Greater Baton Rouge State Fair 2024

The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair is a beloved family tradition known for supporting the Worthy Causes Program in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Held at the BREC Airline Highway Park and Fairgrounds, it features a wide array of attractions, including rides, a beer garden, concessions, agricultural shows, games, entertainment, and a petting zoo. With activities catering to all ages, it promises fun and enjoyment for the entire family.

Events & Activities

The all-volunteer-run fair takes place at the expansive 150-acre Airline Highway Park. It boasts a delectable array of food and drinks, a vibrant carnival midway with a variety of rides, including Avengers, Berry Go Round, Boats Bumble Bees, Cars, Castle Mania, Combo ride, Dizzy Dragons, Dune Buggies, Extreme, Ferris Wheel, Fun Slide, and thrilling shows complemented by live music nearly every evening. Families can delight in the petting zoo featuring exotic animals and enjoy shows featuring llamas, goats, and lambs, ensuring fun for both kids and adults alike.

Throughout these annual 11 days of family fun, the Baton Rouge State Fair surprises visitors with unusual entertainment: lawn tractor pulls, drone race contests, pig races, and even an acrobatic performance inside a giant steel rotating wheel. And, of course, vendors sell the best of Louisiana fair treats like cracklins and funnel cake, so bring your appetite. Special events include the Pie Baking Contest, Hot Dog Eating Contest, Pumpkin Carving Contest, and Lego Extravaganza

Open Hours & Tickets

The gates of the fair are usually open 5 pm–10 pm Monday through Friday and 12 pm–10 pm on weekends for visitors of all ages. Gate admission is $10 for all visitors 48-inches tall and above. For the rides, fair-goers must have either a ride wristband or coupons, which may be purchased on the midway.

History of Greater Baton Rouge State Fair

The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair began in 1965, combining a Trade Show and Carnival. It moved locations until settling on the current 100-acre fairgrounds along Airline Highway in 1973. Ownership transferred to a new group in 1985, navigating financial challenges exacerbated by Hurricane Juan. The fairgrounds later became part of BREC in 1986, marking a beneficial partnership. Despite setbacks like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, volunteers have ensured the fair's continuity, celebrating milestones like its 25th anniversary in 2010 under new leadership. For several decades of its existence, the fair not only entertained visitors but also donated over $4.1 million through scholarships and grants to charitable and non-profit organizations.