The Mid-South Fair 2026 opens Thursday, Oct. 1, at Landers Center in Southaven, bringing 11 days of midway rides, animal attractions, circus acts and fair food to DeSoto County. The fair runs through Sunday, Oct. 11, at 4560 Venture Drive, and families who buy tickets before the gates open can still save a few dollars.
Landers Center says this year’s fair will feature more than 50 rides along with a lineup of ground acts spread around the property. Classic fair food such as funnel cakes, candied apples, turkey legs and corn dogs will be on sale throughout the run.
Mid-South Fair 2026 Hours and Free Admission Days
Gates open in the late afternoon on most weekdays and earlier on weekends. Landers Center notes that times are subject to change.
Thursday, Oct. 1: 4 to 10 p.m. (free admission all day)
Friday, Oct. 2: 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3: 1 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 4: 1 to 10 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 5: 4 to 10 p.m. (free admission with a Mississippi ID)
Tuesday, Oct. 6: 4 to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (free admission 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 8: 4 to 10 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9: 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10: 1 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11: 1 to 10 p.m.
The Monday, Oct. 5, free entry is limited to guests who show a Mississippi ID, which makes it a good night for DeSoto County residents to go.
Ticket Prices and Parking
Advance tickets are still on sale through Wednesday, Sept. 30, at $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and seniors 60 and older. Once the fair opens, prices go up:
Adults: $13 online or $15 at the fair
Children (5–12) and seniors (60+): $8 online or $10 at the fair
Parking: $5 per car
Admission tickets are mobile only, and tickets bought online can be used on any day of the fair. Parking and admission can be paid with cash or a card. The midway itself is cashless: rides accept credit and debit cards and tap-to-pay options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Guests who only have cash can use a reverse ATM on site, which loads cash onto a prepaid card with a $10 minimum and a $3.50 fee.
Attractions, Contests and Open Mic Night
Beyond the rides, the fair lists a petting zoo, a parakeet experience and pony rides running all day, every day. Scheduled shows include the Fearless Flores Circus, pig races, Henry Rivera’s magic and illusions act, and a clowning act, with showtimes that vary by day.
The fair also hosts youth talent competitions, the Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant, a student art contest and a poster competition. An Open Mic Night is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Main Stage, with sign-up through the fair’s website.
What to Leave at Home
A clear bag policy is in effect. According to the fair’s FAQ, prohibited items include coolers and outside food, bottles and cans (empty reusable water bottles are allowed), lawn chairs, backpacks, weapons, fireworks, noisemakers, and vapes, cigarettes, lighters and other tobacco products. Pets are not allowed, except service animals for guests with disabilities.
Questions can be directed to the Mid-South Fair office at 662-280-9120 or midsouthfair@landerscenter.com.
