FAQS

Hours of Operation

When is the Kansas State Fair?
The Kansas State Fair is Sept. 8-17, 2023.

What are Gate Admission hours?
Patrons need a ticket to enter the fairgrounds during these hours:
Friday, Sept. 8: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sept. 9-16: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 17: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

When are your buildings open?
Building hours are generally 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily. For a compete list of time, visit https://kansasstatefair.com/p/plan-your-visit1/get....

Tickets

At what gates can I purchase Admission tickets?
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.

Do young children require a ticket to attend a Nex-Tech Grandstand concert or event?
If the child is under 2 and can sit on a person's lap, a ticket is not required.

Where can I purchase tickets?
1. By phone at 620-669-3618;
2. Online: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-f...
3. At any Kansas Dillons store (Gate Admission and Ride Sheets only), July 1 - Sept. 17, 2023
4. In person at the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office, starting May 1, from 8am - 5pm., Monday - Friday

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. starting May 1, 2023. Packages and food tickets can be picked up at the Ticket Office prior to the fair. After that, all packages and food tickets will be at the Will Call Building Starting Sept 8.

Where can I pick up my already purchased tickets DURING Fair time?
It depends on the ticket.

Many of our tickets can be printed at home or mailed directly to you.
Packages and food tickets are not mailed and can be picked up at the Will Call Building located in Parking Lot C across the street from Gate #9 off Plum Street.
Midway and wristband vouchers are redeemed at midway carnival booths.
Call the ticket office at 620-669-3618 if you have any questions.

How much is a Nex-Tech Grandstand Concert?
Each Nex-Tech 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. 7, 2023)
- Adults (ages 13-59) $7
- Seniors (ages 60+) $4
- Military $4 (must be purchased in person at the Fair’s Ticket Office or at a gate upon arrival)
- Children (ages 6-12) $4
- Children 5 & Under FREE

Regular State Fair Ticket Prices (beginning Sept. 8, 2023) - 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 (must be purchased in person at the Fair’s Ticket Office or at a gate upon arrival)
- Children (ages 6-12) $6
- Children 5 & Under FREE

Gate admission after 9pm will be $5

Kansas State Fair Dillons Day

This year on Dillons Day, there will be a special Midway Wristband that allows unlimited rides that day for $25. This wristband will replace the one-ticket-per-ride promotion from previous years.

Ride Sheet coupons can still be used on Dillons Day and are posted on each ride, usually 3 to 5 coupons per ride.

Admission is also discounted on Monday, Sept.11. 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).

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. Trams will be available that run routes on the Fairgrounds. There are also parking lot shuttles that will take you to a few of the gates.

Will the trams be back this year?
Yes. Trams will again circle the grounds during the 2023 Kansas State Fair. During peak hours, three trams will be running. All other times, two trams will be available. The 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 fair map in the Visitor Guide 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.

Are other camping options available? Parking lots A & C offer $10 per night camping sites. Tents are allowed only in these areas. No services will be provided other than trash cans. CLICK HERE for more information. Lots will open at 1:00pm., Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023.

Concerts

Do grandstand tickets include fair admission?
Nex-Tech Grandstand concert/event tickets will have a gate admission built into (one) ticket. The gate ticket is valid ONLY on the day of the event. Demo Derby will NOT include gate admission.

Will the concert be cancelled due to rain?
The Nex-Tech 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 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. 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" nor 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.
- Items purchased at the Fair may be brought in, such as candy, shirts or other small items.

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 (certified service animals allowed only)
- Other items determined unacceptable by the Kansas State Fair, depending on the concert.

Competitions

What is the deadline for competitions?
Entry deadline is August 1st, A late fee is applied to entries after this date. School art deadline is Aug. 23. Marching Bands deadline is Sept. 1.

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 competition information can be found under the "Competition" tab - Competitive Exhibits CLICK HERE. School Art and Bands will be found under Education.

When do I bring my items to the Fair and receive my tickets?
Each department has their own receiving schedule for items beginning August 25 and Labor Day, Sept 4. Preordered Exhibitor Tickets can be picked up at the department building when you drop off your item.

I entered an item in the Agricultural Department but didn't bring the items to the Fair. Can I still receive the advanced discounted tickets that I purchased?
Yes. Exhibitor tickets purchased at time of entry will be available at 9am. Sept 10, at the Will Call Building on Plum Street

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.

Carnival

When are wristband days?
There are 6 wristband events during the 2023 Fair. Sept. 8, 12-15 and 17. Carnival hours vary each day. (Dillons will have their own wristband day)
Wristbands are $30 until Sept. 1. Purchase at the Kansas State Fair ticket office or online. Starting Sept. 1, Wristbands will be $35 and purchased at Ticket Office, Online or the Midway Ticket Booth. (Check with the Midway on Special Offers)

When is the Midway open?
Friday, Sept. 8: Moonlight Madness (Wristband Day): 3-10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 10: Noon-10 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 11: (*Dillons Day Wristband) Noon-10 p.m.

Other wristband purchases will not be honored for this special event. If using ride sheet tickets, ride tickets required are posted on each ride)

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Pay One Price (Wristband Day): 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 13: Pay One Price (Wristband Day): Noon-10 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 14: (Wristband Day): 3pm -10 p.m. ($30 wristbands available at the Midway Ticket Booth Only!)
Friday, Sept. 15: (Moonlight Madness - Wristband Day): Noon-11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 17: (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. (We do request waste be picked up and pets must be leashed at all times)

Can I ride my bicycle?
No bicycles. Also no skateboards, hover boards or razors. 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. (If your employer has a place for you to park your bike, you may walk it in.

Can I bring in my own food?
You can bring the following items into the Fair: wagons, coolers with 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.

Can I bring strollers?
You can bring your own strollers to the Fair, but there are also two places to rent a stroller, wagon, wheelchair or mobility cart: Gate 5 on the north side of the Fair, and Gate 9 on the east side of the grounds near Parking Lot C.

What else can I bring?
You can bring the following items into the Fair: Wagons, coolers with non alcoholic beverages and your own food.

Education

Education Center
Stop by for hands-on learning about Kansas agriculture, including pollinators beef & dairy industry. CLICK HERE for educational opportunities

When are the high school marching bands at the Fair?
Bands perform Monday, Sept. 11 through Wednesday, Sept. 13. 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. 8. 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.

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 be 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.

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?
Greeters are available at Gate 8 and Gate 9. At the center of the Fairgrounds by the mural, you will also find the Information Booth.

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 and Cottonwood Court in the Women's Restroom.

Where can I buy Kansas State Fair Merchandise?
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Booth near the Lair-Steckline fountain and across from Ye Old Mill, carries a variety of Kansas State Fair merchandise. Be sure to check them out !

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 same day it is stamped.

I lost my phone, where can I find it?
The Lost and Found is located in the Administration Building - East Entrance. To reach Lost and Found, call 620-669-3600.

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/general-informat...and click on the Facility Rentals tab located top of our home page for additional information.

No service camping (or Dry Camping) is available in Lot C East of the Will Call Building off Plum Street for $10 per night, or Lot A north of the RV Park. During the Fair, Kansas State Fair Traffic Control will assist with payment and camping locations. CLICK LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION

NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC AND MEDIA RECORDING

When attending the Kansas State Fair, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the Fairgrounds, you consent to such recording media and its release to be used for news, telecasts, web casts, promotional purposes, advertising, social media, and websites. You further waive all rights you may have to any claims in connection with publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or

sponsoring of such publication.

FAQs