The 2017 Topsfield Fair: What You Need to Know

TOPSFIELD, MA — It's a sure sign of fall and the changing season: The Topsfield Fair, one of the most popular events on the North Shore is back for another year of carnival games, rides, and events starting Friday, Sept. 29.

The Essex Agricultural Society began the event as an agriculture fair some 200 years ago. Fast forward to 2017 and there's much more than just cattle and crops on display. Fair-goers can also enjoy everything from people watching to monster truck demos and crazy food at the 11-day fair.

To help you get ready for the fair and all its glory here's what you need to know:

Date, Hours, and Admission

The fair runs from Sept. 29 - Oct. 9. Most days it will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. The one exception is day one, Friday, Sept. 29, which will have a late opening of 1 p.m.

Tickets are $11 for weekdays and $15 for weekends and holidays.

Oct. 2 is senior day, which means that anyone older than the age of 60 can purchase tickets for $8.

Free admission on Military Day Oct. 3, for all active military personnel, along with their immediate family members accompanying them when they present their military identification at the gate.

General admission tickets do not cover rides or special events.

Here are the prices for the special shows:

• Monster Trucks & Demolition (4 p.m. show) $20.00
• Monster Trucks (7 p.m. show and 5:30 p.m. pit party) - $15.00
• Monster Trucks & Demolition Derby (7:00 PM Show) - $20.00
• Choo Choo Soul, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. - $15

Click here to purchase tickets.

Parking

While the Topsfield Fair has several lots on site, weekend guests are advised to use the satellite parking lot located at North Shore Community College, which operates 10 a.m. to close. The parking fees are discounted at the satellite parking lot and guests are shuttled directly to the Main Gate on buses using restricted backroads to ensure quick passage.

Parking is $10 at the main lots and $5 at the satellite lot.

The Daily Schedule

Want to know when the pig races start? Or how about when the the open sheep show? Check out the daily schedule!

Special Events

This year's special events includes the Grammy-nominated Cassadee Pope, disco legends the Village People, and insane daredevils the Flying Wallendas. Click here for the full list.

Information in this article was provided by the Topsfield Fair.

Image Credit: courtesy photo