Shreveport, La. – The State Fair of Louisiana is set to return to the city’s Hudson Avenue fairgrounds from Oct. 29 through Nov. 15. Organizers promise a robust lineup that includes more than 55 carnival rides, over 100 food vendors and a full schedule of live entertainment, all included with gate admission.
Signature rides and attractions
Among the marquee attractions is the Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel, the same towering wheel that previously dazzled visitors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The fair will also feature classic midway favorites such as Circus Hollywood, Hollywood Racing Pigs, the Belmont World of Magic Show, animal exhibits and a variety of street performers.
Live music and rodeo
Music lovers can enjoy a free‑admission concert series that showcases regional talent. Headliners include country singer Colin Stough, the tribute act Mini KISS, the Noah Grant Band and a rotating roster of local groups. The schedule runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 15, with special themed days such as Latino Day and a Gospel Mega Fest on the final day.
The Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association (LRCA) Finals Rodeo will return for three days (Oct. 30‑Nov. 1) at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, offering rodeo fans high‑stakes competition and VIP experiences.
Family‑focused Halloween fun
A new Halloween attraction, the Midway Candy Crawl, invites children to collect candy while exploring the midway on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bags are provided, and admission for children during the crawl is $5. Additional family options include birthday‑party packages and a Build‑A‑Midway Mate activity where kids can create a stuffed animal.
Food, pricing and special offers
The returning Food Crawl will take place on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11. For $59, guests receive samples from ten vendors, a fair admission ticket, a commemorative T‑shirt and a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Regular gate prices are $10 for adults on Wednesdays and Thursdays, rising to $17 on Fridays through Sundays; children ages 3‑12 pay $5 on weekdays and $10 on weekends, while children under three enter free. Advance general admission tickets are $11.50 through Oct. 28. Family discount days on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12 offer ride wristbands for $28. Free parking is available daily, and the fair provides free admission before 3 p.m. on weekdays.
Safety and security policies
Visitors should expect standard security checks, including metal detectors and bag inspections. A clear‑bag policy allows transparent bags up to 12 × 6 × 12 inches, with smaller non‑clear bags permitted under size limits. An evening supervision rule requires minors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone aged 21 or older after 6 p.m., with one adult allowed to supervise up to six minors. Weapons are prohibited on the fairgrounds.
Hours and location
The fairgrounds at 3701 Hudson Avenue will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Full details, ticket options and the complete event schedule are available at statefairoflouisiana.com.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
