Topsfield Fair Kicks Off 2025 With Clydesdales, Racing Pigs, Lumberjacks, Giant Pumpkin Contest

TOPSFIELD, MA — Budweiser Clydesdales, Freestyle Moto-Stunt, pageants, racing and swimming pigs and the 41st annual Giant Pumpkin contest will help kick off 11 days of fun and farm animals at the 207th Topsfield Fair this weekend.

The Topsfield Fair runs from Friday through Oct. 13 with musical acts this year including the legendary Frankie Avalon, country star Sammy Kershaw and a tribute to Taylor Swift.

Executive Director James O'Brien told Patch that because of the light rainfall of late, all 7,000 parking spots at the Fairgrounds will be available, as well as a satellite lot with a shuttle from the Fair View lot down the street. Fairgoers using the Fair View Lot will be bused to the entrance using a dedicated lane on Route 1.

"Parking should be better than it has been in previous years — which is always a great thing," O'Brien said. "People will be able to get into the parking lots faster and get into the grounds faster. I urge people to go through the flower building, the poultry building, see the rabbits and the vegetable building. Don't just run to the Midway (carnival rides) right away — go and see what's going on throughout the Fair.

"The weather sounds fantastic. It should be a good opportunity for people to come down and enjoy a great day."

The highlight of opening night is the 41st annual Giant Pumpkin Contest, with a world record possibly in jeopardy. The weigh-off begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, with the winning announcement expected by 8 p.m.

"It sounds like there are going to be some big ones out there," O'Brien said.

The winning pumpkin will remain on display in the vegetable area throughout the 11 days, with the top five biggest gourds in the barnyard area.

This is the weekend for those who want to see the Budweiser Clydesdales 8-Horse Hitch. The majestic horses will be on the Fairgrounds for only the second time in the Fair's history, from Friday through Sunday only.

"It's a neat thing," O'Brien said. "They will be going out and around the grounds throughout the day. That's something kind of fun and different."

Saturday's events include the Junior King & Queen Contest at 1 p.m., the 7th annual Hot Dog Eating Contest at 3 p.m. at the Trianon Stage, and the FlatOut Freestyle Moto-Stunt Show on Friday through Sunday in the grandstand.

Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pigs will be on hand for multiple shows daily all week.

Midweek highlights include the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo on Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in the arena.

Next weekend's events include the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show Saturday through Monday in the grandstand, the Mrs. Essex County Pageant at 1 p.m. on Oct. 12 in Coolidge Hall, the Double Figure "8" at 3:30 p.m. in the arena and the Demolition Derby on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. to close out the season.

The lumberjack show is a contest in which competitors race to chop up large logs using chainsaws, axes and other woodsman tools.

The Taylor Swift show is Wednesday night at 7 p.m., with Kershaw on Thursday and Avalon on Friday night.

Monday is Senior Citizen Day with $10 admission for those 60 and older. Monday is also Sensory Day with vendors not having flashing lights, limited announcements and sound turned down for entertainment and the stages.

Military members and their immediate families get in free on Tuesday.

Ticket prices for the 2025 Topsfield Fair are $20 each every day and can be purchased here. Children 8 and under are admitted free.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)