Next week, approximately 120,000 people over 10 days will flock to the Champlain Valley Fair, an iconic Green Mountain State tradition hosted at the expo center in Essex Junction each August.
Vermont's largest annual event, now entering its 103th year, starts Friday, Aug. 22 and ends Sunday, Aug. 31. The beloved fair boasts live music, rides, classic fair food, diverse exhibits, animal petting opportunities, a plethora of free performances, including magic and hypnotism acts, and more activities spread out across 130 acres of expo center land.
Here are some important things to know if you plan to go to the 2025 Champlain Valley Fair. For more information, visit the fair's website, view their frequently asked question page, or download the Champlain Valley Fair app via the Apple Store or Google Play.
What are the Champlain Valley Fair Hours
Weekdays
Fairgrounds: noon-10 p.m.
Buildings & displays: noon to 10 p.m.
Midway: 2 p.m.-11 p.m.
Weekends
Fairgrounds: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Buildings & displays: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Midway: noon-11 p.m.
How much is parking?
Parking costs $10 per vehicle, paid in cash.
Where is the handicap parking?
Handicap parking is free and located at the Red Gate. You must bring your official handicapped parking permit to park in the handicap parking area.
Can you get a bus or a ride share to the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds?
The Green Mountain Transit bus service travels to and from the fair. For schedule and route info, call 802-864-2282. Ride Share drop off is on Route 15, between the Yellow Gate Mac's.
Where do I park my bike if I ride to the fair
Bikers can stow their bikes outside Gate A.
What are ticket prices for the Champlain Valley Fair
Adults, Monday-Friday: $15
Adults, Saturdays & Sundays: $20
Kids (5-12): $7
Children under 5: Free
Amex, Discover, VISA, MasterCard credit cards accepted.
Discount tickets: What dates and times to know
Weekdays after 5 p.m. - $10 admission
Midweek Madness Logo Food special, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – $4 deals on food vendors sporting Midweek Madness Logos.
Kids Day, Aug. 22 - Kids get $1 off admission at the gate.
Military Appreciation Day, Aug. 25 – Free admission for veterans; military ID required.
Senior Day, Aug. 26 – Attendees age 55 and older get $3 off gate admission
Carload Special, Aug. 27 – For $99 with a coupon from Simons Stores, a car full of people gets admission, parking and a ride bracelet. (Cars must not surpass the legal load limit; everyone must have a seat belt.)
College Day, Aug. 28 – Free admission for students with a valid school ID.
Feed a Family Day, Aug. 28 – Free admission for people who bring two cans of food to the fair before 2 p.m. People who bring four cans get $10.00 off a ride bracelet.
What you will need to pay for after buying a ticket for the fair
Tickets, including advance tickets, can be purchased via the Champlain Valley Fair website.
Ride bracelets: $40 per person
Tickets for concerts on the Floor Coverings International Stage: $39 and $199, depending on the show, seat and VIP status.
Monster Truck tickets: $17 per adult or child in advance or $20 the day of (Sunday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m.)
Figure-8 Racing tickets: $13 for adults in advance and $15 the day of (Aug. 27, 7 p.m.). Children ages 12 and under get in for free.
Demolition Derby tickets cost $17 for adults in advance and $20 the day of (Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.). Tickets for children ages 12 and under cost $13 in advance and $14 the day of.
Renting a stroller or wheelchair? Need a helping hand? Here's a guide
Questions? Info booths are located in the Ware Building, inside the Red Gate by Miller Expo North and in the Vermont State Building
Injured? Receive first aid at the blue and white trailer near the Ware Building and in the hallway between Expo North and Expo South. You can also call 802-879-3412.
Lost your kid? The Lost Children Center is located at the First Response Blue and White Trailer near the Ware Building
Lost an item? Lost and found is located at the fair office. You can also call 802-878-5545 or email [email protected]
Need to rent a stroller or wheelchair? Reserve one at Scootaround’s Champlain Valley webpage.
Bringing a baby? The baby comfort station is located in the State Building near the center of the fairgrounds
Where are the handicapped accessible restrooms? See your fair program.
Where's the ATM? ATMs are dispersed throughout the fairgrounds and the Midway
Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: 2025 Champlain Valley Fair: Guide for dates, times and prices to know
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