The Cumming Country Fair & Festival returns to the Cumming Fairgrounds October 8-18 with this year’s theme, “Fairs, Family and Freedom!” Ten days of rides, live entertainment and classic fair food, presented by Northside Hospital.

Daily attractions include the Zerbini Family Circus, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, Jay Mattioli’s Electrifying Magic Illusion, the Frogguy Show, the Ready, Go Dog Show, and North Georgia Petting Zoo, plus Oscar the Robot roaming the grounds. Thrill-seekers can add on the Tour Scythes Haunted Attraction, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Heritage Village offers exhibit demonstrations throughout the run, and special themed days include Senior Citizen Day and Hero’s Day.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 4pm-midnight, Saturday 10am-midnight, Sunday 12:30-9pm. Admission: ages 10 and under free, ages 11 and up $10 (cash and credit cards accepted; ATMs on site). No re-entry; no pets, coolers or alcohol permitted. Full ride-ticket pricing and hours: cummingfair.net/hours-pricing.