The Jacksonville Fair has moved from downtown to Normandy Boulevard on the Westside, bringing it closer to home for many Clay County families. No more driving all the way to the stadium district.

The fair runs Nov. 5 to 15 at 13601 Normandy Boulevard, with free parking, new attractions and discount days worth planning around.

Which day should you go?

• Taking kids who want rides? Monday, Nov. 9, or Tuesday, Nov. 10.
• Going with grandparents? Friday, Nov. 6 or 13.
• Military family? Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• Want more daytime hours? Saturdays and Sundays open at noon.
• Want to bake or watch the corn dog contest? Check the contests section below.

Getting there and parking

Coming from Oakleaf or Middleburg? The First Coast Expressway (SR 23) connects to Normandy Boulevard at Exit 42. It is a toll road: SunPass or Toll-by-Plate.

Coming from Orange Park? Take I-295 north to Exit 19 (Normandy Boulevard) and head west about 8 miles to the fairgrounds. No tolls.

The new fairgrounds have more than 5,000 free general-parking spaces, with complimentary trams from the lots. Follow event parking signs and traffic personnel when you arrive.

Prefer not to park on site? JTA runs a free shuttle from Stop 2459 at Blanding Boulevard and 103rd Street every 30 minutes during service hours (weekdays from 4 p.m., weekends from 11:30 a.m.; last trip leaves the fairgrounds at 11:30 p.m.).

For traffic updates, FDOT District 2 recommends checking the FL511 app or FL511.com before you leave.

Gate times

Gate openings vary by day. Here is the official schedule, with all times Eastern:

• Nov. 5, 9, 10 and 12: 5 p.m.
• Nov. 6 and 13: 3 p.m.
• Nov. 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15: noon.

Tickets and prices

One-day admission is $15 for adults ages 13 and up, $10 for children ages 6 to 12 and $10 for seniors 65 and up. Children 5 and younger enter free.

For two adults and two children ages 6 to 12, that is $50 before rides or food.

Grounds entertainment, the 904 Soundstage, Duval Hall entertainment, agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, and livestock shows are included.

Ride armband prices by day

Gate admission is separate from ride armbands. Buy unlimited ride armbands only inside the fair at Deggeller Attractions kiosks. Each is good for one day, and the price changes by day:

• Friday to Sunday, Nov. 6 to 8: $30 plus a $2 activation fee.
• Monday, Nov. 9, Family Night: $17, activation fee included. Children 12 and younger get free gate admission with an adult, limited to two children per adult.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10: $20, no activation fee.
• Wednesday, Nov. 11, Military Day: $25 for the general public. Active-duty, retired and veteran military personnel get free gate admission and can buy a $20 Military Ride Pass with no activation fee.
• Thursday, Nov. 12: $25 plus a $2 activation fee.
• Friday to Sunday, Nov. 13 to 15: $30 plus a $2 activation fee.

Spaceport and Mr. Chubby's Wing Wheel are not included in armbands and need separate tickets.

Seniors 65 and up get free gate admission on Nov. 6 and 13 with valid photo ID. See Deal Days for the discounts.

Concerts at the JAX Amp

Going for a concert? Your amphitheater ticket includes fair admission, so don't buy a separate gate ticket. A regular fair ticket doesn't get you into the amphitheater shows.

Most JAX Amphitheater shows have doors at 6 p.m. and start at 7 p.m. Opening night, Nov. 5, starts at 8 p.m. The Nov. 14 tribute show is an afternoon set (doors noon, show 1:30 p.m.).

• Nov. 5: JJ Grey & Mofro (doors 6 p.m., show 8 p.m.; tickets $38 to $71)
• Nov. 6: Grace Potter
• Nov. 7: Dwight Yoakam
• Nov. 8: Pop 2000 Tour (Chris Kirkpatrick, O-Town, BBMak, Ryan Cabrera and LFO)
• Nov. 9: Skillet
• Nov. 10: Corey Smith
• Nov. 11: Jake Owen
• Nov. 12: Smash Mouth and Fastball
• Nov. 13: 311
• Nov. 14: Heart-Shaped Box and other tributes (doors noon, show 1:30 p.m.)
• Nov. 15: LOCASH and John Morgan

What's new at the fair this year

First Coast News' opening-day report highlights two new roller coasters, a giant rubber duck, a private air-conditioned nursing center, the new barn and the Kona Skate Show.

And then there's Mr. Chubby's Wing Wheel: the fair bills it as "155-feet of fun coming to the Westsiiide." It needs a separate ticket.

For food, look for the new Budget Bites: participating vendors offer smaller portions for $4 to $7. There are also expanded Asian-inspired options and a gluten-free food booth.

Contests to watch or enter

A few live contests still happen during the fair. Check the official contests page for rules and whether you can still enter before you bake anything.

• Bake Your Very Best Pie: Saturday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m., Duval Hall B.
• King Arthur Cookie Contest: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6 p.m., Duval Hall B.
• Bake Your Very Best Cake: Saturday, Nov. 14, 1 p.m., Duval Hall B.

The standout for spectators is the Super Dog Mega Corn Dog Eating Competition on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. on the Duval Hall Stage. Contestants race through two 18-inch mega corn dogs; the winner gets $200.

Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. at the ticket box office in the Duval Hall lobby (first eight compete; two alternates). Spectators watch free with fair admission.

Even if you are not competing, Duval Hall and the new barn have arts, crafts, horticulture and livestock exhibits worth a walk-through.

Map courtesy of the Jacksonville Fair. Tap to download the original map.

Before you head out

The fair's entry rules include metal detectors and bag searches. Leave lawn chairs and pets at home; service animals are permitted.

There is no re-entry, so plan around that before leaving something in the car.

Start with the day that fits your budget, then check that day's shows. And make sure your navigation says Normandy Boulevard.

Looking for more weekend plans closer to home? Browse What's Good Clay Events.