Fun, Food, and Music: Your Guide to the 2025 Hillsdale County Fair

Experience the 175th Hillsdale County Fair

The 175th Hillsdale County Fair is set to be a memorable event for residents and visitors alike. Taking place at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds, located at 115 S. Broad St., the fair will run from Sunday, September 21, through Saturday, September 27. This year's event promises a variety of activities, including fried food, fair rides, grandstand events, and more.

Admission and Gate Information

The gates will open daily at 9 a.m. and close around 9 p.m. Visitors can purchase admission tickets in advance at the fair office or pay at the gate. The standard admission fee is $7 for individuals aged 12 and older, while children 11 and younger can enter for free throughout the week. A weekly pass for children 12 and older is available for $35.

Special discounts are also offered on certain days. School children can enter for free on Monday when local schools are not in session and on Tuesday. Veterans receive free entry on Monday, and seniors aged 65 and older can enjoy a discounted rate of $2 on Fridays.

Ride Wristbands and Schedules

Ride wristbands are available for different price ranges depending on the day of the fair. Here is a breakdown of the ride schedules and costs:

• Sunday: Rides are open from 1 to 10 p.m. with wristbands costing $30.
• Monday: Rides are open from noon to 10 p.m. with wristbands priced at $25.
• Tuesday: Rides are open from 3 to 10 p.m. with wristbands priced at $20.
• Wednesday: Rides are open from 3 to 10 p.m. This day is known as "Ticket to Ride Day," where one ticket allows access to any ride. Each ticket costs $4 for five rides.
• Thursday: Rides are open from 3 to 10 p.m. with wristbands priced at $20.
• Friday: Rides are open from 3 to 10 p.m. with wristbands costing $30.
• Saturday: Rides are open from 1 to 10 p.m. with wristbands priced at $30.

Free Entertainment

Throughout the week, the Hillsdale County Fair will offer free entertainment at the Woman’s Congress Building and Nichols Bandshell. Attendees can enjoy live music, cloggers, a talent show, and a church service. A full schedule of these events is available on the fair’s official website.

Annual Veteran’s Day Parade

The annual Veteran’s Day parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday. No registration is required, and participants should line up starting at 9 a.m. in the Midtown Parking Lot on E. Bacon Street. The parade will travel through downtown and end at the fairgrounds. Following the parade, the Veteran of the Year Program will take place at 11:15 a.m. at the bandshell, where veterans can enjoy free coffee and doughnuts.

Grandstand Events

The fair will feature several exciting grandstand events throughout the week. Tickets for these events can be purchased online through the Hillsdale County Fair’s website.

• Sunday, September 21: The NTPA Tractor Pull will begin at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $20, with free entry for children under 5.
• Monday, September 22: An Antique Tractor Pull and Mini Rods event will take place at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the event is free to attend.
• Tuesday, September 23: The TNT Demo Derby will start at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $15 to $18. The demolition derby will return on Saturday, September 27, at the same time and price.
• Wednesday, September 24: The TK-Pro Rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., with tickets priced between $15 and $25.
• Thursday, September 25: Thunder Thursday Truck Pulls will occur at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., with tickets ranging from $12 to $15.
• Friday, September 26: Three country artists will perform on stage, featuring Tyler Farr and special guests Parma native Jason Cross and Hayden Ladd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $60.