The Alabama National Fair is one of the Yellowhammer State’s biggest and most popular annual events, and it is the place to come in the early fall for exciting exhibits, thrilling rides and delicious Southern cuisine. This is an event that the whole family can enjoy, and everybody will find something to do for fun. From piglet races to carnival rides, the Alabama National Fair has it all. There are Ferris wheels and roller coasters to ride and interesting agricultural exhibits to visit, and there are puppet shows and circus acts to keep the kids amused. If you want to add a dash of fun and excitement to your RVing lifestyle, plan a visit to the Alabama National Fair.
You will need to spend several days at the Alabama National Fair if you want to see and do everything. The huge carnival ride area is filled with roller coasters, giant slides and bumper cars, and there is a kids’ section with carousels and car, train, and airplane rides. When you have had your fill of carnival ride thrills, you can head over to Grandpa’s Farm to check out rabbits, pigs, cows, and other livestock. There are incubators filled with chicks and a pond with ducks to feed plus an amazing display of historic farm equipment.
If you visit the Alabama National Fair with children, you may spend most of your day in the Daily Family Fun zone. Your kids will be able to milk cows and goats and watch piglets race. Then they can check out the Zerbini Family Circus, where acrobats and clowns perform every day. There will also be puppet shows with dancing puppets that are 10 feet tall.
Security and medical personnel will be on duty at all times during the fair to keep attendees safe and deal with emergencies. You will not have to walk very far to find a clean bathroom or ATM, and there are baby changing and water refill stations scattered around the fairgrounds. Many of the food vendors offer traditional fare like hamburgers and hot dogs, and RVers with more discriminating tastes can seek out traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken, gumbo and delicious barbecue. You won't be able to bring alcohol into the fair, but you will be able to buy beer, wine, or cocktails when you get inside.
1555 Federal Dr Montgomery, AL
The fairgrounds are located in a historic part of Montgomery close to Alabama State Route 21. The Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum and the Lagoon Park hiking trail are nearby, so you will have things to see and do after you have fun at the fair. If you decide to fly instead of drive to the Alabama National Fair, you will probably land at Montgomery Regional Airport.
There will be live entertainment in the Garrett Coliseum every day the fair is open. The 2025 lineup will be announced soon. The Garrett Coliseum is a state-of-the-art 12,500-seat venue, and it will host events ranging from country music shows to rodeo exhibitions. You can visit the Alabama National Fair website to receive updates and learn more.
There are no dedicated RV campsites at the Alabama National Fair, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your RV at home. Montgomery is a bustling city, and several excellent RV parks and campsites are just a short drive from the venue.
• If you want to park your RV as close to the fairgrounds as possible, Capital City RV Park is the place to go. Located just 6 miles from the venue and a block from the Tallapoosa River, this RV park has 115 pull-through sites that can handle the biggest rigs. All spots feature 20-, 30-, or 50-amp service, and the site offers laundry facilities, showers, and private bathrooms. You can check in between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., but the RV park is closed on Sundays.
• The Montgomery Marina RV Resort, less than 6 miles from the fairgrounds, is another great choice if you want to stay close to the action. Rates start at $40 per night. The pull-through sites offer full hookups with water, sewer, and electric service, and the park has hiking trails and a boat ramp. Amenities include laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, and vending machines, and there is a playground for kids to enjoy.
• The Backyard RV Resort, about 11 miles from the fairgrounds, is the perfect campsite for RVers who like to be pampered. This luxury RV park’s pull-through sites have cable TV service as well as water, sewer, and electric hookups, and there is a dog park. This RV park has a tranquil lake where you can fish for tiger bass and bluegill, and there is an outdoor pavilion where you can relax and take in the scenery. There are standard, super, and lakeside RV sites to choose from, and prices start at $42 per night.
If you would prefer to spend your nights in a brick-and-mortar hotel when you visit the Alabama National Fair, you will have plenty of options. There are several hotels located close to the fairgrounds, and they range from affordable to luxury.
• Seven miles from the fairgrounds, the Montgomery Motel 6 offers the most affordable nearby lodging. Motel 6 offers no-frills accommodations, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. There is a coin-operated laundry on the premises, and all rooms have Wi-Fi. Kids stay for free.
• If you are looking for more luxurious accommodations, the Trilogy Hotel could be an ideal choice. This Marriott Autograph Collection property, less than 4 miles from the venue, has a gourmet restaurant and a fully equipped fitness center, and the building is a historic landmark. Many of the rooms have exposed brick walls and beautiful vaulted ceilings, and some of the suites have dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Homewood Suites is a popular choice for Alabama National Fair attendees because it offers a convenient location — less than 5 miles from the fairgrounds — plus plenty of amenities and reasonable rates. This pet-friendly Hilton property has a fitness center and outdoor pool, and a free hot breakfast is served every day. The rooms at Homewood Suites feature kitchenettes, and parking is free.
The two main highways serving Montgomery are Interstate 65 and Interstate 85. To reach the fairgrounds from I-65, take exit 173 to get on Northern Boulevard. Make a right turn onto Coliseum Boulevard when you see the State Coliseum sign, and then stay on Federal Drive until you reach the venue. To reach the fairgrounds from I-85, get off at exit 6 to take Eastern Boulevard. When you exit Eastern Boulevard at Alabama State Route 231, also called William L. Dickinson Drive, you will see the venue ahead.
Parking is free at the Alabama National Fair on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue has four large public parking lots. You can enter the south parking lot from Federal Drive or Fairground Road, or you can take Coliseum Boulevard to the north parking lot. Two other parking lots are near the livestock entrances. There is no reserved parking.
The cost of general admission to the Alabama National Fair is $30 on the opening day and $20 on subsequent days. Kids 5 or younger get in for free. There are also promotional days that give attendees an opportunity to save a few bucks. You can get in for only $1 on Friday, Oct. 4, if you bring a canned food donation, and you will save $10 if you wear pink on Tuesday, Oct. 8, or college apparel on Thursday, Oct. 10. General admission for seniors is $7 up to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, and attendees who bring a dog food donation also get in for $7. You can buy wristbands to save money on carnival rides. They cost $20 to $40 depending on the day.
The Alabama National Fair is an event with something for everyone, and it could give you a chance to experience the freedom and comfort of the RV lifestyle. If you rent one of our spacious and comfortable RVs, you will have a home away from home after experiencing the fair’s rides and thrills. When the fair is over, you could take our RV to explore Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. This is a beautiful part of the country, and Smokey Mountains National Park is just a few hours from Montgomery. To learn more about the Alabama National Fair and get updates on entertainment, connect with the event organizers on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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