Suffolk Peanut Fest 2026: What to Know Before You Go
Fall plans in Suffolk come with a familiar local favorite: Peanut Fest. Whether you already call Suffolk home or are getting to know the area, this is a chance to put down the house-hunting checklist and spend some time enjoying the community.
The 48th annual Suffolk Peanut Fest takes place October 8–11, 2026, at Suffolk Executive Airport, 1410 Airport Road. The celebration honors the city's agricultural heritage with entertainment, carnival rides, food, and activities. Here's how to plan your visit.
Dates and hours
Thursday, October 8: 4–10 p.m.
Friday, October 9: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday, October 10: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday, October 11: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Choose your day around what you want to do. An afternoon outing and an evening visit can be very different experiences, especially when you're planning around younger children or a late show.
Admission, parking, and ride costs
Parking is free, and children 12 and younger receive free admission. General admission is $10 per person, per entry during paid admission periods; the official ticket page also lists a $20 three-day pass.
Admission is free for everyone on Thursday and on Friday from 10 a.m. until noon. Thursday's Carload Night offers a $50 ride-wristband package for up to eight people legally seated in one vehicle. Sunday ride wristbands are $30 per person. Admission and carnival rides are separate purchases, so budget for both.
Review the official ticket page before buying for current offers and terms.
Activities to build your day around
The festival lists live entertainment, a straw maze, butterfly feeding, Touch-A-Truck, and arts and crafts among its attractions. Its 2026 special-features page schedules fireworks for Friday, October 9, at 9:30 p.m. and a drone show for Saturday, October 10, at 9:30 p.m.
Pick a few priorities before you arrive, then leave room for food stops and browsing. Check the official attractions page for updates; individual attractions may have separate charges or weather restrictions.
The downtown parade happens the weekend before
The Peanut Fest Parade begins Saturday, October 3, at 10 a.m. in downtown Suffolk. Its route starts in the Lakeside neighborhood, follows Washington Street, turns onto North Main Street, and ends at Finney Avenue.
This is a separate outing from the October 8–11 festival at the airport. Allow extra time to find a viewing spot and follow posted street and parking restrictions. See the parade listing.
A few practical tips
Wear comfortable shoes: the organizer notes that parking surfaces can include uneven grass or concrete. Strollers and wagons are welcome. Pets are not permitted, with the organizer providing exceptions for service animals and registered DockDogs competitors. Gate payments accept cash and major credit or debit cards.
Check the forecast and the organizer's updates before leaving. The festival is generally rain or shine, but dangerous weather can interrupt operations. Find the current rules in the festival FAQ.
Get to know Suffolk beyond the listing photos
When you're considering a move, everyday routines matter—but so do the places and traditions you enjoy in your free time. A local event can be a useful starting point for exploring Suffolk for yourself. Pair your outing with a separate visit to the neighborhoods you're considering, and test the drives you would actually make during the week.
Thinking about buying or selling in Suffolk or the surrounding Hampton Roads area? I'd be happy to help you explore your options.
Kelly Reider | Hometown Realty | 757-404-2478
Event information checked September 28, 2026. Schedules, prices, and activities may change. Confirm details with the organizer before traveling.
Additional source: Visit Suffolk's 2026 festival listing.
Comments