The Robertson County Fairgrounds sits at 4635 Highway 41 North in Springfield, about two miles north of the town square. If you are driving, take Exit 24 off I-24; the fairgrounds are a five-minute drive from there. Parking is free, which is rare for event venues. From downtown Nashville, it is a 45-minute drive via I-24 West, roughly 35 miles. There is no public bus to the fairgrounds, so a car is essential. If you fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), budget $60–$80 for a one-way rideshare or $35–$50 per day for a rental car. The cheapest option is to stay in Springfield itself and drive the short distance.
Best months to visit are April through October when the fairgrounds host the Robertson County Fair, tractor pulls, and horse shows. The fair itself usually runs in August; check the official schedule because dates shift. Admission to most events is $5–$10 for adults, with children under 12 often free. The fairgrounds also has a covered arena and outdoor track; bleacher seating is first-come, first-served. Bring cash for concessions—many vendors do not take cards. For a budget trip, plan around a Saturday event and stay Friday and Saturday nights to avoid a late drive back to Nashville.
Springfield has a handful of chain motels along Memorial Boulevard (Highway 41). Expect to pay $70–$90 per night for a basic room at a place like the Days Inn or Econo Lodge. These are no-frills but clean, with free parking and Wi-Fi. If you want a bit more comfort, the Best Western on Tom Austin Highway runs $95–$115 per night and includes a hot breakfast. For a step up, the Holiday Inn Express near I-24 at Exit 24 costs $120–$140 per night and has an indoor pool. All of these are within a 10-minute drive of the fairgrounds. Book at least two weeks ahead if you are coming for the county fair, as rooms sell out.
If you are willing to drive 20 minutes, consider hotels in Clarksville or Rivergate in Goodlettsville. Clarksville has a wider range, from $60 motels to $150 suites. Rivergate is closer to Nashville and often has better rates on weekends. However, you will pay for gas and tolls (no tolls on I-24, but parking in Nashville is $20+). For a fairground-focused trip, I would book the Best Western in Springfield. It is the best balance of price and convenience, and you can walk to a Cracker Barrel for dinner. Avoid the cheapest motels on Memorial Boulevard if you are sensitive to noise; they sit near the truck route.
Downtown Springfield has affordable local spots. The Springfield Diner on 6th Avenue serves breakfast for under $10, and the Robertson County Farmers Market on the square (May–October, Saturdays) is great for cheap produce and baked goods. For lunch, try the BBQ at Papa Turney's on Highway 41—a pulled pork sandwich is about $8. Dinner at El Molcajete on Memorial Boulevard will set you back $12–$15 for a combo plate. If you are at the fairgrounds, concession stands sell hot dogs for $3–$5 and sodas for $2. A family of four can eat for under $50 per day without effort.
Beyond the fairgrounds, the Springfield Greenway offers free walking trails along the creek. The Robertson County Historical Society on 5th Avenue is free to visit and gives context to the area. For a day trip, the Bell Witch Cave in Adams is a 20-minute drive and costs $12 for adults. The cheapest activity is simply driving the back roads; the countryside is beautiful in spring and fall. Skip the chain restaurants on Tom Austin Highway—they are fine but not unique. Instead, pack a picnic and eat at the fairgrounds before an event. That saves $30–$40 for a family.
Book your hotel as soon as you know your event date. The Robertson County Fair in August is the busiest week; rooms in Springfield fill up a month in advance. For other events, a week ahead is usually enough. Rates are lowest on weekdays and in January–February, but few events happen then. If you are flexible, visit in May or September for smaller shows. Use a hotel booking site to compare prices, but call the hotel directly—sometimes they match online rates and waive fees. Avoid booking a room in Nashville if your main destination is the fairgrounds; the drive is 45 minutes each way and parking downtown costs more than your hotel savings.
What to skip: the $150+ boutique hotels in Nashville unless you want a city night out. Also skip the fairgrounds' VIP parking—it is the same lot as general parking and costs extra. Bring your own water bottle; refill stations are available. If you are on a tight budget, the Econo Lodge at $70 per night is fine for one night, but the Best Western at $95 is worth the upgrade for the breakfast and quieter location. Finally, do not rely on public transit; there is none. Plan your ride or rent a car. With these tips, a weekend at the Robertson County Fairgrounds can cost under $300 for two people, including hotel, food, and admission.
Budget motels in Springfield start at $70–$90 per night. The Best Western is $95–$115, and the Holiday Inn Express is $120–$140. All are within a 10-minute drive of the fairgrounds. Book early for the county fair in August.
Driving is the most affordable option. Parking is free. From Nashville, it is a 45-minute drive via I-24 West. Rideshares cost $60–$80 one way; a rental car is $35–$50 per day. There is no public bus.
April through October hosts most events, with the county fair in August. May and September have smaller shows and lower hotel demand. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. Check the official schedule for exact dates.
Every booking through Springfield Destinations funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, no markup.
Find a stay