Grandstand Shows at State Fairs

What is a grandstand?

A grandstand is a large structure with tiered seating facing an arena, track or stage. At many state and county fairs it is where motorsports, rodeos, concerts and special shows take place. Some grandstands are decades old and are a landmark of the fairgrounds.

Because each fair has its own facility, the layout, seating and rules vary. Look up your fair's grandstand page for specifics.

Free stages are a good chance to see local talent and to support community groups. They are also a good place to rest between busier parts of the day. Not every fair has a grandstand, and smaller fairs may use an arena, a covered pavilion or a temporary stage for the same kinds of events. Check the map and schedule for the actual venue name.

What kinds of shows are held there?

Common events include concerts, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, races, rodeos, monster truck shows and variety acts. Some are included with admission, and others need a separate ticket. Schedules and lineups are announced by the organizer, usually well in advance.

Our other guides on demolition derbies, tractor pulls, monster trucks and racing explain what you can expect at each.

Some grandstand events are exhibitions run by clubs or associations, such as a vintage tractor show or a youth competition. These may be free or low cost and are a good way to see a local tradition up close.

How do tickets and seating work?

Seating may be reserved, general admission or a mix. Tickets may be sold by the fair, by a ticketing company or at the gate. Prices and rules are set by the organizer and change each year, so rely on the official page and never on a friend's memory.

Buy only from the fair's own website or the ticket office it names. Unofficial resale can lead to counterfeit or invalid tickets, and anyone asking you to pay by an unusual method is a warning sign.

Arrive a few minutes early at free stages and nearby shade is a plus. A seat in the shade often matters as much as the act itself.

What should you do on show day?

Arrive early to find parking, pass through any bag checks and locate your seat. Read signs about entry gates, as grandstands often have several. Check the program for start times, since events can be delayed by weather or track conditions.

Many shows run long, so bring a cushion or a lightweight seat pad if allowed, along with sun protection for daytime events. Keep an eye on children on stairs and rails.

Look at the ticket for gate, section, row and seat information. If anything is unclear, the ticket office can help before the show starts, when lines are shorter.

• Check the entry gate printed on your ticket
• Allow extra time for parking and bag checks
• Bring sun protection and ear protection
• Know where first aid and restrooms are

Is the grandstand loud or hard on kids?

Motorsports and concerts can be very loud. Ear protection for young children is a sensible precaution, and a seat away from speakers or the track may be more comfortable. Dust and smoke can be an issue for some people.

If a child is frightened, take a break in a quieter area. There is no need to stay for the whole show.

If you use a mobility device, ask staff about paved routes between stages, since some grounds have gravel or grass paths that can be hard to cross. Ask the usher or ticket office where quieter seating can be found if noise bothers anyone in your group. Some venues sell seats at the top or sides that are farther from the sound system or track.

What about accessibility and safety?

Most grandstands offer accessible seating, but how it is booked varies. Contact the fair office or ticket office in advance. Follow staff directions about exits, and know where the nearest exit is.

Severe weather is a real concern at open venues. Organizers may pause or end a show, and you should follow their announcements and National Weather Service alerts.

A simple plan, such as picking a landmark near the stage, helps families reconnect quickly if they separate. Carry any needed medicine and keep it with you. Fairs typically have a first aid station, and staff can tell you where it is.

How do you decide whether a show is worth it?

Read the description and decide whether it matches your group's interests. Consider the cost, the time and whether it is included with admission. If you are not sure, ask the fair office or look for a free preview, such as a pit tour or a sound check, if one is offered.

A few shows can be a highlight of the visit, but you will not miss out by skipping them. Fairs offer plenty to do around the grounds.

A midweek or matinee show can mean smaller crowds and easier parking, though availability depends on the organizer's schedule.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.