The Appalachian Fair is an annual regional fair and concert series for the whole family in Gray. Its amazing location with multiple restaurants and hotels, and the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest attract people from far and wide. Drawing in over 200,000 visitors from all over the region of East Tennessee, the fair features family-friendly entertainment, tasty food, and thrilling carnival rides.
Entertainment Program
The fair features livestock shows, such as the Jr. Beef Show, Open Beef Show, and others, where farmers can showcase their cattle. Homestead owners and enthusiasts can also participate in competitive and commercial exhibits, like the Cut Flowers Competition, Breads & Spreads Competition, or Pie Competition. The festival also annually holds demolition derby, ATV racing, midway rides, and agricultural contests. The fair has a plenty of options for everyone.
If you're up for a challenge, you can join any of the available competitions at the fairgrounds, including a dance or a Got Talent contest. Women have a chance to compete for the title of Fairest of the Fairground at the festival pageant. Note that you can apply only prior to the fair and not at the venue.
Entertainment for Children
Appalachian Fair is a perfect place to spend some time with your family and make unforgettable memories. Starting from carnival rides, your children won't get bored anytime soon at the festival. They can also participate in exciting educational exhibits and demonstrations, such as bread baking. Girls can also take part in the Little Miss Fair contest, while kids are also free to join a dance competition or a youth talent contest.
Past Concert Lineup
Appalachian Fair has always been a prime spot for country music concerts, featuring some of the best artists in the genre and beyond. Throughout its run since 1962, the festival's stage has been graced by the presence of many performers, including Elle King, Scotty McCreery, Dan + Shay, and Thomas Rhett. Such veterans of the industry as Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Tim McGraw, Vern Gosdin and many others have also brought joy to the audience with their songs.
Schedule
The exhibits at the fair open at 3 pm on the weekdays and at 10 am on Saturday. The concerts and arena activities kick off in the afternoon. The Fairest of the Fair Pageant is scheduled for August 19th at 7 pm, and the Little Miss Pageant will take place on August 20th at 6 pm. The arena opens for spectators at 7 pm every day of the festival, while the concerts begin at the main stage at 8 pm. The dance competition kicks off on August 23rd at 7 pm and Got Talent Show is scheduled on August 24th at 7 pm as well. The fairgrounds operate until 10 pm.
Tickets
Admission to the festival costs $10, but you can also buy a six-day pass for $50 and a three-day pass for $25. Unlimited ride passes cost $20. Parking at the fairgrounds costs $5. Kids under 11 years old have free admission. On August 20, students of K-12 can enter for free. On August 22nd, there's a special discount for seniors with tickets priced at $5.
