Educational Expo
Advance Tickets on Sale Now from September 1 – 22, 2026!
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Educational Expo

Welcome to Virginia's Largest Outdoor Classroom
Friday, September 25 - Sunday, October 4, 2026

Our mission of the Ed Expo is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness, interest and education in Virginia through programs, exhibitions and competitions integral to the operation of the State Fair of Virginia. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or partner, we are here to work with you. The Ed Expo Registration is specifically for school groups.

2026 Ed Expo Prices:

  • Students = $8
  • Day Time Ride Wristbands for Students (good for one weekday until 4 pm) = $20
    • OR buy a reloadable ride card with ride credits at the fair
    • *New this year* same price inside the gate!
    • *does not include admission*
  • Adults = $12.00


DEADLINE TO REGISTER: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 or 4 days before your trip.

*Home School Groups Registration: Registration Here.


*Public/Private School Groups: Registration Here.

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For the latest information and updates, sign up for our Ed Expo email list here.


2026 Group Days: *other school groups may still come any day*
  • FFA Competitions: Monday-Friday
  • Home School: Friday, September 25 with HEAV
    • Home school groups are welcome to come any weekday, but tickets must be scanned before 2 PM.
    • Registration opens August 5.
  • SkillsUSA: Monday, September 28 & Tuesday, September 29
  • DECA: Wednesday, September 30
  • FCCLA: Thursday, October 1
  • HOSA: Thursday, October 1
  • ** These days are scheduled in coordination with FFA, SkillsUSA, DECA ,and FCCLA faculty and may require additional registration with the organization.
Unique Opportunities - Registration required:
Pre-K School Groups Notice:
  • Pre-K groups are welcome to attend our Ed Expo. Children 4 and under are free on any day at the State Fair. As such, there is not a free teacher ticket with Pre-K groups. Free teacher tickets are only eligible for paying school groups.
Please contact edu@statefairva.org or 804-994-2800 if you have questions.



2026 State Fair Admission Gates are Cashless

Beginning this year, admission ticket purchases at the gate will be cashless. Checks, Credit cards, debit cards, digital payments (apple pay) will be the only accepted payment method at admission entry points.

Cash will not be accepted for admission ticket purchases at the gate.

For guests that accidentally arrive with cash only, Reverse ATMs will be available on site. These kiosks allow you to convert cash into a prepaid card that can be used for admission purchases and throughout the fairgrounds.

Guests who have already purchased and paid for their tickets in advance do not need to take any action. However, guests with reserved tickets who still need to pay for admission upon arrival should plan ahead and bring a credit card, debit card, or other cashless payment method, as cash will not be accepted for admission ticket purchases at the gate.

We look forward to seeing you at the State Fair of Virginia!
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