SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — The Mid-South Fair kicks off its 2026 season with a ribbon-cutting and a celebratory ride drop this Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Landers Center in Southaven.
The DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the traditional ribbon-cutting at 3:30 p.m. at the Landers Center’s Nissan Entrance, 4560 Venture Dr., followed by a Kong Tower ride drop. When the 90-foot-tall thrill ride reaches the bottom, the Fair officially begins.
This year’s Mid-South Fair runs Oct. 1–11, bringing 11 days of rides, live music, food, games and family fun to Southaven.
Opening day offers free admission and parking from 4–10 p.m. That evening, 99.7 The Wolf brings live music to the Main Stage, with Dillon Carmichael performing at 6:45 p.m. and Tyler Nance at 7:45 p.m. Fairgoers can also expect classic fair food, games, ground acts such as Henry Rivera: Magic & Illusions and Fearless Flores, plus a new biergarten complete with craft beer, TVs and comfortable seating.
Interview opportunities at the ribbon-cutting include Debbie Mendenhall, Landers Center and DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director; Alison Mitchell, DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau director of tourism; DeSoto County leadership and ambassadors; and fairgoers.
The Mid-South Fair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization headquartered in Southaven. Since the first fair was held in 1856, the event has worked to educate Mid-Southerners and provide opportunities to grow and showcase talents through scholarships, art contests, competitive youth talent competitions and more. For more information, visit midsouthfair.com.
