The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair will open its 71st edition on Nov. 5 at a new Westside location, moving to more than 82 acres next to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13601 Normandy Blvd.
The 10-day event runs through Nov. 15, bringing rides, fair food, live entertainment, shopping, competitions and family activities to the new grounds. Organizers say the larger site will provide more room for rides, vendors, entertainment and attractions, including a new barn with animals.
Gate times vary by day. Opening day, Thursday, Nov. 5, begins at 5 p.m.; weekend gates open at noon on Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 15. The fair also opens at noon on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Other weekday opening times range from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Early Bird admission is available through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 4. Advance admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 and seniors 65 and older; prices rise to $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors after the deadline. Admission covers one day but not mechanical rides.
A $25 Early Bird Mega Pass includes fair admission, unlimited mechanical rides and access to grounds entertainment, the 904 Soundstage, Duval Hall areas, vendors, the marketplace, eating competitions and the new barn. The pass is also available through Nov. 4 before moving to its regular price.
Rodeo events are scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, with packages combining fair entry and rodeo seating. Some packages also include reserved tickets to same-night JAX Amphitheater concerts.
The JAX Amphitheater concert series runs during the fair and includes JJ Grey & MoFro, Grace Potter, Dwight Yoakam, Pop 2000 Tour, Skillet, Corey Smith, Jake Owen, Smash Mouth and Fastball, Locash and others. Fair admission and Mega Passes do not include concert tickets, but a JAX Amphitheater concert ticket does include entry to the fair.
