The Piedmont Interstate Fair lights up the evening sky at sunset as the annual Spartanburg tradition returns Oct. 13-18 for its 80th anniversary celebration. The fair features carnival rides, live entertainment, livestock, exhibits, fair food and activities for the whole family. Photo courtesy of Melissa Rhine.
For generations of Spartanburg families, October hasn’t felt complete without at least one trip to the Piedmont Interstate Fair.
This year, the tradition reaches a milestone. The Piedmont Interstate Fair will celebrate its 80th anniversary Oct. 13-18 at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds, 575 Fairgrounds Road in Spartanburg, bringing back six days of carnival rides, fair food, animals, exhibits, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities to make a few new fair memories.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association was formed in 1945, with the first fair held at its current location in 1946. Eight decades later, it remains one of Spartanburg’s most recognizable fall traditions.
For our family, it’s one we look forward to every year.
Our kids would happily stay at the fair all day long, riding everything they possibly can — and riding favorites like Zero Gravity over and over again. Watching Explosive Pro Wrestling is always on the list, along with playing putt-putt, wandering through the midway and, of course, eating our way through the fair. A trip isn’t complete without a funnel cake and candy apple.
Then there are the unexpected souvenirs. Last year, we somehow came home with three goldfish and a trumpet. That’s the kind of experience that makes the Piedmont Interstate Fair what it is: part carnival, part community gathering and part family tradition.
If your family loves the rides as much as ours does, planning ahead can save money. We always purchase Mega Passes before the fair. The $30 advance Mega Pass includes both admission and unlimited rides for one day. Mega Passes are only available before fair week, with the final advance sale from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the fair office. No Mega Passes will be sold during fair week.
Advance admission-only tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-11. At the gate, adult admission is $10 Tuesday through Friday and $15 Saturday and Sunday. Children ages 5-11 are $5 throughout the fair, while children 4 and younger are admitted free. Admission for seniors 65 and older and veterans with identification is $7.
Unlimited-ride armbands will also be available inside the fair for $30, but unlike the advance Mega Pass, they don’t include admission. Individual ride credits may also be purchased.
Big Rock Amusements returns to operate the midway, while attractions throughout the week include Jurassic Kingdom, Georgia Untamed Petting Zoo, Doc Magic, virtual reality rides, the farm animal barn, exhibit halls, fair food and free live music.
Explosive Pro Wrestling will take place in the Commercial Building at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Livestock events bring the fair back to its agricultural roots, too. A goat show is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m.; poultry and rabbit shows begin Thursday at 6 p.m.; and Saturday features a beef show at 11 a.m. and dairy goat show at 2 p.m. Inside the exhibit areas, visitors can see everything from baked goods, canned foods and fresh produce to arts, crafts, photography and other competition entries.
Each day also brings something different.
Opening night Tuesday is TOTAL Ministries Night. Visitors who bring three cans of food can receive discounted admission of $7 for adults and $3 for children. Wednesday is Senior Citizens/Education Day, with special daytime access before the grounds close for cleaning and reopen at 4 p.m. Thursday is 4-H Night, with free admission for active youth 4-H members who present a current membership card. Friday is Fiesta Night.
Saturday offers one of the longest days to explore, with gates opening at 11 a.m. The Piedmont Perfect Car and Truck Show will also take place Saturday, with judging beginning at 1 p.m. and trophies and a $1,200 cash prize awarded at 2 p.m.
Live music rounds out each evening, with The Enforcers on Tuesday, Soul Intent on Wednesday, Silver Travis Band on Thursday, Sonido Supremo 77 on Friday and Borderline Therapy on Saturday, generally beginning at 7:30 p.m. J. Rozelle performs Sunday at 3 p.m.
Regular gates are open from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Carnival rides may continue later than gate-closing time.
A few things are especially important to know before heading out. Parking is free, including designated accessible parking near the main entrance. Re-entry isn’t permitted, so once you leave, you’ll have to pay admission again to return. All guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The fair also has a clear-bag policy and uses metal detectors. Backpacks, large purses, outside food and drinks, alcohol and weapons are prohibited. Visitors should also consider wearing closed-toe shoes because of uneven pavement and ride equipment.
Whether you go for the animals, wrestling, exhibits, music, midway lights or simply an excuse to cover a funnel cake in powdered sugar, the Piedmont Interstate Fair has a way of becoming part of your family’s fall traditions.
And if your kids are anything like ours, don’t expect to leave anytime soon.
For complete schedules, rules and ticket information, visit piedmontinterstatefair.com.
