Updated 7 October 2026
The Mysore Dasara Exhibition 2026 will be held at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds at Doddakere Maidan, opposite Mysore Palace, from 11 October 2026 to 8 January 2027. It is one of the festival’s most popular evening attractions and is especially suited to families, children and visitors interested in shopping, food, amusement rides and public exhibitions.
Unlike the cultural programmes held at Mysore Palace or the Jamboo Savari procession, the exhibition is a public fair that can be explored at a relaxed pace. Government pavilions, commercial stalls, regional products, food counters and amusement activities are brought together within one large venue.
The exhibition opens on the Dasara inauguration day and runs for about 90 days, well beyond the main festival. This makes it a good evening option through November, December and the Christmas and New Year holidays.
For the wider festival programme, see Mysore Dasara Events 2026 . For accommodation, sightseeing and traffic advice, read the Mysore Dasara 2026 travel guide .
Mysore Dasara Exhibition 2026 Dates and Timings
The 2026 exhibition opens on 11 October 2026, the inauguration day of Mysore Dasara, and runs for about 90 days until 8 January 2027. Visitors can attend long after the busiest festival events have concluded.
The exhibition is generally livelier in the evening, when the rides, decorative lighting, food stalls and shopping areas are fully active. Weekends, public holidays and the final days of Mysore Dasara usually attract the largest crowds; weekday evenings after 21 October are noticeably calmer.
History of the Mysore Dasara Exhibition
The Mysore Dasara Exhibition dates back to 1880, during the reign of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X. It was started to introduce the people of Mysore to developments in agriculture, industry, technology, crafts and public administration.
The early exhibition was more than a public celebration. It gave government departments, producers, artisans and institutions a platform to demonstrate new ideas, products and methods. This educational role made the exhibition an important part of Mysore’s modern development during the Wodeyar period.
Over the years, the event grew into a larger public fair. Government pavilions remained an important feature, while shopping stalls, food outlets, amusement rides and family entertainment became equally popular.
Today, the exhibition is organised by the Karnataka Exhibition Authority. Its scale and attractions change every year, but it continues to combine public information, commerce, regional products and entertainment.
For the broader history of the festival, see the Mysore Dasara history and traditions guide .
Where Is the Mysore Dasara Exhibition Held?
The exhibition is held at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds at Doddakere Maidan, directly opposite Mysore Palace in central Mysore.
Doddakere Maidan is the established annual venue for the exhibition. Its location makes it possible to visit Mysore Palace during the day and continue to the exhibition later in the afternoon or evening.
The grounds lie within Mysore’s main festival zone. During busy Dasara evenings, road diversions, parking restrictions and controlled vehicle access may apply around Mysore Palace.
What to Expect at the Mysore Dasara Exhibition
The exhibition combines government displays, shopping, food and amusement activities. The exact stalls and rides vary each year, but the overall experience is suitable for both a short evening visit and a longer family outing.
Government Pavilions
Government departments and public agencies traditionally create pavilions covering agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, tourism and public welfare programmes. These displays preserve the exhibition’s original educational purpose.
Shopping and Commercial Stalls
Visitors can usually browse clothing, textiles, kitchenware, household products, handicrafts, toys, accessories, cosmetics and regional goods. For 2026, permanent exhibition stalls are being added to the grounds alongside the temporary ones.
Amusement Rides and Games
The amusement area is particularly popular with children and families. Depending on the annual operator and safety approvals, attractions may include a giant wheel, children’s rides, family rides and fairground games. Ride charges are normally separate from the exhibition entrance fee.
Musical Fountain, Laser Show and Boating
Popular fixed attractions such as the musical fountain, laser show, boating facility and the fire-breathing dragon display at the Dragon Pond are expected to continue during the 2026 exhibition.
Food and Refreshments
Food stalls add to the evening atmosphere and generally offer snacks, Karnataka dishes, street food, sweets, ice cream and refreshments. A new permanent food court with weather-proof seating is planned as a highlight of the 2026 exhibition.
Family Visit
The exhibition is suitable for families, but it can become crowded and noisy on weekends and peak festival evenings. Families with younger children should choose a meeting point near the entrance and check age or height restrictions before purchasing ride tickets.
Mysore Dasara Exhibition Entry Fee and Other Charges
The exhibition normally has a separate entrance fee. Amusement rides, games, food and shopping are paid for independently and are not included in the basic admission ticket.
The official 2026 adult and child ticket rates, concession rules and payment arrangements will be added after confirmation.
How Much Time Should You Keep?
A short visit to selected stalls and the food area may take around one to two hours. Families planning to use rides, explore shopping sections and visit government pavilions should keep two to three hours or more.
- Quick visit: Around 1–2 hours
- Family visit: Around 2–3 hours
- Detailed visit: More than 3 hours
Waiting times may be longer on weekends and during the busiest Dasara evenings.
Visiting Mysore Palace and the Exhibition on the Same Day
Since the exhibition grounds are opposite Mysore Palace, both can be covered on the same day. A practical plan is to visit Mysore Palace during regular daytime entry hours and visit the exhibition later.
Palace entry, palace illumination and exhibition timings are separate. Visitors should not assume that one ticket or one operating schedule covers all three experiences.
Note that Mysore Palace is closed to general visitors on 20 and 21 October 2026, closed from 10 am to 2 pm on 11 October, and restricted from 10 am to 12 noon on 19 November. Its Sound and Light Show is suspended until 1 November.
Practical Visitor Information
- Check the daily timings before travelling.
- Choose a weekday when possible for a less crowded visit.
- Reach earlier when visiting with children or senior citizens.
- Use authorised ticket counters and ride operators.
- Keep ride charges and food expenses separate from the entry fee.
- Choose a meeting point when visiting as a family or group.
- Confirm an accessible pickup point with the driver.
- Allow additional walking time during traffic restrictions.
As the exhibition is largely outdoors, check the latest Mysore weather before an evening visit.
Related Mysore Dasara Guides
- Mysore Dasara 2026: Dates, palace closures, accommodation, sightseeing and travel planning
- Mysore Dasara Events: Yuva Dasara, programme, venues, timings and ticket information
- Mysore Dasara Festival: History, traditions and cultural significance
Visitors planning transport or a longer stay can browse Tour Packages from Bangalore or Tour Packages from Mysore .
FAQs – Mysore Dasara Exhibition 2026
Check the Latest Exhibition Details
The venue remains fixed at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds at Doddakere Maidan. Timings, ticket rates and attractions may change during the season.
