Originating in 1818, the Topsfield Fair is recognized as the oldest in the country. It brings in nearly 500,000 annual visitors for the ten-day fair, which concludes on Columbus Day, October 14. The event occurs on the Topsfield Fairgrounds, just 22 miles north of Boston, about 36 minutes without traffic.
As “America’s oldest country fair,” the Topsfield Fair offers plenty of tradition and history— while expanding into something more massive than each year prior! This year, the fair boasts over 300 vendors, dozens of carnival games, a pumpkin contest known as the “Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off,” and more!
Founded 206 years ago by the Essex County Agricultural Society, agriculture remains a foundational aspect of the Topsfield Fair which actually. The fair naturally began on a much smaller scale in Essex before establishing a base in 1895 Peabody and eventually a permanent home at Boston Street in Topsfield in 1910.
Today, over 100 years later, you’ll still find agriculture omnipresent at this country fair. Enjoy a plethora of farm-to-table vendors, livestock, tractor rides and more agriculture entertainment and education activations.
Things to do at Topsfield Fair
Topsfield Fair is a foodie haven! You’ll find traditional fair food likes funnel cake, fried Oreos, and caramel apples. But the Topsfield Fair is also known for it’s funky creations like ring-cut German fries, Thanksgiving sandwiches, and arancini the size of a grapefruit! The list of activations at the fir is endless, and you can check all out here, but find some highlights below:
- Derby racing
- Figure 8
- Tractor pulling
- Beekeeping 101
- Giant pumpkin weigh in contest
- Culinary arts demos
- Daily parades and live performances
Tickets for Topsfield Fair
Topsfield Fair admission is $20 for anyone age 9 and older. Children 8 and under enter free. Fair ride tickets must be purchased separately and are $30-$40 online or $35-$45 on-site and permit access to the various rides at the fair like the Ferris wheel, roller coasters, carousels and more. Admission tickets are separate from ride tickets.
Find the Topsfield Fair at:
Topsfield Fairgrounds; 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA 01983
Friday, October 4, 2024 through Monday, October 14, 2024