We can smell the funnel cakes now.
In just a few short weeks, the Arkansas State Fair will once again make its grand, deep-fried appearance, gathering thousands of Arkansans for 10 days of family fun.
To help get you excited and ready for it all, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s coming to the fairgrounds Oct. 16-25, including a whole new approach to the main stage lineup.
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Thrilling Rides
Ah, the twinkling lights and airbrush masterpieces of the midway. Thrillseekers will find all manner of rides and attractions in this year’s lineup. There’s a carousel for the kiddos, mirrored mazes for the spooky souls and plenty of others to get your heart pumping, plus games to try your hand at. Armbands are currently available for an early-bird rate of $30 and get you unlimited rides. (We’ve got our eye on the new rides Downdraft and Super Miami.)
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Outrageous Food
Every meal is the most important meal of the day when you’re at the fair. Dozens of vendors will be slinging your favorite bites — think extra-long corndogs, huge turkey legs, frozen lemonade — but they also compete for most original dishes, so expect some wild combinations, and don’t be afraid to try it all. Plus, you can cool off at the new Blake’s Hard Cider Saloon.
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Talent Showcases
It’s not all chili dogs and ferris wheels. The Arkansas State Fair also means competition time for everyone from equine enthusiasts to cake decorators to beauty queens. You can peruse the arts and crafts submissions, meet some blue-ribbon livestock or take in the sequins at a pageant.
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Live Entertainment
Here’s where fair organizers are shaking things up this year. Rather than separately ticketed concerts each night, this year’s lineup will feature a series of live local music, DJs, line dancing, karaoke and other entertainment including the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Sea Lion Splash and a circus-style show called Hoop You. The change “follows growth in family attendance and reflects audience interests.”
“There’s just something special about fair time in Arkansas,” says 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.”
Gate admission is $15 for adults and $8 for both seniors 60 and older and kids age 6-12, or purchase tickets in advance at a discounted rate of $10 and $6 respectively. Kids younger than 6 get in free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.
There’s lots more in store at the 2026 Arkansas State Fair, including specials and promotions each day, as well as must-know entry policies surrounding bags, youth curfews and other protocols. Get all the details on the fair website, and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for the latest.