Mississippi’s Giant House Party is back for its 136th rendition!
Kicking off on Friday and running through Aug. 1, the annual weeklong Neshoba County Fair has returned. Fairgoers will have yet another opportunity to enjoy porch swing conversations at a cabin belonging to a friend, family member, or random stranger showing southern hospitality, while also enjoying some of the finer things rural Mississippi has to offer.
Here’s everything to know about the 2025 Neshoba County Fair.
Entertainment
A family-friendly event, visitors of all ages can hop on various amusement rides, snack on a funnel cake, and enjoy live music. This year, the Neshoba County Fair’s concerts will be headlined by The Molly Ringwalds, 49 Winchester, Larry Fleet, and 38 Special. Folks can also hear from local artists like Jimmy “Duck” Holmes and the newly formed group The House Band, featuring a handful of state lawmakers.
For younger guests, there will be an art contest and a petting zoo, along with the annual pageant program, where a “Little Miss Neshoba County Fair” and “Jr. Miss Neshoba County Fair” will be selected. Various livestock shows will be held, allowing participants to showcase their cattle, sheep, goats, etc.
A staple of the fair is the action-packed horse races, and once again, folks will be able to witness speedy equines accompanied by skilled jockeys navigating the racetrack in hopes of claiming a first-place finish. This year, ESPN will be on site with its flagship “SportsCenter” program. The network is sending anchor Shae Cornette to report live from the horse races and interview fairgoers about what it’s like to follow sports in the Magnolia State.
Nothing rings truer in Mississippi than its peoples’ devotion to faith, and if you’re a church-going fairgoer, you’re in luck. A Sunday morning and evening worship service will be held, offering guests the chance to raise their hands in praise alongside one another.
Political speeches
Highlighted by former President Ronald Reagan’s famous stump speech at Founder’s Square back in 1980 ahead of his first stint in the White House, Mississippi’s political scene is often defined at the Neshoba County Fair year in and year out.
Though 2025 is not a consequential year for statewide races, a plethora of officeholders are chomping at the bit to spotlight what they’ve accomplished since being elected, while others may be ready to announce their aspirations to move up the political ladder.
This year, spectators will hear from local elected officials representing the Neshoba County area, along with a sitting congressman, a few members of the Mississippi Supreme Court, a bulk of statewide officials, and of course, Gov. Tate Reeves. State Auditor Shad White is the only statewide official not scheduled to take the podium.
Tickets
Daily tickets are available for $30, while season passes are available for $60. Children age 9 and under can enter the fair free of charge.
Schedule of events
Additional information on the Neshoba County Fair can be found here.
