Tennessee State Fair
The Tennessee State Fair is a ten-day extravaganza that you can’t miss! It’s time to load up the RV and head to one of the nation’s best state fairs!
Event information
The Tennessee State Fair at 500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville, is a not-to-be-missed event on the country’s calendar. Not only is it one of the longest standing fairs in the country, but it encompasses ten days of action for both visitors and locals.
The Tennessee State Fair boasts many permanent structures within a park-like setting. Access is effortless, parking plentiful, and there’s a full schedule no matter when you decide to attend. The fair promises to offer everyone family entertainment, state pride, and educational experiences. There are concerts, competitions, and much, much more.
You can enjoy the thrill of the carnival rides, start your early Christmas shopping, and get your fill of vendor treats as well. If you’re well overdue for a break, then it’s time to get your RV ready for a trip to Nashville.
There are accommodation options galore, plenty of tourist attractions in the heart of Nashville, and simple navigation around the fairgrounds and further afield. If a taste of Tennessee action is just what the doctor has ordered, then there’s no time to waste. Pencil the Tennessee State Fair in on your calendar for nearly two weeks of entertainment. You won’t regret the journey.
Tickets
If you’re looking for an affordable and family-friendly event to attend, then the Tennessee State Fair is it. You can buy admission tickets for adults, youth, and seniors, and additional tickets for rides and concerts as well. You can buy your tickets online or at the gate when you arrive. For current ticket pricing and schedules, visit http://tnstatefair.org/.
Explore Tennessee State Fair RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The Tennessee State Fair is at 500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville. Its central position makes it a breeze to access, no matter where your journey begins. Both Knoxville and Memphis fair-goers can take I-40, while those from Murfreesboro, Atlanta, Clarksville, and Chattanooga trundle down I-24.
If you hail from Indiana or Kentucky, I-65 will lead you in the right direction. Once you’re on the respective main highways, you can navigate your way to the main entrance of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds with your GPS.
Parking areas
Parking is affordable throughout the ten-day event, no matter where you park in your RV, but locations may vary by the day. Weekday parking is usually available through Gate 1, but the main parking for visitors is through Gate 2 on Wedgewood Avenue. Weekend parking can often be found on Bransford Avenue through Gate 6. You might also use this gate if you are coming from Nolensville Pike.
Public Transportation
If you park your RV in the main parking lot, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t have to wear your feet out before you even reach the fairgrounds. You are likely to find a free golf cart shuttle service to transport you to the top of the hill, with a straightforward walk to the fair gates from there. If you plan on leaving your RV at your campsite in the areas surrounding Nashville, Tennessee, then there are local methods of transport as well. You can make use of the public bus transport system or utilize private rideshare services.
Where to stay
Onsite
Due to limited space, only exhibitors are allowed to camp on site. Fortunately, you won’t be left stranded. Tennessee is home to many different accommodation facilities ready to cater to your every need. Camp in style and attend the fair every day with no hassles. The lack of camping on site is only a mere blip in the scheme of things.
Nearby
Nashville, home to the Tennessee State Fair, boasts many different camping arrangements, depending on what you prefer. You may like to camp with no services at all and be proximate to the fairgrounds. Otherwise, you can relax in comfort and style at nearby RV resorts with all hookups. There are trailer parks, campgrounds, and RV resorts ready to take your booking for the Tennessee State Fair. However, it pays to book weeks in advance to avoid missing out on premium spots.
Getting around
Getting around the fairgrounds is a breeze, especially once you pick up a fair map from the information area. While you’re limited to your feet rather than wheeled transport, that won’t be a problem. There are plenty of seating areas to rest your feet, and the golf cart shuttle from the main parking area will save you from having to climb the hill to get to the main gates. Don’t bring bicycles, roller blades, or skateboards to the fair.
What to pack
Clothing
The Southeast portion of the country likes to put on good weather for the Tennessee State Fair, even as fall weather patterns start to form. The average high 80s temperature means much of your luggage will consist of shorts and t-shirts. Fair officials also enforce a dress code, so make sure you have a shirt, bottoms, and shoes on at all times. Comfortable footwear can also make your leisurely day out a more enjoyable one.
Gear
Tennessee State Fair officials enforce a code of conduct which includes what gear you bring into the grounds. Leave your coolers back in your RV, as these will be turned away at the gate. Guests are also not allowed to bring in firearms, weapons, gang colors or clothing, exposed underwear, any wheeled transport, radios, and items that could hurt others.
Health & Safety
Fair officials remind guests not to bring anything that could hurt yourself or others. Bring a small backpack with the essentials, such as a water bottle, small first aid kit, sunscreen, a sun hat, and bug spray. It’s also crucial to wash your hands after visiting the barns or touching livestock. The Tennessee State Fair is a smoke-free facility.
Where to eat
Cooking
Rules will differ depending on where you stay, but most facilities allow you to use a personal cooker, make use of shared facilities, or utilize your RV kitchen. You can also top up on ingredients at a few grocery stores within a short drive of the fairgrounds. Given that there is no onsite camping for visitors, you won’t be able to cook at the fair.
Restaurants
If fair food doesn’t quite hit the spot, then there’s no harm in wandering into Nashville to check out the offerings there. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. There are family-friendly restaurants within a few miles of the fairgrounds, as well as diners, cafes, and fast food outlets. You can either dine in or take food back to your RV.
Vendors
The Tennessee State Fair has a market place, food zone, and cafeteria to help guests enjoy the vendor offerings. Here you’ll also find plenty of seating areas and an ATM to exchange credit for cash. Many of the vendors accept cash and credit, but it pays to have both money options available. There are also plenty of dining opportunities for young and old to enjoy.
Safety
Security
The Tennessee State Fair is a family-friendly event, which means security is paramount. Fair-goers must wear appropriate attire at all times and leave weapons and firearms at home. Guests are also not allowed to smoke on site or bring in pets or coolers. To help entry into the fair go off without a hitch, only carry a small backpack with the essentials. Leave everything else in the RV. Law enforcement officers will be on duty to make the fair as safe and as enjoyable as possible.
Weather
Even in late summer, Nashville still boasts some beautiful sunny days. It’s not uncommon for it to reach the high 80s during the day, dropping down to the 50s and 60s overnight. However, it’s helpful to prepare for all eventualities by bringing a change of clothing if the weather turns cold or wet.
Medical
There will be helpful EMS on site to help with any minor injuries you may sustain while at the fair. They will be located at the first aid site in Wilson Hall by the cow barns and Kid Zone. A community clinic and medical center are within a 15-minute drive from the fairgrounds for your convenience as well.
