SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — Come one, come all! The largest fair in Virginia — not to mention the largest free gate fair in America — has returned to Salem, bringing an estimated 350,000 guests and heightened security protocols along with it over the next two weeks.

According to organizers, the Salem Fair will be held on the grounds of the Salem Civic Center, at the heart of the Roanoke Valley, during the following hours, with gates closing at 10 p.m. each night:

  • 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29 through Friday, July 1
  • Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3
  • 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, July 4 through Friday, July 8
  • Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10

Check out the following details about the Salem Fair’s rides, attractions, and food options for 2022:

(Photos courtesy: Salem Fair)

There is no admission fee and the parking is free for the Salem Fair, but the rides do cost money. However, organizers say there will be wristband promotions — as well as musical entertainment acts — available each night:

  • Wednesday, June 29: Opening Night with WFXR
    • You can buy $17 ride wristbands that will allow you to ride until 11 p.m., but only if you purchase them before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., wristbands cost $28 to ride until 10 p.m.
    • Martin & Kelly will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 30:
    • You can buy a family four pack of ride wristbands for $70 that will allow you to ride until 11 p.m., but only if you purchase them before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., wristbands cost $29 to ride until 10 p.m.
    • Martin & Kelly will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, July 1:
    • You can buy $23 ride wristbands that will allow you to ride until 11 p.m., but only if you purchase them before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., wristbands cost $29 to ride until 10 p.m.
    • Crobar Cane will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 2: Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Night
    • You can buy $19 afternoon ride wristbands that will allow you to ride from noon until 5 p.m., but only if you purchase them before 4 p.m. You can also buy $35 all-day ride wristbands that will be good from noon until 10 p.m., but you need to purchase them before 8 p.m.
    • Cimmaron will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 3:
    • You can buy $19 all-day ride wristbands between noon and 4 p.m. that will allow you to ride until 11 p.m. Between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., you can buy the $25 ride wristbands.
    • Emily Angell will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Monday, July 4: Pepsi Night
    • If you bring two Pepsi cans or bottles, you can buy ride wristbands for $24. If you don’t bring the Pepsi, the wristbands will cost $28 and only be sold until 10 p.m.
    • Cimmaron will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
    • The fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.
  • Tuesday, July 5: Help the Less Fortunate with the Rescue Mission of Roanoke and Mrs. Dorsey Clothes Closet
    • If you bring two pairs of new socks, you can buy ride wristbands for $19. If you don’t bring the socks, the wristbands will cost $28 and only be sold until 10 p.m.
    • Glen Shelton will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 6: Merchants Night
    • All ride wristbands will cost $24, no coupons required, but will only be sold until 10 p.m.
    • The Kings will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 7: Salem Food Pantry Nigh, presented by Kroger, WFXR, and Spirit FM
    • If you bring two non-perishable food items, you can buy ride wristbands for $19. If you don’t bring the items, the wristbands will cost $28 and only be sold until 10 p.m.
    • Cimmaron will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Friday, July 8:
    • You can buy $23 ride wristbands, but they must be purchased before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., wristbands will cost $29.
    • Mountain Highway will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 9:
    • You can buy $19 afternoon ride wristbands that will allow you to ride from noon until 5 p.m., but only if you purchase them before 4 p.m. You can also buy $35 all-day ride wristbands that will be good from noon until 10 p.m., but you need to purchase them before 8 p.m.
    • Adam Rutledge will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 10: Final Day Blast at the Fair
    • You can buy $19 all-day ride wristbands that will allow you to ride from noon until 11 p.m., but only if you purchase them before 4 p.m. You can also buy $24 wristbands between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
    • The Phat Boys Band will be performing on the Hart Motors Musical Stage at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

If carnival rides aren’t exactly your cup of tea — or if you just want to escape the heat — you can check out the commercial exhibits in the air-conditioned comfort of the Salem Civic Center from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Meanwhile, organizers say there are several safety measures in place in order to keep the Salem Fair safe and enjoyable for all attendees, especially after the shooting that took place during opening night last year:

  • Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times on the fairgrounds by a parent or guardian over the age of 25 who has a valid ID.
  • Everyone will be subject to bag checks and electronic metal detection screening at gate entry.
  • No pets will be allowed.

To learn more about the 34th annual Salem Fair, follow this link.