TOPSFIELD, Mass. – The 2026 Topsfield Fair opens on Friday, October 2nd at 4:00pm and will run through Monday, October 12th.
Highlights of America’s Oldest Fair:
Giant Pumpkin Contest: An Opening Night favorite is the 42nd annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Will anyone break the Topsfield Fair or world record? Find out when the weigh-off begins at 5:00pm on Friday, October 2nd. A winner is expected to be announced by 8:00pm.
Dock Dogs: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, multiple shows in the Grandstand
Junior King & Queen Contest: Saturday, October 3 at 1:00pm on the Trianon Stage
8th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest: Saturday, October 3 at 3:00pm on the Trianon Stage
Fireworks! The night sky will light up on Saturday, October 3 at 8:30pm
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show: Multiple shows, daily on Arena Road
Swifty Swine Racing & Swimming Pigs: Multiple shows, daily on Grange Road
Painted Pony Championship Rodeo: Wednesday, October 8 & Thursday, October 9 (3:00pm & 7:00pm) in the Arena
Flying Wallendas: Saturday, October 10 – Monday, October 12, multiple shows in the Grandstand
Mrs. Essex County Pageant: Sunday, October 11 at 1:00pm in Coolidge Hall
Motorsports Monday (October 13): Double Figure “8” Race at Noon & 3:30pm; Demolition Derby at 7:00pm, both in the Arena
Concerts
(Free in the Grandstand with paid Fair admission):
Grand Funk Railroad Wednesday, Oct. 7th at 7:00pm
Ashley McBryde: Thursday, Oct. 8th at 7:00pm
Chubby Checker: Friday, Oct. 9th at 7:00pm
Special Days:
Senior Citizen Days (Expanded from 1 to 3 days this year): Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (October 5-7) admission tickets for seniors (age 65 & over) are only $10.00.
Sensory Day: Monday, October 5th will be an opportunity for a more sensory sensitive experience at the Topsfield Fair for those who have family members with autism or sensory processing disorders. Vendors will have no flashing lights, music, or announcements. The sound for entertainment and stages will be lowered and announcements on the grounds will be limited and turned down as well. Topsfield Fair is an approved Autism Welcoming business with the Autism Alliance and Advocates organization.
Military Day – Active members of the United States Military and their immediate families are invited to attend the Topsfield Fair for FREE on Tuesday, Oct.6th. This offer is only available on Oct. 6th.
Tickets:
Admission to the 2026 Topsfield Fair is $20 per person each day. Discount admission tickets are available online at www.topsfieldfair.org through October 1, 2026, for just $15 plus a $3 convenience fee. Discount tickets are valid on any day during the Fair’s 11-day run. A three-day pass, valid for any three days of the Fair, is also available for $42 plus a $3 convenience fee. Children under eight are admitted free with an adult admission ticket. Discounted food vouchers and ride tickets are also available when purchased in advance at www.topsfieldfair.org. Convenience fee does not apply for tickets purchased at the ticket booth at the fairgrounds through October 1, 2026.
Alternative Entry Points and Parking
If possible, avoid the Route 1 backup by going an extra exit north on 95 to enter from the North! Alternatively, if coming from the North Shore, take Rte. 97 to the Fair.
In addition to having plenty of on-site parking and to help alleviate traffic on Route 1 during weekends and other busy periods, the Topsfield Fair will make parking available on a large lot it owns conveniently located down the street from the fairgrounds. Fairgoers using the Fair View Lot will be bussed to the entrance using a dedicated lane on Route 1. North Shore Community College in Danvers will serve as an additional parking location on the second weekend (Saturday, October 10-Monday, October 12).
Transportation Option From Boston Returns For Second Year:
For people who live in the city, don’t have a car, or simply don’t want to drive, the Fair has partnered with Keolis Mass Adventures to offer a Topsfield Fair Package that includes a Commuter Rail Train Ride, Shuttle to and from the Fairgrounds, Entry Ticket, and a $12 Food Voucher. Note: This is only available on weekends (10/3, 10/4, 10/10, 10/11 & 10/12)
More Information is available at www.TopsfieldFair.org. ♦
