Michigan state fair returns to Novi for the 10th year. Here’s what to know:

Navya Gupta, Detroit Free Press
·4 min read

Gear up for nights of fair rides, circus performances and live music because the Michigan State Fair is back in Novi for the 10th time.

The fair will be held at Novi’s Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, from Sept. 1-5. featuring a host of attractions, food, and a beer tent.

The fair made its Detroit debut in 1849. It was held at the Michigan State Fair Grounds on Woodward Ave from 1905 to 2009, when it was discontinued due to budget issues. In 2012, the fair was relocated to Novi, where it has been held for the past nine years.

Now, according to a news release, the fair is seeing record-breaking attendance. In fact, in 2021, the fair saw a 62% increase in attendance from 2019 with more than 280,000 attendees.

The fair is also known for its community contributions. In 2021. it contributed $857,000 to the community. Over the past nine years, the fair has contributed about $4.17 million to the community in the form of donations to charities, community organizations and scholarships.

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Here’s what this year’s fair has to offer:

The Shrine Circus

As in past years, the Shrine Circus will be performing at the fair under the largest circus tent in the world. This year’s tent is expected to be even larger than past years and will be air-conditioned.

The circus was founded in Detroit for the benefit of Shriners Hospitals for Children and has performed annually for more than 100 years.

Find more information and showtimes here.

The Pork Chop Revue

This year, the fair’s racing pigs will be replaced by the Pork Chop Revue featuring pigs that can do stunts, tricks and sing. The pigs have toured nationally and featured on shows like "The Today Show" and "Good Morning America."

The Cool Zoo

The Cool Zoo, a family-owned wildlife experience consisting of exhibits, bird shows and live crab races, will feature at the fair for the first time.

Entertainment Pavilion

The Entertainment Pavilion, a fair classic, will feature live music, a beer tent and food.

Attendees can enjoy samplings from local breweries at the beer tent at the Friday Night Flights event on Sept. 2. Tickets can be purchased here.

Beginning of Life

Visitors can stop by and say hi to some adorable baby animals at the Beginning of Life attraction. The young animal nursery exhibits feature recently-born animals who are just old enough to not be stressed out by the fair.

While some state fairs across the country try to pre-plan births, the Michigan State Fair said this practice can be stressful and unhealthy for the mother and her babies. But if you're lucky, you might catch an unplanned birth, the fair told the Free Press.

Charity Sneak Peek

The fair will be offering a private-invitation-only sneak peek of the fair to charity organizations Wednesday. The event honors children undergoing treatment at local Shriners Hospitals for Children and other charity organizations with special access to the fair.

Charity organizations interested in getting involved can apply here.

The Moovin’ thru the Midway 5K

The fair’s 5K run will return at 8 a.m. Sept. 3 and will route through the fairgrounds and end at the beer tent. Those interested can register here. A virtual option is also available.

The Fair will be open at the following times:

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  • Sept. 1-2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Sept. 3-4: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Sept. 5: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the Interior Livestock Halls closing at 5 p.m. and Interior Vendor Hall closing at 7 p.m.

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The following ticket options are available:

  • Ultimate Admission, $42: includes fair entry, unlimited carnival rides and circus performances

  • Fair admission, $10: includes fair entry only

  • Friday Night Flights VIP Early Admission, $20: Includes fair entry, 10 samples, 4:30-9:30 p.m.

  • Friday Night Flights VIP Regular Admission, $15: Includes fair entry, 6 samples, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

You will have the opportunity to upgrade your ticket to include rides and circus performances upon entry. The first 100 families will receive a limited edition tote bag.

The fair is offering free parking on a first-come first-serve basis. All minors are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 6 p.m.

Find more information on tickets and hours here.

Those interested in volunteering at the Fair can find more information here. Volunteers will receive an Ultimate Admission ticket, T-shirt, and lunch voucher.

Contact Navya Gupta: ngupta@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State Fair returns to Novi for 10th time