Getting Here

Directions

If you’re coming from Wichita, it’s easy to get to Hutchinson:

From Wichita to the Kansas State Fairgrounds:

Option 1 (Most direct):
Take K-96 West to the Yoder exit. Go north on Yoder Road (past the airport) — it becomes 17th Street and leads directly to the fairgrounds.
To avoid traffic during peak times: Turn north on Lorraine Street, then west on 23rd Street to enter from the east side. This lot is closest to the WILL CALL building.

Option 2 (For west/northwest access):
Take K-96 to South Hutchinson, then head north into Hutchinson. From downtown, turn north on Adams Street to 23rd Ave (State Fair Road) for access to the north side of the fairgrounds.

Option 3 (Alternate route via Newton):
Take I-35 North to Newton, then west on Highway 50 to the Yoder Road/Airport Road exit. Head north (past the airport) — the road becomes 17th Street and goes straight to the fairgrounds.
For lighter traffic: Use Lorraine Street north to 23rd Street for east side parking near WILL CALL.

When to go
Mornings and weekdays are much less crowded—perfect for kids 5 and under. Rides like the train and giant slide are open in the mornings with short lines. If you have older children focused on the midway, start in the livestock barns and exhibit buildings, as the carnival is not usually open in the morning—and sometimes not until later in the afternoon. Watch the schedule.

Parking
There are a lot of places to park around the Fairgrounds.

• Free lots: There are several businesses near the Fairgrounds that offer paid parking, but the Fair does offer FREE parking. Plus, it is easy to park and ride our free shuttle service to and from the gates, so there is really no need to pay the extra to park.
• Parking Lots A and B: North of the Fairgrounds, these lots are the closest to the 4-H Centennial Hall, the Encampment Building and the Little Red Schoolhouse.
• Parking Lot C: East of the grandstand. Perfect for the WILL CALL BUILDING, concerts, animal barns and the Midway. You can enter the Fair through either Gate 8 or Gate 9.

Where to buy tickets

1. Dillons: All Kansas Dillons stores are selling advanced gate admission to the Fair, as well as regular-priced tickets during the Fair. Tickets can also be purchased at the Fair’s ticket office at 2000 N. Poplar.
2. At the Gate: Signs will be posted at gates directing patrons to where they can purchase tickets.
3. Military Discount: Show your military ID for $4 gate admission - limit 6.

Gate Admission Hours:

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. First Friday

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. First Saturday through last Saturday

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last Sunday