Tennessee Valley Fair brings T-Pain, Travis Tritt and a whole lot of fun to Chilhowee Park
Where can you go in Knoxville to enjoy fried-yet-sweet treats, a demolition derby, circus performers, a rodeo, fireworks and even the music of T-Pain all in the same place? The Tennessee Valley Fair is the answer.
The annual 10-day fair is returning for its 103rd year. Kicking off Sept. 8 at Chilhowee Park, the Tennessee Valley Fair showcases the arts, agriculture and East Tennessee culture through fun and food.
Festivalgoers can hop on carnival rides, play games, participate in competitions, attend concerts and much more. Musical performers at this year’s festival include Travis Tritt, KC and the Sunshine Band and T-Pain.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Tennessee Valley Fair.
When is the 2023 Tennessee Valley Fair?
The Tennessee Valley Fair will be held Sept. 8-17 at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center, 3301 E. Magnolia Ave.
What are the Tennessee Valley Fair hours?
Gate hours vary almost each day of the fair. Be aware of the specific day times to best plan for your adventure. There is no fair admittance after 10 p.m., according to the fair's website.
Sept. 8: 4 p.m.-midnight
Sept. 9: 10 a.m.-midnight
Sept. 10: noon-11 p.m.
Sept. 11-12: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sept. 13-14: 5-11 p.m.
Sept. 15: 5 p.m.-midnight
Sept. 16: 10 a.m.-midnight
Sept. 17: noon-midnight
The hours that rides will be running vary by day.
How much are tickets and parking for the Tennessee Valley Fair?
Tickets are available now at the early discount rate until Sept. 7. At the gate, ticket prices will range from $9 to $12. Parking is $15 for all vehicles and only cash is accepted.
Tickets can be purchased online at tnvalleyfair.org.
Early bird ticket prices through Sept. 7:
Adults (ages 12-64): $8
Children (ages 6-11): $6
Seniors (age 65+): $6
Children age 5 and younger: Free
Unlimited ride wristbands
Opening day ride wristband: $22
Weekday ride wristband: $26
Weekend ride wristband: $31
At the gate
Adults (ages 12-64): $12
Children (ages 6-11): $9
Seniors (ages 65+): $9
Children age 5 and younger: Free
Unlimited ride wristbands
Weekday ride wristband: $30
Weekend ride wristband: $35
Who’s performing at the Tennessee Valley Fair?
Musical performances and special live events will be at the Homer Hamilton Amphitheatre. General admission and reserved seating tickets for the shows can be purchased at tnvalleyfair.org. You must also purchase a fair ticket to attend the concerts.
38 Special: 8 p.m. Sept. 8. Tickets are $10-$100.
Mountain Music Showdown: 5 p.m. Sept. 9. Tickets are free.
KC and the Sunshine Band: 8 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets are $15-$100.
Travis Tritt: 8 p.m. Sept. 12. Tickets are $20-$150.
T-Pain: 8 p.m. Sept. 14. Tickets are $30-$200.
Live pro wrestling: 7 p.m. Sept. 15. Tickets are free.
Corey Kent: 8 p.m. Sept. 17. Tickets are $10-$100.
What are the Tennessee Valley Fair's big attractions and fun things to do?
Beyond food vendors and concerts, fairgoers can watch the thrilling Battle of the Bluegrass Pulling Series, a demolition derby of full-sized cars and trucks and a rodeo.
Other attractions include the Anastasini Circus, Little Ponderosa Zoo, a G.O.A.T silent disco (featuring real goats), juggler Dale Jones, an exhibition of antique engines and tractors, a scavenger hunt, beer gardens, fireworks and more.
A full list of things to do at the fair and a calendar of events are available at tnvalleyfair.org.
Know before you go
All bags must be clear to be permitted into the fairgrounds, according to the fair’s website. Exceptions are bags smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches and diaper bags accompanied by a child.
The fair is a rain-or-shine event, including all events and concerts. No rain checks or refunds will be issued, according to the fair’s website.
Minors 17 and younger entering the fair after 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years old. One parent or guardian can be responsible for up six minors at the fairgrounds.
Outside food and drink, coolers, weapons of any kind, pets and selfie sticks are not permitted.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee Valley Fair 2023 welcomes Travis Tritt, T-Pain to Knoxville
