4 Fairs Coming to the Savannah Area This Fall
As cooler weather starts to take over Savannah, the annual small-town traditions are gearing up! We’ve talked about Savannah’s festival season scene, but let’s not forget about the classic early fall state and county fairs! These fairs not only provide a vibrant look into the local culture but also offer you and your family weekends of entertainment, food, and attractions.
Read on to learn more about the history and information on the beloved fairs coming up in the Savannah area, the South Georgia State Fair, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, the Effingham County Fair, and the Georgia-Carolina State Fair .
🎡 South Georgia State Fair
The South Georgia State Fair started in 1950 as the Coastal Empire Fair. Today the annual occasion is located off of Fort Argyle Road in West Savannah and is the city’s longest-running fair. With 35+ rides, addicting games, jaw-dropping attractions, and classic fair foods, locals of all ages flock to the local fairgrounds for this 11-day event.
For those of us who like to spin, twirl, and drop from high heights, the fair has what we need. Thrill-seekers love rides like Pharaoh’s Fury, the Mega Drop, 1001 Nachts, and Speed. Little ones can’t get enough of the kiddie train, Wet Boats, Puppy Roll, and Fun Slide! This year’s attractions include Savannah’s beloved magician Magic Marc, Rosaires Racing Pigs, Master of the Chainsaw, a Stingray Encounter, and more!
📍 Coastal Empire Fairgrounds: 105 Fort Argyle Road, Savannah, GA 31419
🗓️ October 26 – November 5, 2023
💲$30 per person
⏰ Monday – Friday 5:30 PM -10 PM; Saturday – Sunday 1 PM – 10 PM
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🎡 Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair
This year is the 61st annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair in Statesboro! It is a six-day extravaganza which offers a unique blend of entertainment, lots of rides, games to livestock exhibits and live entertainment. This is also a melting pot for the local area, as college kids and families alike join in on the fun.
In 1962, the B’s Old Reliable Carnival sought sponsorship from the Jaycees Club in Statesboro, Georgia, after their planned appearance in Evans County was canceled. The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro stepped in, negotiating a deal where local businesses provided “free” ride tickets in exchange for 10-cent rides. The first fair was held just outside the city limits in 1963 at Parker’s Stockyard. It enabled the club to repay a bank note from their first community service project. The fair, now hosted at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds, has expanded to 15 counties and includes livestock shows, a Miss Kiwanis Fair Pageant, and 4-H mini-booths.
📍 Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds: 16942 Highway 67 South, Statesboro, GA 30458
🗓️ October 16 – 21, 2023
💲$8 in person, $10 online, kids 5 and under are free.
⏰Monday: 6 PM- 12 AM, Tuesday: 4 PM- 12 AM, Wednesday: 4 PM-12 AM, Thursday: 4 PM- 12 AM, Friday: 4 PM- 1 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM- 12 AM
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🎡 Effingham County Fair
For those looking for a down-home, community-focused fair experience, the Effingham County Fair is a must-visit. Situated in Springfield, Georgia, this fair captures the essence of small-town charm. Enjoy the thrill of the midway rides, get a taste of Southern cooking, and watch as local artisans showcase their talents. It’s also less than an hour away from the neighboring Chatham and Bryan counties, making it an easy drive over.
The Effingham County Fair was first held in 1901. They were held at the Old National Guard Armory which sat in the 1000 N block of Maple Street in Springfield, less than 2 miles down the road from the current location at the Effingham County Fairgrounds. The one tall wooden building sat across the street from Leslie Thompson’s Funeral Home, Effingham County’s first funeral home, and hosted the beauty pageant and agricultural competitions.
📍Effingham County Fairgrounds: 1015 S Laurel St., Springfield, GA 31329
🗓️ October 12 – 21, 2023
💲All you can ride for $20
⏰ Monday – Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM; Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
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🎡 Georgia-Carolina State Fair
The Georgia-Carolina State Fair in Augusta is just a short drive from Savannah at right under 2 hours. What makes it worth the drive is the rich traditions and over 100 years of history building the fair to what it is today. You’ll find broader agricultural displays with lots of thrilling rides and delicious fair food. Plus, the fairgrounds come alive at night with dazzling lights and live entertainment throughout each night, making it a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
In the 1920s, Augusta’s civic leaders, led by William M. Lester, established the Exchange Club of Augusta to serve their community. In a remarkable six-week effort, they transformed a small idea into a grand event, the Augusta Exchange Club Fair, featuring rides, poultry shows, beauty pageants, and parades. Over the years, the fair expanded, eventually securing a permanent fairground. In 2001, it was renamed the Georgia-Carolina State Fair, reflecting its broader regional impact, but its mission to benefit the community remains unwavering, thanks to the Exchange Club of Augusta’s dedication.
📍Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds: 301 Hale Street, Augusta, GA 30901
🗓️ October 13 – 22, 2023
💲$5 general admission, $20 all you can ride
⏰Monday – Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM; Saturday- Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
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The Savannah area has a lot to offer in the way of fall fairs. These are great opportunities for those new to Savannah (or new to a different area in Savannah) to get out and meet their community and do something fun with everyone. Keep an eye out for more ways to Play in Savannah this Fall!