What the Northeast Arkansas District Fair Is
The Northeast Arkansas District Fair is the fall fair for Jonesboro and the surrounding Delta, a carnival, livestock and exhibit fair held at the NEA District Fairgrounds. Besides the midway it runs competitions for animals, family living, field crops and horticulture, floriculture and youth judging, a talent competition, and the crowning of a new NEA District Fair Queen. The most recent edition ran Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Competitions and Exhibits
- Animals competitions, with livestock shows starting Monday, September 28
- Family living exhibits
- Field crops and horticulture
- Floriculture
- Youth judging contests
- A talent competition and the fair queen pageant
- A petting zoo, carnival rides with added rides for younger children, vendors and prize games
Exhibitors should check neadistrictfair.com for contest details and entry information.
Gate Hours, 2026
| Day | Gates | Rides |
|---|---|---|
| Thu Sept 24, Fri Sept 25 | 3 p.m. | 4-11 p.m. |
| Sat Sept 26 | 11 a.m. | noon-11 p.m. |
| Sun Sept 27 | Closed | Closed |
| Mon Sept 28 | noon | 4-11 p.m. |
| Tue Sept 29 to Fri Oct 2 | 3 p.m. | 4-11 p.m. |
| Sat Oct 3 | 11 a.m. | noon-11 p.m. |
Admission and Special Days
- Gate admission: $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12, free for children 3 and under.
- Armbands: $30, sold daily except Tuesday, September 29. They cover rides on most attractions; single-ride tickets are also sold, and gate admission still applies.
- Two for Tuesday, September 29: $2 gate admission for adults and children under 12, with certain food and rides for $2. No armbands that day.
- Senior Citizens Day, Thursday, October 1: seniors over 65 admitted free from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Children's Day, Friday, October 2: children 12 and under admitted free from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Armband Day, Saturday, October 3: $6 admission for everyone.
Know Before You Go
There was no live music lineup in 2026; organizers plan to revisit it next year. Security staffing was increased and the fair enforces a clear bag only policy, so bags that cannot be seen through may be turned away or searched. Tickets are sold at the gates or online at neadistrictfair.com/events/list/, where online buyers use a separate entry line and convenience fees apply.
Where
NEA District Fairgrounds, 7001 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR. The fair's general manager is Mitch Johnson. The venue phone listed for the fair is 870-935-4331.
Questions
Is the fair open every day?
It is open every day of the run except Sunday, September 27, when it is closed.
When do the livestock shows start?
Monday, September 28.
What is the cheapest night?
Two for Tuesday, with $2 gate admission for adults and children under 12.
Can I buy tickets ahead?
Yes, online at neadistrictfair.com/events/list/, though convenience fees apply.
Official Links
- 2026 NEA District Fair coverage: hours, admission and special days
- 2025 fair schedule and information: contest categories
- NEA District Fair 2026 listing: venue and queen pageant
Arkansas County Fairs, State Fair and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Arkansas has county fairs, district fairs and the Arkansas State Fair, which ran October 16 to 25, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Little Rock, per KATV.
Who can show
The State Fair junior show is for Arkansas 4-H and FFA members in good standing, at least 5 years old and not yet 21 on October 1, per the 2024 handbook.
Validation
Market animals and commercial females need DNA validation and an 840 RFID tag, per the validation information. Steer samples were due May 5 and other species July 15 in 2025, at $10 per animal.
Sale
The Sale of Champions is the last Friday of the fair at Barton Coliseum.
Next steps
Ask your county agent or ag teacher for your fair book. Dates and rules vary by fair and year.
Read the full guide: Arkansas County Fairs, State Fair and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Arkansas Pecan Festival
Pecan festival on Main Street in Keo, scheduled for December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Street, Keo, AR 72083 Official event details - Arkansas Rice Festival
Rice-themed festival in downtown Weiner, scheduled for October 9, 2027.
Weiner, AR Official event details - Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were December 3-5, 2025 (91st convention). Includes a public trade show with 180+ vendors, a farmers market, workshops and elections of state leaders.
- Four States Agricultural Expo
Annual research and best-practices expo for area growers, held at the Four States Fair and Rodeo grounds in Texarkana; the most recent date was February 12, 2026.
- Defeat the Beast Rodeo
Fourth annual two-night rodeo at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock hosted by local Arkansans; the most recent dates were March 27-28, 2026, with shows at 7 p.m.
2600 Howard St., Little Rock, AR Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.