County Fair Guide

The Oldest Fairs in Georgia

Georgia's oldest fair is the Georgia State Fair, tracing back to 1846 — now held in Hampton after decades in Atlanta. The Georgia-Carolina State Fair in Augusta followed in 1923, and the Gwinnett County Fair in Lawrenceville in 1955, decades before the state's newest major fairs, the Georgia National Fair (Perry, 1990) and Cumming Country Fair & Festival (1994). Here are Georgia's fairs with the longest documented histories.

  1. 1
    Georgia State FairHampton, Georgia
    Est. 1846September

    The Georgia State Fair, based in Hampton, showcases the best of Georgia agriculture and entertainment, held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway grounds. Its history stretches back to 1846, placing it among Georgia's oldest agricultural fairs. This major fair serves the Henry County region and draws visitors from across metro Atlanta for 10 days of world-class fair entertainment.

  2. 2
    Est. 1923October

    The Georgia-Carolina State Fair, based in Augusta, is a major regional fair serving both Augusta-area Georgia residents and neighboring South Carolina communities across the Savannah River. A 1923 founding makes it one of Georgia's longer-running agricultural traditions, still going after more than a century. Held at the Bell Auditorium and Augusta common areas, this large fair celebrates the shared heritage of the Central Savannah River Area.

  3. 3
    Est. 1948September

    Madison County is a small, quiet piedmont county northeast of Athens, centered on Danielsville with its historic courthouse, set in the rolling hills and creek bottoms of the Broad and Middle Oconee River watersheds between the Athens metro area and the Blue Ridge foothills.

  4. 4
    Gwinnett County FairLawrenceville, Georgia
    Est. 1955September

    Lawrenceville's Gwinnett County Fair is one of metro Atlanta's premier fall events, serving Georgia's most populous county with 11 days of rides, entertainment, and traditional fair attractions. Founded in 1955, it has grown into a beloved annual event for the region. The fair draws enormous crowds from across the northeast Atlanta suburbs.

  5. 5
    Georgia National FairPerry, Georgia
    Est. 1990October

    The Georgia National Fair in Perry is Georgia's premier agricultural fair and one of the most prestigious livestock events in the Southeast. The fair has been running since 1990, building a following across the surrounding area. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, this world-class fair celebrates Georgia's rich farming heritage with championship competitions and major entertainment.

Explore More