frequently asked questions
What are you looking for?
quick links...
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The 2026 Delaware State Fair Dates are Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, August 1st 2026.
THURSDAY, JULY 23RD | Gates Open at 12pm | Carnival Opens at 5pm
FRIDAY, JULY 24TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
SATURDAY, JULY 25TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
SUNDAY, JULY 26TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
MONDAY, JULY 27TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
TUESDAY, JULY 28TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
THURSDAY, JULY 29TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
FRIDAY, JULY 30TH | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST | Gates Open at 9am | Carnival Opens at 1pm
Please help us keep the Fair safe and fun for all!
The Delaware State Fair is and has always been a private entity. The Delaware State Fairgrounds is private property under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State Police.
Before being permitted to enter the fairgrounds, all patrons, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers and employees will be screened for any weapons or prohibited items by the Fair’s use of walk-through metal detectors that will be in use at all public entry gates (Main Gate, Gate 2, Gate 3 and Gate 7). The Fair will be utilizing the most technologically advanced weapons detection system known as “OpenGate by CEIA.” As such, initial screening will not require separation from outerwear garments, wallets, purses, backpacks, bags, strollers nor the removal of the contents of any pockets.
Should a walk-through metal detector or any security official identify the need for further screening, the Fair reserves the right to conduct additional screening of the fairgoer and their bags as a condition of gaining entry or maintaining admitted status on the fairgrounds.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
1. WEAPONS
Weapons of any kind or objects that appear to be weapons are prohibited and may not be brought onto the fairgrounds. Regardless of whether you are licensed to carry or not, all concealed or open carry forms of firearms whether registered or unregistered, machine guns, rifles including semi-automatics, shotguns, antique firearms, black powder rifles, black powder shotguns, or any muzzle-loading firearms, and/or other weapons including but not limited to any variety of knife (see exception below), switchblade, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, cane sword, club, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chukka sick, sandclub, sap, wrist-brace type slingshot or slingshot, shuriken or “Kung Fu star”, razor, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon (or an imitation thereof that could be reasonably mistaken for a deadly instrument or weapon) are prohibited within the gates of the fairgrounds.
EXCEPTIONS:
A. SMALL POCKETKNIVES: Non-locking folding pocketknife or jackknife with a blade no longer than two and one-half inches. Anyone seeking to enter the fairgrounds with a pocketknife or jackknife that meets the dimensions described above, must display the knife in a folded condition to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector; and
B. OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: Off-duty law enforcement officers currently employed by any of the following law enforcement agencies: (1) the Delaware State Police; or (2) New Castle County Police Department; or (3) any Delaware municipal police force; or (4) DNREC officers (Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource, Parks & Recreation & Environmental Protection); or (5) Probation & Parole (sworn officers); and (6) agents of the State Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement; or (7) Delaware State Fire Marshals; or (8) Federal FBI, US Marshal or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents will be allowed to carry a concealed firearm provided that they show their badge and law enforcement ID to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector.
This exception does not include: (a) current or former members of the military; or (2) former law enforcement officials; or (3) law enforcement officials from any jurisdiction outside the State of Delaware.
2. OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS
-
Illegal drugs, substances and related paraphernalia; and
-
Alcohol of any kind except for alcohol lawfully possessed and consumed in the campground areas and alcohol purchased and consumed within the concert venue and the Roost; and
-
Pets (except service animals permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act – ADA); and
-
Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, bicycles, inline skates, foot-powered or electric scooters; and
-
Bull horns, air horns, megaphones or similar noise makers or voice amplification devices; and
-
Drones, UAVs, UASs or any type of remote-controlled craft, car or truck; and
-
Fireworks, sparklers or explosives; and
-
Laser pointers; and
-
Offensive messages on clothing; and
-
Flags, signs, apparel or any objects bearing the image of the confederate flag; and
-
Gang-related clothes, colors, signs and jewelry; and
-
Any form of apparel including face masks meant to conceal the wearer’s identity.
Those entering the fairgrounds will have the opportunity to discard any prohibited items at the security screening area or return the item(s) to their vehicle before entry. Prohibited items turned over to security at the time of entry will be considered confiscated and will not be returned.
Rev. 6.9.23
The Delaware State Fair is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate all things Delaware by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. We want to make sure the Fair is a fun and safe place for all fairgoers, vendors, volunteers, shareholders, and staff. When you join us on the fairgrounds and attend the Delaware State Fair, all fairgoers shall observe the guidelines listed in our Code of Conduct: Click Here
- All youth under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by a sober and competent person aged 21 or older who will supervise the youth while entering the Delaware State Fair (such as a parent, legal guardian, relative, or other adult). After 5 p.m., unattended youths attempting to enter the fairgrounds without an adult will be denied entry.
-
- One adult may accompany no more than six (6) guests under the age of 16 per day.
-
- Proof of age is required. Any fairgoer, including those over the age of 21, may be required to show a valid government identification for proof of age.
-
- This policy applies regardless of entry method, such as the use of a pre-purchased ticket or re-entry with a handstamp from earlier in the day.
-
- This policy will be enforced daily for the full ten-day run of the Delaware State Fair.
-
- If a concertgoer under the age of 16 has a valid concert ticket for that evening’s show, they will be allowed to enter the fair and the concert after 7 p.m. without an adult as outlined above.
-
- Those youth under the age of 16 with a valid concessionaire, youth livestock, 4H, or FFA exhibitor credential will be permitted to access the fairgrounds without supervising adult as outlined above. Each concessionaire and/or youth exhibitor must carry their Delaware State Fair-issued laminated credential to be permitted on the grounds without an adult after 7 p.m.
-
- Each youth under the age of 16 working for a participating concessionaire will be issued a laminated credential at concessions check-in/set up.
-
- Organized and ticketed group outings, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports, and other pre-scheduled group visits are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and procedures already in place. Exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the General Manager.
GATE ADMISSION:
Adults (13+): $10.00 online ($10.50)
Youth (6 -12 years of age): $5.00 online ($5.50)
Child (5 and under) receive FREE gate admission
5 Day Adult Gate Admission Pass – Beat the lines and save when you order a 5-Day Adult Gate Admission Pass!
Ages 13 & Up $35 + .50 online convenience fee. Click HERE to purchase and save almost $15.00 over the cost of 5 separate days.
Please contact the Box Office at (302) 398-5020. Groups of 20 or more may purchase group tickets and save $2 off each adult ticket.
Where can I park and how much is it?
Parking at the Fair is FREE unless you’d like to PURCHASE our VIP parking for convenient entrance and exit of the fairgrounds and a short walk to the main gate!
Yes, there are multiple ATM’S on the fairgrounds, a handful can be found at the main gate entrance.
The Nursing Mother’s Area is located next to the Grove Restrooms located on the Northern part of the fairgrounds next to the Department of Agriculture and DNREC Buildings. Private rooms feature air conditioning, sinks, baby changing table and a comfortable rocking chair to help make the feeding procees comfortable for the mother and baby.
Service animals, including service animals in training, are allowed onto the Delaware State Fairgrounds. Fair-goers are not allowed to bring pets or emotional support animals. Service animals are described as specially trained to perform a function or job for an owner with a physical, intellectual, or emotional disability. These working animals may provide the comfort of an emotional support animal, but they have been trained to complete certain tasks. Service animals are trained to help their owners deal with large crowds, loud or unexpected noises, as well as assist them during an unexpected emergency. Most importantly, service animals are offered legal protections through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An emotional support animal does not share those same legal protections. If an emotional support animal or pet were to bite another fair-goer, that animal’s owner will be held responsible, as could the Delaware State Fair for allowing a non-service animal on the grounds.
We want to keep everyone as safe as possible and that is why the Delaware State Fair does not allow pets or emotional support animals on the fairgrounds.
COMING SOON
Yes! Hydration is important on hot summer days. Water bottles are permitted, but to refill, you will have to purchase from a vending machine or a food vendor.
There are a handful of local hotels and airbnb’s available to stay at if you’re visiting from out of town!
HARRINGTON WELCOME INN
Carnival ride cards can be purchased online (DATES TBD) or within the Wadeshows Carnival Lot at one of their ticket kiosks.
All gate, concert AND carnival tickets are NON REFUNDABLE.
2027 – July 22nd – 31st
2028 – July 20th – 29th
2029 – July 19th – 28th
inside the fairgrounds
The Delaware State Fair’s official carnival provider, Wadeshows, hosts a myriad of rides and games for all ages. You can expect over 40 rides in the carnival lot, and they vary from year to year!
STAY TUNED FOR A LIST OF 2026 RIDES
Yes! We proudly host 8 nights of concerts in the M&T Bank Grandstand, tickets are available for purchase here.
Once you’re in the fairgrounds, there are numerous map stations placed throughout with large maps as well as annual guides that you can take on the go with a full map as well as fair information for all 10 days of entertainment, OR you can download our mobile app for an interactive map and fun ways to plan your experience.
Minor injuries and ailments are treated at the First Aid station located at the base of the M&T Bank Grandstand. In the event of serious illness or injury, please dial 911
Yes, lost and found is located at our Administration Building located just inside the Main Gate
Stay Tuned for a full list of our 2026 food vendors!
Yes! Stay tuned for a full list of Gluten Free Food option at the 2026 Delaware State Fair
Of course! Once you’re in the Fairgrounds, you’ll be greeted by roaming acts that travel throughout.
SPONSOR COURT – Visit the Sponsor Court within the main gate to find sponsor activations and entertaining shows for you to watch throughout the day.
HERTRICH PLAZA STAGE – Come to the Hertrich Plaza for FREE entertainment all day long
LIVESTOCK BARNS – Visit the livestock barns to interact with live animals…don’t forget to visit the cow barns for a chance to win a baby cow!
MACHINERY LOT -The Machinery Lot is home to everyone’s favorite acrobatic dog show… disconnected k9’s,
INCLUSION + ACCESSIBILITY
PARKING – Handicap Parking can be found behind the Administration building in the fenced-in blacktop lot. Please use the main fair entrance off of South DuPont Hwy (GPS address: 18500 S. Dupont Hwy) to access the Handicap Parking Area. Guests needing to park in the handicap parking lot must present proper Parking Credentials to parking staff prior to parking in lot. Guests parking in the main general parking areas have the option to ride a handicap accessible shuttle but must board at a designated shuttle top located in the Orange/Purple Parking Lot. Proper display of handicapped parking permits with tags must be displayed in order to access the handicap parking lot. In the event the handicapped parking lot is full or at capacity, there is an identified drop off area within the handicap parking lot and next to the main gate. After dropping off the handicap patrons, the driver will be directed to the general parking area where a handicapped accessible shuttle will be available to transport them to the front gate
DROP OFF + PICKUP – Our Cell Phone Lot is conveniently located in the yellow lot located off Fairgrounds Road, right behind Mountaire Farms. This gives you easy access to route 13.
Please note the following:
- Maximum wait is 30 minutes
- Lot is closed from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Vehicles must be attended
- Commercial vehicles are not permitted
- Space is available on a first come, first serve basis
SHUTTLE SERVICE– An ADA wheel chair accessible shuttle is available onsite and services the east side of the fairgrounds stopping at all shuttle stops identified on the fairgrounds map located in the Daily Schedule.
Power mobility devices, wheelchairs and other accessibility equipment may be found inside the Main Gate entrance beginning at 11:00AM daily.
2026 Pricing
ACCESSIBLE SEATING – Guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are offered accessible seating options to all grandstand shows. ADA Seat options can be found under the “section” seating option when choosing seats.
ASL INTERPRETIVE SERVICES – ASL interpreting is available upon request for the Grandstand Concert Series. For more information please contact Nicole with the box office at 302-398-7007. ASL interpretation requests MUST be made no more than 120 days prior to the show date.
At The Delaware, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every guest can feel comfortable and supported. We understand that some individuals, including those with autism, sensory processing differences, PTSD, dementia, or other cognitive sensitivities may experience sensory overload in busy or unfamiliar environments. Our sensory inclusion efforts are designed to help ensure that everyone can fully enjoy their experience with us.
WHAT IS SENSORY INCLUSION?
Sensory inclusion means making thoughtful accommodations for individuals who may be sensitive to light, sound, crowds, or other environmental stimuli. Our goal is to reduce barriers and provide tools, spaces, and staff support to create a more accessible experience for all.
WHAT SENSORY SUPPORTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR?
We offer a variety of supports, which may include:
-
Sensory bags equipped with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, and visual cue cards
-
Designated quiet spaces for guests who need a break from stimulation
-
Clear signage and wayfinding to reduce uncertainty and stress
-
Flexible re-entry options when possible
-
Team members trained in sensory awareness and inclusive guest service
SENSORY ACTIVATION VEHICLE
The Delaware is proud to partner with KultureCity to offer access to a Sensory Activation Vehicle (SAV) a mobile sensory-friendly space designed to provide immediate relief from overwhelming environments.
The Sensory Activation Vehicle is a climate-controlled mobile unit equipped with calming tools and sensory supports. It may include:
-
Adjustable lighting
-
Soft seating and calming visuals
-
Tactile and fidget items
-
Noise-reducing equipment
-
A structured, low-stimulation setting
The SAV is available all 10 days of the fair, located just inside the carnival lot for easy access to provide guests with a private, supportive environment if they need to step away and reset.
Visit our Sensory Inclusion page HERE to learn more.
ADA RESTROOMS – Family ADA Restroom are located next to the Grove Restrooms located on the Northern part of the fairgrounds next to the Department of Agriculture and DNREC Buildings. Private rooms feature air conditioning, additional needed space, sinks, baby changing tables, and showers. Accessible stalls have been identified in all restrooms throughout the fairgrounds.
SERVICE ANIMALS – ADA identified and compliant service animals are always welcome to the Delaware State Fairgrounds.
