State Fair of Louisiana opens this week in Shreveport. Here’s what you need to know.

The 118th State Fair of Louisiana opens Wednesday with a new carnival company, live music, livestock show, rodeo competition, antique tractor show, and increased safety protocols. 

Advanced discounted ticket sales end on Tuesday. They can be purchased online or at participating Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods grocery stores. 

Carnival rides

For the first time, Talley Amusements of Texas, will operate the Midway at the fair, which includes over 50 amusement rides and attractions. The four types of rides listed are spectacular, thrill, family, and kiddie. 

They provide amenities like covered comfort stations, diaper changing stations, benches, rest areas, misting tents, and a guest relations center, among other things.

Senior day

The Senior Day Expo presented by “Best of Times” magazine is 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday in the “Gala Big Top Tent” at the main entrance of the Louisiana State Fair located at 3701 Hudson St. in Shreveport. Admission and parking is free. There will be live entertainment and 120 exhibitors, giveaways and door prizes, health screenings and vaccines.

Rodeos

The rodeo finals for the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboy Association will be held at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum on the fairgrounds. For the first time ever, the State Fair will have two rodeos on Saturday —1 p.m. and 7 p.m.— and one on Sunday —3 p.m. You’ll need to purchase tickets which include gate admission to the State Fair.    

Antique Tractor Show

The 21st annual Antique Tractor Show and Pull will be on Friday and Saturday. The antique tractors will be on display and the tractor pull competition and demonstrations will be on Hudson St. next to the State Fair office adjacent to Hirsch Coliseum. Admission is free with State Fair gate admission.

Live music concerts

Five concerts will be held on the main stage this weekend. 

• Titus & Company, 6 p.m. on Friday.
• Front Cover Band, 8 p.m. on Friday.
• Sweet Nae, 7 p.m. on Saturday.
• Lady Q, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
• Bigg Robb Show, 8 p.m. on Saturday. 

Largest livestock show in the state

Junior and open exhibitors will compete with the best in beef cattle, poultry, swine, goats, dairy cattle, and Longhorns.

Parking

Parking will be free for the entire run of the Fair.

Dates, times, tickets, and discounts

The 2024 fair will be Oct. 30 through Nov. 17 in Shreveport.  Hours are:

• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
• 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in celebration of Election Day.

State Fair Weekday Discounts

• Weekdays: Gate admission is free until 3 p.m.
• Opening day, Oct. 30: Gate admission is $5.
• Halloween, Oct. 31 is Three Dollar Day: $3 admission and $3 rides.
• Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5: Gate admission is $5.
• Each Wednesday, Nov. 6 and 13: Gate admission is half price.
• Each Thursday, Nov. 7 and 14: Gate admission is half price.

Safety policies for 2024

Here are the safety policies of the State Fair of Louisiana this year: 

Approved bags

All bags will be subject to search upon arrival and entry. Any bags or carry items that do not meet the approved criteria must be returned to vehicles.

Clear bag policy

• To provide a safe, enjoyable environment for all attendees, the 2024 State Fair of Louisiana has a new mandatory clear bag policy. Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches. A logo no larger than 4.5 x 3.5 inches can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags can be no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches with or without a handle or strap.
• Clear fanny packs or backpacks that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches. A logo no larger than 4.5 x 3.5 inches can be displayed on one side.

Other bags

• Medically necessary items.
• Diaper bags must be accompanied by a baby.
• Soft sided coolers for infants/family or dietary needs.

Security

There will be a presence of officers from various security companies along with the Shreveport Police Department.

All patrons and possessions are subject to search and will pass through metal detection upon entering the State Fair of Louisiana.

Surveillance cameras will operate throughout the fairgrounds 24 hours a day for the duration of the fair.

Weapons —concealed carry or open carry— are not allowed to enter the fairgrounds property even if you are a concealed weapons permit holder. Law enforcement with credentials will be the only exception.

Youth/minor curfew

Beginning each day at 6 p.m., all minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone age 21 and older when entering the fair. Parents, guardians, or chaperones may accompany no more than six minors. 

Organized and ticketed group outings, such as school, church, corporate and other pre-scheduled group visits are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place.

Allowed items and code of conduct policies

See the full list of entry policies and what is not allowed to be brought into the fair here. 

See the code of conduct policy here.

For more information, visit the State Fair of Louisiana website.