The Granite State Fair will return to Rochester this fall for two weekends of agricultural showcases, live entertainment, and signature grandstand events. Running September 11–14 and again September 18–21 at 72 Lafayette Street, the fair continues its evolution from a 19th-century community exhibition into one of New Hampshire’s most diverse seasonal events.
Originally founded as the Rochester State Fair in the 1800s, the event still highlights its agricultural roots through livestock shows, youth competitions, and entertainment. The modern fair also brings in fast-paced attractions and large-scale shows, including the exclusive Circus Hollywood, a full midway of rides, and a slate of motorized events at the grandstand.
Grandstand Events
The Granite State Fair’s grandstand schedule remains a major draw, featuring high-octane staples like the School Bus Derby, Demolition Derby, ATV Drag Racing, and Car Soccer. All events require separate admission from the fair itself, and tickets are available at the Grandstand box office beginning a few hours before each show.
School Bus Derby
Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
General seating: $18 per person. Premium half box (seats 6): $200.
Demolition Derby
Sunday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m.
General seating: $12 per person. Premium half box: $125.
Car Soccer
Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
General seating: $12. Premium half box: $125.
ATV Drag Race
- Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.
General seating: $12. Premium half box: $125.
Children under 18 months are admitted free to all grandstand events.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Granite State Fair’s website.
Rides and Midway Access
The midway opens at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Operated by Fiesta Shows, the ride lineup spans family classics, high-adrenaline thrill rides, and smaller-scale attractions suitable for young children.
Ride access options include:
MEGAPASS: Unlimited rides plus fair admission for a single day (available online only).
All-Day Wristband: $35 on-site for unlimited rides (admission sold separately).
Timed Wristbands: $25 online or $30 on-site. Valid during limited hours on select days.
Reloadable Ride Card: Visitors may purchase ride credits at any Fiesta Shows kiosk. Credits are loaded onto a scan card and can be topped up throughout the day.
To save time, buy your ride access pass today online!
Featured Rides
Here is just a few of the rides you can expect to see at the fair (subject to change):
High-thrill attractions
Zipper: 52″ minimum height
Freak Out: 48″ minimum, 78″ maximum
Hurricane: Minimum height 42″
Fireball, Pharoah’s Fury, Flying Bobs, Starship, Vertigo, Cliffhanger: All require at least 48″ to ride
Family rides
Carousel: 42″ minimum; smaller riders require an adult
Viper: 48″ alone or 44″ with an adult
Crazy Bus, Spider Wheel, Twister, Mardi Gras, Seven Seas, Spinning Coaster
Younger children
Dragon Wagon: 42″ minimum, 56″ maximum
Dalmatian Bounce, Elephants, Tractors, Slide
Many allow smaller riders with adult supervision
Additional activities
Rockwall and Vortex: No height restriction
Height limits are enforced. Attendees are encouraged to check requirements on-site or in advance to avoid delays. More information can be found on the Granite State Fair’s website.
Agriculture and Exhibits
Though the fair has grown considerably, it remains grounded in its agricultural origins. Animal barns, 4-H competitions, and livestock displays are available daily. Visitors can also expect a petting zoo, draft horse agility contests, and equine events including the Gymkhana Horse Show.
The fair also features contests such as the King Arthur Baking Cookie Contest and the annual Miss Granite State Fair Pageant.
Food and Vendors
The fairgrounds will host a full range of concessions offering standard carnival fare such as fried dough, cotton candy, lemonade, corndogs, and more. A beer garden with scheduled live performances will be open throughout both weekends. Additional vendors will offer local products, handcrafted goods, and family activities.
Daily Highlights
Below is a selection of daily programming. A full schedule is available on the fair’s website.
Thursday, Sept. 11
4:00 p.m. Fairgrounds and animal exhibits open
5:00 p.m. Circus Hollywood
Friday, Sept. 12
7:00 p.m. Car Soccer (grandstand)
7:00 p.m. Cornhole tournament
Saturday, Sept. 13
12:00 p.m. Kids activities sponsored by Lowe’s and Home Depot
2:00–4:00 p.m. Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group
7:00 p.m. School Bus Derby
Sunday, Sept. 14
12:00 p.m. Petting zoo opens
12:30 p.m. Beer garden performer
1:00 p.m. ATV Drag Race
Thursday, Sept. 18
4:00 p.m. Buildings, midway, and exhibits open
8:00 p.m. Circus Hollywood
Friday, Sept. 19
5:00 p.m. Circus Hollywood
7:00 p.m. School Bus Derby
7:00 p.m. Cornhole tournament
Saturday, Sept. 20
11:00 a.m. Gymkhana Horse Show
12:30 p.m. Beer garden performer
1:00 p.m. Cookie contest
7:00 p.m. School Bus Derby
Sunday, Sept. 21
10:00 a.m. Lumberjack Show
10:00 a.m. Draft Horse Agility Contest
12:00 p.m. Miss Granite State Fair Pageant
4:00 p.m. Demolition Derby
Final Notes
Tickets for grandstand events are limited and available only on the day of the show. Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase MEGAPASS or wristbands in advance when possible. All ride heights are strictly enforced and may vary. Daily programming is subject to change.
For a full event schedule, wristband details, or ticket links, visit the official Granite State Fair website.
