On a windy Saturday evening, the streets of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. and Central Ave., across from Center Parc Stadium, were packed with kids, parents, and others awaiting admission to the Atlanta Fair.
Walking up to the fair, the air smelt of funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, and other fried fair foods, which immediately put people into the go mode.
Atlanta Fair, the city’s longest-running annual fair, has returned and will be in town until April 13, marking the arrival of spring with outdoor entertainment, seasonal fun, and plenty of community spirit.
The fair on Saturday night felt like a time warp when I was in high school, going to community attractions and hanging out with friends. It was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves and just having fun.
The Fair offers the perfect setting to enjoy the arrival of spring weather while continuing its legacy as a favorite for residents and visitors alike. This year’s Fair features thrilling rides, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food options, from classic fair favorites to locally inspired dishes.
Popular attractions include the Expo Wheel, Alien Abduction, Scooter Bumper Cars, Silver Streak, Himalaya, Nemesis 360, Zero Gravity, Orient Express, Time Warp, Sea Ray, and Swings, as well as kiddie rides like Tea Cups, Up & Away, Scooby Doo Kiddie Train, Speedway, PuppyRoll, Motorcycle Jump, the Toon Town Fun House and more.
With its iconic location in Atlanta, the Fair remains a community hub and a highlight of the season.
The Atlanta Fair Hours:
· Monday – Thursday: 5-10 p.m.
· Friday: 5 – 11 p.m.
· Saturday – Sunday: 1-11 p.m.
· Location: Across from Georgia State (Center Parc Stadium), 688 Central Ave SW, Atlanta
Fair Entrance Fees:
· $3 for guests under 42”
· $5 for guests 42” and taller (Except Friday—Sunday, $10)
Midway Ride Tickets:
· Individual tickets: $1.25 each
· Book of 25 tickets: $25
· Unlimited Ride Armbands (DAILY): $35 each
–*Unlimited Ride Armbands are only valid on the day they are purchased.
– Arm Bands will stop being sold one hour before closing to allow time to ride.
Youth Attendance Policy
· After 6 p.m. each day, no individual under the age of 17 will be allowed admission without a parent.
Clear Bag Policy
· Only clear bags will be allowed and must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags and small clutch purses, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, are also allowed. Diaper bags and medically necessary items are allowed after proper inspection and tagging. ALL BAGS SUBJECT TO SEARCH.
Prohibited Items
· Purses or clutch bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5” backpacks, binocular cases, camera cases, cinch/drawstring bags, fanny packs, tinted or printed pattern plastic bags, oversized tote bags, mesh bags, briefcases, luggage of any kind and computer bags.
Gate Entry Policy
· No fair entry is allowed Sunday through Thursday after 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday after 10:00 p.m.