Corndogs, carousels, and funnel cakes: North Alabama State Fair rolls into the Shoals

MUSCLE SHOALS – The smell of funnel cakes, cotton candy, livestock, and exhaust from carnival rides means the fair is back in town.

The 2025 North Alabama State Fair will run Monday through Sunday in Muscle Shoals. The fairgrounds on Sportsplex Drive plays host to one of the largest carnival midways in the area, featuring a variety of attractions from Wade Shows. The

Before motion sickness (and fear) set in, I loved going to the state fair every fall. The Tilt-a-Whirl and the Himalaya were my favorite rides. The Spider was OK – if I hadn’t already eaten a corndog or two – but you would never ever ever get me on the Zipper. I don’t do upside-down rides very well. But my daughter loves them all, and would ride until we ran out of tickets. 

Wade Shows said the North Alabama State Fair will have a huge carnival midway featuring something for everyone, including thrill rides, kiddie rides, and family rides such as a ferris wheel and carousel. 

While my state fair days are limited to the Merry-Go-Round and funnel cakes and petting zoos these days, you and your kiddos can take advantage of all the fun at the fair.

Aside from the midway, the North Alabama State Fair will have a variety of entertainment,  including the new Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, where you will see amazing high-wire stunts, sword fights, and rope slides performed “ship to ship.” You can catch this act weekdays at 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday at 4, 6, and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Patrons of all ages will enjoy the Show-Me Swine Racers as “little ‘hams’ race to the finish line for a treat.” Races happen weekdays at 7 and 9 p.m., Saturday at 3, 7, and 9 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

And, of course, a fair tradition: the demolition derby. Watch cars crash as drivers compete for prizes at the annual event Monday in the Event Barn.

All the shows are free with fair admission. Additionally, there will be a variety of animal and livestock shows and competitive exhibits.

Of course, you also can try your hand at traditional midway games as well. Pop a Balloon, Ring a Duck, or win a Water Race to claim your prize. Maybe a gigantic teddy bear.

Discount days include Saturday when children ages 12 & under are admitted free until 4pm and Sunday when seniors ages 65 and over are admitted to the fair for free.