June 5, 2025 – Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced new details at a press conference ahead of the 166th Mississippi State Fair, which will be held Oct. 2-13 at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson.
Gipson was joined by Michael Lasseter, Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds; Azia Smith, Area Director for Joni and Friends Mississippi; Miss Rodeo Mississippi Sierra Greene; and Junior Miss Dixie National Shelby Kate Taylor.
“We’re excited to announce that tickets for this year’s State Fair are officially on sale,” said Gipson. “If you purchase general admission tickets through 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, June 6 – you’ll receive them half price. So, don’t wait, get your tickets now!”
Fairgoers are encouraged to take advantage of a variety of ticket specials. The special 24-hour promotion currently offers general admission tickets at a discounted price of $5. Following the current ticket special, pre-sale tickets purchased through Thursday, Oct. 2, will be $8 per person. After Oct. 2, all general admission tickets will be $10 per person online and at the gate. There are no parking fees this year. Tickets can be purchased at www.msstatefair.com.
Gipson announced musical artists Montell Jordan and All-4-One, Cory Asbury, Ronnie McDowell and Maddie & Tae with Tayler Holder will all perform in the Mississippi Coliseum during the 2025 Mississippi State Fair. Concert tickets are available for purchase now at www.ticketmaster.com or www.msstatefair.com. Admission to the fair is included with the purchase of a concert ticket.
Fairgoers can expect over 70 carnival rides and more than 100 food vendors, including the famous Biscuit Booth where Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce employees make from scratch and pass out fresh, complimentary buttermilk biscuits. Also, the annual State Fair will once again host 4-H and FFA livestock shows, the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo, State Fair Marketplace Expo, Tri-State Rodeo, Zerbini Family Circus, petting zoo, pig races and more. In addition to all the usual fan-favorites, several exciting new attractions have been added to this year’s fair.
“We’ve put together a top-tier entertainment lineup this year, along with all the classic rides and attractions that fairgoers know and love,” continued Gipson. “But we’ve also got several all-new events that we’re excited to introduce.”
For the first time, the Miss Rodeo Mississippi and Miss Dixie National pageants will be held during the Mississippi State Fair on Sunday, Oct. 5. Contestants from all over the Southeast will compete in the categories of horsemanship, personal interview, written test, impromptu questions, modeling and public speaking. The horsemanship competition will take place in the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo arena. The style show and coronation will take place inside the Coliseum. These events will be open to the public.
Also new this year is the X Riders Motocross event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11. This multi-sport event includes riders performing freestyle tricks on their motocross bikes. “We’ve really got something for everyone this year – from livestock shows and the Taste of the Dixie National Rodeo to a brand-new motocross show,” said Gipson. “And something we’re very proud to offer for the first time in State Fair history is a special day specifically designed to meet the needs of our disabled community.”
In partnership with Joni and Friends Mississippi, the State Fairgrounds will host Disability Friendly Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Individuals and families impacted by disabilities can enjoy a specially designed experience at the Mississippi State Fair. This event will include sensory tents for calm and quiet breaks; wheelchair-accessible restrooms and routes throughout the grounds; inclusive activities and entertainment; classic State Fair favorites adapted for accessibility; and a Resource Carnival which provides a fun environment to learn about the many resources that are available to those who live with disabilities. Disability Friendly Day is free of charge for families and individuals impacted by disabilities. Advance registration is required to obtain tickets.
To view the press conference in its entirety, visit https://youtu.be/0dySVsinomw. For tickets, events and additional information, visit www.msstatefair.com and follow the Mississippi State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce news release
From left, Sierra Greene, Miss Rodeo Mississippi; Michael Lasseter, Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds; Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce; Azia Smith, Area Director of Joni and Friends Mississippi; and Shelby Kate Taylor, Jr. Miss Dixie National. (Courtesy photo)
