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FAQs

Hours of Operation

When is the Kansas State Fair?
The Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20, 2020.

What are Gate Admission hours?
Patrons need a ticket to enter the fairgrounds during these hours:
Friday, Sept. 11: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sept. 12-19: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

When are your buildings open?
Building hours are generally 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. For a compete list of time, visit https://kansasstatefair.com/p/plan-your-visit1/get....

Parking, Transportation and Direction

Where is the Fair located?
The Kansas State Fair is located at 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Where is the ADA Accessible Parking?
There are three paved areas available in the public parking lots: Gate 5 - south of State Fair Road; Gate 8 - 23rd Ave and Plum St; Gate 9 - east 20th Ave and Plum St.

Can I bring a golf cart to the Fair?
No. If you need transportation while on the Fairgrounds, you can find scooters for rent as you enter Gate 5 and Gate 9. This year there will also be Trams available that will run routs on the Fairgrounds. There are also parking lot shuttles and shuttles from the Hutchinson Mall to the Fairgrounds.

Will the trams be back this year?
Yes. Trams will again circle the grounds during the 2019 Kansas State Fair thanks to a generous sponsorship from Westar Energy and Alliance for a Healthy Kansas. The new trams, rented from Trams R Us, are self-contained with company-provided drivers. These trams offer a safe way to navigate the Fairgrounds. Check out the new fair map in the guide or on our app for tram stop locations.

Where can I get a scooter?
Wheelchair/Stroller/Mobility Cart Rentals: These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in two locations: south of Gate 5 and west of Gate 9. For more information, please contact Scootaround Mobility Rentals at 1-800-441-7575 or visit https://locations.scootaround.com/kansasstatefair.

Competitions

What is the deadline to competition?
Entry deadline is Aug. 15. A late fee is applied to entries after this date.

I can't find the Boy and Girl Scout Exhibits. Have they moved?
Boy and Girl Scout exhibits are now located in the Oz Gallery with our Fine Arts Department (located on Fort Riley Blvd. Between Pride of Kansas Ave & 20th Ave. across from Gottschalk Park and House of Capper

How do I enter an Item in the Fair?
All competitions information can be found under the "Participate" tab - Competitive Exhibits CLICK HERE.

When do I bring my items to the Fair and receive my tickets?
Each department has their own receiving schedule for items beginning Labor Day, Sept 7. Tickets are no longer mailed and can be picked up at the department building after you drop off your item.

I entered an item in the Agricultural and Creative Exhibits Department but didn't bring the items to the Fair. Can I still receive the advanced discounted tickets that I purchased?
No. Exhibitor tickets purchased at time of entry will only be issued to the exhibitor upon the receipt of their item(s). If, for any reason, should you miss the designated receiving hours or choose not to bring your entry, you waive the right to receive your tickets. The Kansas State Fair has a “No Refund Policy”

I entered an item in the Fair and forgot to pay for my entries/advanced discounted tickets. Can I pay when I arrive at the Fair?

No. All payments must be made by the entry deadline date, July 15, 2020 for Midwest Ford Grand Drive Entries (Youth Show) and Aug. 15, 2020 for all other competitions. If payment is not made by the deadline, your entry is not valid, and tickets will not be issued.

I exhibit livestock and would like to purchase a parking hangtag to park on the grounds. Where do I do this?
Parking hangtags are only available to livestock exhibitors. These are purchased during the entry process at Step #2 - directly at the top of the page. It is the first-class option in the drop-down. All parking in the purple lots is reserved and limited.

Education

What happened to the Do Art Building?
Do Art is now our new Education Center! Stop by for hands-on learning about Kansas agriculture, including pollinators and the state's growing dairy industry.

When are the high school marching bands at the Fair?
Bands perform Monday, Sept. 14 through Wednesday, Sept. 16. For more information and a parade route CLICK HERE.

How much are student tickets for classrooms?
Tickets are $3 for each student if preregistered by Sept. 10. For every four paid students, a teacher/sponsor can get in free.

Where is the Little Red Schoolhouse entrance located?
The entrance is located by Gate 5 off of State Fair Road.

How do teachers enter school artwork?
Teachers can enter school artwork by CLICKING HERE. The artwork is located at the Oz Gallery.

Finding your Way

Where is the Will Call Building?
Our Will Call building is now located across from Gate 9 in Parking Lot C on Plum St (in the former T-Box Building).

Where can I find information?
Information booths are located at Gate 9, Gate 8, Gate 5 and by the Sergeant Missile at the center of the Fairgrounds.

Where can I find the nursing mother's room?
The Fair's Nursing Mothers' Rooms offer privacy and a quiet atmosphere for both mother and baby. Rooms are located at the Encampment Building, Cottonwood Court in the Women's Restroom and the First Aid Station at the west end of the Administration Building.

Other

Can I leave the Fairgrounds and return later?
Anyone who leaves the Fairgrounds and would like to return later must get their hand stamped to return at no cost. The hand stamp is only good for the day it is used.

I lost my phone, where can I find it?
The Lost and Found is located at the west end of the Administration Building by the Kansas Highway Patrol Office. To reach Lost and Found, call 620-669-363.

Can I smoke on the grounds?
The Fair advises fairgoers to smoke in one of its 15 designated smoking areas. Check the map for the locations.

Can we camp in our tent at the Kansas State Fair?
Tent camping is not allowed on Fairgrounds property (inside the fenced area of the Fairgrounds) per Kansas Administrative Regulation, K.A.R. 116-4-2. Camping with cots or sleeping bags, or in front of or around livestock facilities is not allowed. RV Camping with electrical hookup, water and sewer may be available in the Kansas State Fair RV Park. Reservations are accepted for those staying twelve days at a fee of $500. Please call (800) 362-3247 or visit https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/facility-rentals/rv-park-info/rv-park---2019-kansas-state-fair and click on the Facility Rentals tab located top of our home page for additional information.

Tickets

At what gates can I purchase tickets?
The Fair made changes to its gates this year (2019).
Only a handful of gates will be selling tickets this year. Purchase your tickets at Gate 1, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5, Gate 7, Gate 8, Gate 9. Signs will be posted at gates directing patrons to where they can purchase tickets.
The Fair also changed some gates to drive only. Gate 2, Gate 6, Gate 10 and gate 11 are drive-only gates. Those walking will be directed to another gate for entry.

Where can I purchase tickets?
1. By phone at 620-669-3618;
2. Online: www.kansasstatefair.com/p/tickets;
3. At any Kansas Dillons store (Gate Admission and Ride Sheets only);
4. In person at the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office
5. McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita (Military personnel) - Call 316-759-6007 or go to the Information, Tickets & Tours Office on base.

Where can I pick up my already purchased tickets during fair time?
It depends on the ticket.
- Many of our tickets can be mailed directly to you. Packages and food tickets are not mailed and can be picked up at Will Call.
- If you purchased tickets after Aug. 25, your tickets will be at Will Call across the street from Gate 9.
- Concert tickets without Gate purchase will be at the Grandstand Ticket Booth in front of the Grandstand. These tickets are available starting at 4:30 p.m. the day of the concert.
- Midway and wristband vouchers are redeemed at midway carnival booths.
Call the ticket office at 620-669-3618 if you have any questions.

Where can I pick up my already purchased tickets before the fair starts?
The Kansas State Fair Ticket Office is located in the Administration Building, 2000 N. Poplar St., just inside of Gate 1. Open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. during the summer.

How much is a Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand Concert?
Each Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand Event has different pricing. You can find more information and order your tickets by CLICKING HERE.

How much does it cost to get it?
Advanced Ticket Discount Prices (through Sept. 10, 2020)
- Adults (ages 13-59) $7
- Seniors (ages 60+) $4
- Military $4
- Children (ages 6-12) $4
- Children 5 & Under FREE

Regular State Fair Ticket Prices (beginning Sept. 6, 2019) - These tickets are available at the gates when you arrive at the Fair or you can stop by a Dillons store.
- Adults (ages 13-59) $10
- Seniors (ages 60+) $6
- Military $4
- Children (ages 6-12) $6
- Children 5 & Under FREE

Kansas State Fair Dillons Dollar Day
Admission is also discounted on Monday, Sept. 14. Admission is only $1 for all people ages 6+, but show your Dillons/Kroger Plus card to get in FREE (1 Dillons Plus card per free admission).

Example: if you have two Dillons Plus cards and 5 people in your family, two people get in free and three people are charged $1 each (That's just $3 total). Plus, all midway rides are just 1 ticket each on Dollar Day!

Concerts

Do grandstand tickets include fair admission?
Concert tickets purchased through Aug. 11 will include free gate admission?

Will the concert be cancelled due to rain?
The Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand is an outdoor venue. Most seats offer some cover from rain. In the rare event that the concert is cancelled, a press release will be issued and information will be posted on our website. Tickets will then be refunded or can be exchanged for another event.

How do I get Meet and Greet passes for a concert?
The Kansas State Fair does not sell Meet and Greet passes. Most performers at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand offer these through their online fan club websites. Sometimes radio stations are provided Meet and Greet passes through the artist and have giveaways on air. And, watch our Facebook page for contests.

Can I bring in food from other vendors?
Yes - food and nonalcoholic drinks can be brought into the Grandstand.

What is allowed at the Grandstand?
- Small purse/bag
- Cell phones (photos can only be taken from your seat)
- Signs/banners/posters may not be larger than 24" x 36" or attached to a pole or stick. Signs must also be collapsible or able to be folded.
- Bags that are medical in nature, containing diabetic pumps, oxygen bags, breast pumps.

What is not allowed in the Grandstand?
- Cameras with detachable lenses, selfie sticks
- Computers, laptops or tablets
- Your favorite Fair food is allowed, but no outside food or drink (like picnic items, coolers, etc)
- Glass bottles or similar containers
- Video or audio recording devices
- Laser pens or laser pointers
- Noise Makers
- Backpacks, large bags, sealed packages of any kind
- Fireworks or incendiary devices
- Animals (excluding service animals)
- Other items determined unacceptable by the Kansas State Fair, depending on the concert.

Carnival

When are wristband days?
There are 6 wristband events during the 2019 Fair. Sept. 6, 10-13 and 15. Carnival hours vary each day.
Wristbands are $30 starting Aug 1. Purchase at the Kansas State Fair ticket office or at the carnival during the fair.

When is the Midway open?
Friday, Sept. 11 (Wristband Day): 3-11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13: Noon-11 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 14 (1 Ticket/Ride): Noon-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 (Wristband Day): 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 16 (Wristband Day): Noon-10 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 17 (Ride-O-Rama - Wristband Day): Noon-10 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18 (Moonlight Madness - Wristband Day): Noon-11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20 (Last Blast - Wristband Day): Noon-8 p.m.

Will the Midway close if it rains or if there are high winds?
For your safety, certain rides may close during severe weather and reopen as soon as possible. Concessions and games will remain open unless conditions are extremely severe.

What can I bring?

Are pets allowed on the grounds?
During the Fair, the only animals allowed on the grounds are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

During non-Fair time, pets are welcome on the Fairgrounds.

Can I ride my bicycle?
No bicycles. Also no skateboards, no pets, no alcohol and no glass bottles. Bicycle racks are located at Gate 1 - 20th Ave and Poplar St; Gate 3 - 23rd Ave and Main St; and Gate 9 - 20th Ave and Plum St.

Can I bring in my own food?
You can bring the following items into the Fair: wagons, coolers with no non alcoholic beverages, service animals and your own food.

Can I bring firearms?
State law allows for the open-carry and concealed-carry of handguns on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

Emergency Information

Who can I call if I have an emergency?
The Kansas Highway Patrol Office is located inside the southwest entrance of the Administration Building. Kansas High Patrol personnel are responsible for Fairgrounds security, lost and found items, as well as lost children and adults. All emergency situations are handled through the Highway Patrol Office. All emergency calls for incidents that occur on the Fairgrounds should bne made through the Highway Patrol at 620-669-3627. If you are unable to remember the Highway Patrol's number or it's busy, call 911 for immediate assistance.

The office is open 24-7 during the Fair.

Where is the First Aid Station?
The First Aid Station is located at the west end, south side, of the Administration Buidling. First Aid is open during the annual Kansas State Fair only.
First Friday - 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
First Saturday - 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
First Sunday - Thursday - 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday - 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday - 8 a.m.-8 p.m.