Be sure to keep the ride tickets attached to the strip as unattached tickets will not be accepted by the ride operators.
What food options are there?
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.
Where are the bathrooms, Lost & Found, etc?
The Topsfield Fair has provided fairgoers with a map that includes bathroom locations, information booths and more. You can find out where everything is by clicking here.
Will I need to bring cash?
You will need cash to park and most vendors at the fair require cash. However, some vendors do accept cashless payments. ATM’s are located outside the Main Gate and throughout the fairgrounds.
You can find answers to more commonly asked questions on the Topsfield Fair’s website.
