The 2016 Topsfield Fair: What You Need to Know

DANVERS, MA — Like brown leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, the return of one of the most popular events on the North Shore is a sure sign that fall is here.

The Topsfield Fair is back on Sept. 30 for another year of festivities. Known as the country's oldest agriculture fair, the Essex Agricultural Society began the event almost 200 years ago. Fast forward to 2016 and there's much more than just cattle and crops. That's still there, but fair-goers can also enjoy carnival rides, emu races, and plenty of special events spread across 11 days.

To help you get ready for the fair, here's what you need to know.

Date, Hours, and Admission

The fair runs from Sept. 30-Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 30 will have a late opening at 1 p.m. Tickets $11 for weekdays and $15 for weekends, holidays, and Oct. 7. General admission tickets do not cover rides or special events.

Senior citizens can enjoy the fair for a reduced price of $8 on Oct. 3 and all active military personnel and their immediate family can enter the fair for free on Oct. 4. Military identification is necessary.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Parking

Parking is available at the several large lots that surround the Topsfield Fair. Weekend guests are advised to use the satellite parking lots located at Masconomet Regional High School, which operates 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and at North Shore Community College's Danvers Campus, which operates 10 AM to close. Parking is $10 for the fair lots and $5 for the satellite parking. Those who park at the satellite lots will be transported to the fair's main gate by shuttle.

The Daily Schedule

Want to know when the emu races are? Or how about when the Axe Women Loggers of Maine perform? Check out the daily schedule!

Grandstand Shows

All shows in the grandstand are free with admission.

• Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 - Axe Women Loggers of Maine
• Oct. 3, 2 and 7 p.m. - The Reminisants
• Oct. 4, 2 and 7 p.m. - North Sea Gas
• Oct. 5, 7 p.m. - Frankie Avalon
• Oct. 6, 7 p.m. - Grand Funk Railroad
• Oct. 7, 7 p.m. - Brothers Osborne
• Oct. 8-10, 2 and 7 p.m. - The Flying Wallendas

Special Events

Some events at the fair are not covered by the general admission ticket. The following events will require a special event ticket. Prices listed only cover the event and do not include admission to the fair.

• Oct. 1, 4 p.m. - Monster Truck Show, $15 ($20 for access to 2:30 p.m. pit party)
• Oct. 1, 7 p.m. - Monster Truck Show, $15 ($20 for access to 5:30 p.m. pit party)
• Oct. 8, 11 a.m. - Imagination Movers, $15
• Oct. 8, 6 p.m. - KC and the Sunshine Band, $25

Click here to purchase tickets to special event shows.

Image Credit: courtesy photo

Information in this article is from the Topsfield Fair website.