Alabama National Fair Returns to Garrett Coliseum Oct. 3–13

The Alabama National Fair, a long-running autumn tradition, will run from Oct. 3 through Oct. 13, 2025, at the fairgrounds adjacent to Garrett Coliseum.

Organizers describe the event as the “11 best days of fall,” although a kickoff “Taste of the Fair” night will precede the main run on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Admission for the Taste of the Fair is $30, with proceeds supporting the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery’s charitable fund. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., participants can roam the area and sample all the food offerings, before the midway rides open on Friday.

This year’s Fair promises new rides, indoor concerts, expanded food offerings, and community-themed nights. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, the lineup includes acts like Skillet, Lee Greenwood, Corey Kent, and Anthony Hamilton.

The Garrett Coliseum itself plays a central role. Built in 1951, the coliseum has seating capacity up to 12,500 for certain events. It sits inside the Alabama Agricultural Center and is the anchor venue for the Fair.

Fair Schedule & Highlights

• Oct. 3: Gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is $20; children 5 and under get in free. Midway rides begin at 5 p.m. with a $40 wristband.
• Oct. 4: Gates at 9 a.m.; rides start at 11 a.m. At 7 p.m., country-rock artist Corey Kent takes the stage inside the coliseum.
• Oct. 5: Gates open 11 a.m.; rides at 1 p.m. Skillet, a Christian rock band, performs at 7 p.m. 
• Oct. 7: “Breast Cancer Awareness Night” — attendees wearing pink pay $10; general admission is $20. Rides open at 5 p.m. with a $35 wristband. 
• Oct. 9: Senior Day — free bingo at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. with $1 admission for guests who bring a non-perishable food item (otherwise $20). The Midway operates at $1 per ride. Brad Bradley & the Memphis Show Band perform at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 10: “Pet Food Friday” — $10 admission with pet food donation, $20 for general admission. Rides begin 5 p.m. with $40 wristbands.
• Oct. 11: Full day: gates open at 9 a.m. with rides at 11 a.m. Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton performs at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 12: “Hometown Heroes Day” — gates open at 11 a.m., rides at 1 p.m. Lee Greenwood will perform at 7 p.m. inside the coliseum. 
• Oct. 13: Final day — gates open 9 a.m.; rides at 10 a.m. Admission is $10. Guests can try the Money Machine to grab “Fair Bucks” as they float through the air. 

All concerts are inside the coliseum and covered by general admission.

General admission is $20 on most days, with children aged 5 and younger admitted free.

Please be aware that Garrett Coliseum enforces a clear bag policy for events.

The Fair continues a decades-long tradition of bringing agriculture, entertainment, and community focus to Montgomery. It also offers themed nights (Breast Cancer Awareness, Pet Food Friday, Hometown Heroes) that invite broader participation. The Fair is an independent, self-sustaining, non-profit corporation, and is not an agency of the State of Alabama. While the Fair Association does receive some support in the payment of prize money from state and county participation, the Fair Association provides most of the money that is paid out in prizes, and operates independently of the State and any other Fair.

With concerts, new attractions, and a strong food lineup, the 2025 Alabama National Fair aims to deliver fun for families, music fans, foodies, and community groups alike.

For more information, visit alnationalfair.org or Alabama.travel.