The Arkansas State Fair is back Oct. 16 through Oct. 25, and this year promises to be bigger than ever with no shortage of games, rides, food and fun to keep everyone entertained all week long.
“There’s just something special about fair time in Arkansas,” said Tiffany Wilkerson, president and general manager of the Arkansas State Fair. “For generations, families have come together for the food, the rides, the animals and all the fun that only comes around once a year. We want to keep building on that tradition by giving families more to see, more to do and even more value every time they come through the gates.”
This year’s festivities will commence with a unique celebration that only a state fair could cook up — a corn dog countdown. A crowd of eager fairgoers will gather to officially kick off the week by counting down from 10 as a corn dog makes its ceremonial descent and, when the countdown hits zero, the gates will open up to all the fun inside.
Photo by Dwain Hebda
From now until Oct. 15, gate admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. Ages 5 and under are free. After Oct. 15, tickets rise to $15 for adults and $8 for kids. There are discounts available, though, for seniors and groups of over 20.
Ride bands are $30 until Oct. 15 and $37 afterward. On Sunday, Oct. 18, AY About You and Arkansas Money & Politics team up with 94.1 The Point to sponsor the day’s ride bands. The 18th also sees what is sure to be a thrilling conclusion to the Fair Queen Pageant.
Especially exciting is the fact that, this year, all live entertainment is included in the price of admission. Performances are lined up to spotlight even more local and regional talent than ever before, with a rotating lineup of live DJs, specialty entertainment, competitions and much more.
The kids will also not want to miss the Hiland Dairy Fun Zone, which is the fair’s new family entertainment hub. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with a rotating schedule of free performances, including Sea Lion Splash, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show and Hoop You. Main stage performers, which start at 7 p.m. most nights, include Arthur Young, The Ultimate Soul Experience, Deja Blu, Makiyah Mustiful and Heath Sanders. Also, do not miss the line dancing night on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Karaoke Night on Thursday, Oct. 22.
New attractions include The Flight Deck — an interactive aviation-focused experience presented in partnership with the U.S. Air Force — new midway thrill rides called the Downdraft and Super Miami, and the new Blake’s Hard Cider Saloon for adults looking to enjoy a few beverages.
Other fair mainstays will be back this year, including the livestock show, rodeo queen competition, pageants, talent shows and a creative arts competition. Also, be sure to make time to visit the Arvest Hall of Industry, which will house interesting exhibits, unique wares from vendors and more.
The countdown to the 2026 Arkansas State Fair is on, and we can’t wait. For additional information, a full schedule of events and tickets, visit arkansasstatefair.com, and keep up with the latest on the event’s Facebook page.
READ ALSO: One Generation Making Space for the Next at Argenta Contemporary Theatre
