Your Guide to the Atlanta Spring Fair: Rides, Tickets, and Family Fun in the City

The Atlanta Fair (Spring) is one of the city’s best-known seasonal traditions, bringing classic carnival rides, midway games, and fair food to the heart of Atlanta. Whether you live in the city or are planning a spring visit, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan your visit, and tips for enjoying the fair with kids.

What Is the Atlanta Spring Fair?

The Atlanta Fair is a seasonal carnival-style fair that typically sets up in early spring and runs for several weeks. It usually features:

• Thrill rides (like pendulum rides, drop towers, and spinning attractions)
• Family and kiddie rides for younger children
• Midway games with classic ring toss, balloon darts, and prize booths
• Food stands serving funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, and other fair favorites
• Occasional special theme nights or discounts

Unlike a large regional fairgrounds event, the Atlanta Fair is a temporary traveling fair that sets up in a central Atlanta location, making it easy to reach from most in-town neighborhoods.

Because details can change from year to year, it’s best to treat this as a planning overview and always confirm current-season information directly with the fair before heading out.

When Does the Atlanta Fair (Spring) Usually Take Place?

The Atlanta Spring Fair generally:

• Opens in early March
• Runs through late March or into April
• Operates evenings on weekdays and longer hours on weekends

Spring in Atlanta can be unpredictable, so be prepared for:

• Cool evenings early in the season – bring layers
• Stormy or rainy days – some rides may close during bad weather
• Pollen season – if anyone in your family is sensitive, consider timing and outdoor exposure

Because the fair is outdoors, severe weather can affect hours or operations, especially rides at height. Checking the fair’s official communication channels on the day of your visit is a smart move.

Where Is the Atlanta Fair Held?

The fair is typically held at a central, easily accessible location in Atlanta, often near prominent downtown or south-of-downtown areas such as the Turner Field / Center Parc Stadium vicinity or similar large parking-lot style spaces.

Event sites can change, but locations are usually:

• Close to main arteries like I-20 or the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
• Reachable by MARTA bus routes and sometimes within walking distance of MARTA rail stations
• Structured with on-site paid parking or nearby paid parking lots

📝 Tip:
Before you go, verify:

• The current season’s address
• Whether parking is on-site, and if there are preferred entrances or ride-share drop-off points
• Any road closures or event-day traffic advisories

This helps you avoid circling busy downtown streets or accidentally parking in neighborhoods with tight restrictions.

Typical Hours and Best Times to Go

While exact times vary by season, Atlanta Fair hours usually follow these patterns:

General Pattern

• Weekdays (Mon–Thu):

  • Open late afternoon or early evening
  • Close later at night, especially as the season progresses

• Weekends (Fri–Sun):

  • Open earlier in the day
  • Stay open late into the evening

Best Times for Families with Kids

• Late afternoon / early evening on weekends tends to be a good sweet spot:
  • Lighter crowds early
  • Easier to keep younger kids on a normal bedtime schedule
• Weeknights can be less crowded than Friday and Saturday nights

If you prefer shorter lines:

• Aim for earlier in the day on Saturday or Sunday
• Avoid peak evenings (particularly Saturday night) when teens and adults crowd thrill rides

Admission, Ride Tickets, and Wristbands

Pricing changes over time, but the Atlanta Fair usually has two main cost components:

1. Gate Admission
2. Rides and Games (tickets or wristbands)

1. Admission

Expect:

• A per-person entry fee at the gate
• Sometimes different prices for certain days or times (e.g., early bird hours, special promotions)
• Free entry for very young children on some seasons (age or height cutoff can vary)

2. Rides & Games

Once inside, rides and games are generally paid separately:

• Rides often use a ticket system or a reloadable ride card
• You can buy:
  • Individual tickets (better if you’re only riding a few attractions)
  • Unlimited-ride wristbands on certain days (often called “armband days”)

Because ride wristbands can be a big savings for families with ride-loving kids, it’s worth checking:

• Which days offer unlimited-ride options
• Whether times are restricted (e.g., wristbands only valid during certain hours)

🎡 Cost-Saving Tips:

• Look for earlier-season days or weeknight specials that may be cheaper.
• If you have more than one child, compare the cost of individual tickets vs. an armband before you buy.
• Plan a ride budget for each child, especially if you don’t plan on purchasing unlimited rides.

What to Expect: Rides, Games, and Food

Rides

The Atlanta Spring Fair normally includes:

• Thrill rides:

  • High swings
  • Spinning rides
  • Inverting rides and drop towers

• Family rides:

  • Ferris wheel
  • Carousel
  • Smaller coasters or gentle spinning rides

• Kiddie rides:

  • Mini cars or trucks
  • Tiny trains
  • Gentle circular rides for toddlers

Each ride will have posted height or age requirements. These are enforced for safety, so prepare kids in advance that they might not be able to ride everything.

Games

Expect a classic midway with:

• Ring toss
• Basketball shots
• Water gun races
• Balloon darts

Games are paid individually and often use cash or fair currency. Prizes are usually large stuffed animals or themed toys.

Food

Fair food is a big part of the experience, with options that typically include:

• Savory items:

  • Corn dogs
  • Burgers and fries
  • Turkey legs
  • Pizza slices

• Sweet treats:

  • Funnel cakes
  • Deep-fried sweets
  • Candy apples
  • Cotton candy and shaved ice

• Drinks:

  • Soft drinks
  • Lemonade
  • Bottled water

If you have dietary restrictions, options may be limited. You can:

• Eat before you go and treat food as a snack or dessert experience
• Look for simpler items (like fries, corn on the cob, or bottled drinks) that may be easier to fit into certain diets

Quick Overview: Planning Your Visit

Below is a simple summary of the key planning points for the Atlanta Spring Fair:

Use this as a checklist when you’re choosing dates, times, and transportation.

Getting to the Fair: Parking and Transit

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from within metro Atlanta:

• Expect paid parking near the fairgrounds (flat rate or per vehicle)
• Bring card and/or cash in case parking operators prefer one or the other
• Be prepared for game-day traffic if the fair is near a sports venue and events overlap

🅿️ Parking Tips:

• Use well-lit, official-looking lots rather than unmarked side streets.
• Avoid blocking driveways or parking in nearby neighborhoods with resident-only restrictions.
• Take a quick photo of your parking spot and nearby landmarks to help you find your car later at night.

Using MARTA

Many Atlantans choose MARTA to avoid parking hassles:

• Check which rail station is closest to the current fair location.
• Plan whether you’ll need a short bus ride or walk from the station to the entrance.
• Always confirm return train times if you plan to stay until closing.

For general MARTA assistance in Atlanta:

• MARTA Customer Service
  • Phone: 404-848-5000
  • Main address: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

Safety, Security, and Kid-Friendly Planning

General Safety

Security at the Atlanta Fair usually includes:

• Bag checks at entry
• Prohibited-item lists (such as weapons, certain containers, and alcohol brought from outside)
• On-site security or law enforcement presence

To keep your visit smooth:

• Bring only essential items in a small bag.
• Keep valuables (wallets, phones) in zipped pockets or crossbody bags.
• Agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.

Safety with Kids

For families, a few simple steps can make a big difference:

• Dress kids in bright colors so they’re easy to spot in crowds.
• Take a photo of your child when you arrive, showing what they’re wearing.
• Write your cell phone number on a bracelet or slip of paper in your child’s pocket if they’re old enough to understand.
• Point out staff members or security so children know who to approach if they’re lost.

Ride safety:

• Follow all posted height and health warnings.
• Make sure restraint bars and seatbelts are snug and properly latched before the ride starts.
• If a child seems nervous or unsure, it’s fine to skip a ride and choose something gentler.

Weather, Crowds, and Accessibility

Weather Considerations

Atlanta’s spring weather can go from sunny to stormy quickly:

• Check the forecast on the day of your visit.
• Bring light layers for cool nights.
• Pack ponchos instead of umbrellas if rain is likely, since umbrellas can be awkward in crowds and on rides.

If storms or heavy rain move in, some or all rides may shut down temporarily. It’s wise to:

• Prioritize your must-do rides early
• Have a backup plan (nearby indoor attractions or heading home earlier than planned)

Crowds

Crowds are usually heaviest:

• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Nights with special promotions or school holidays

If you prefer a more relaxed feel:

• Go on a Sunday afternoon or weeknight
• Aim for earlier hours rather than arriving close to closing

Accessibility

As with many traveling fairs, accessibility can vary:

• The fairgrounds are usually set up on paved lots, though there may be cables, ramps, and uneven spots.
• Some rides may not be accessible for visitors who use mobility devices, while others may be easier to board.

If accessibility is a concern:

• Call ahead or review the fair’s posted guidance for guests with disabilities.
• Plan for extra time to move between attractions, especially in heavy crowds.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families and Visitors

A little planning goes a long way at the Atlanta Spring Fair:

• Set expectations with kids about ride limits, game budgets, and how long you plan to stay.
• Bring hand wipes or sanitizer, especially if you’ll be eating finger foods between rides.
• Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll likely walk and stand more than you expect.
• If you’re coming from the suburbs, factor in rush-hour traffic on weekdays and downtown event traffic on weekends.
• For visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, consider MARTA or rideshare to avoid parking altogether.

The Atlanta Spring Fair can be a fun, high-energy way to enjoy the season in the city. With a clear sense of when to go, how much time and money you want to spend, and what your family’s comfort level is with crowds and rides, you can make the fair a memorable part of your Atlanta spring.