What State O-Rama Is
The Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama is the culmination of a 4-H member's year of project work. About 2,100 youth and adults gather on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville for roughly 40 competitive events, plus workshops and tours. The most recent edition ran July 20-23, 2026. Most contests are a second step: members first qualify at a district O-Rama, then move on to the state level, while a set of state-only contests is open to anyone who is eligible.
Contests and Ways to Enter
| Day | Type | Contests |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, July 21 | District-qualifying contests | Animal Science, Baitcasting, Bicycle, Citizenship, Crop and Weed, Entomology, Environmental Stewardship, Fashion Revue, FCS Presentation, Forestry, Gun Safety and BB Shooting, Health, Horse, Human Development, Innovative Technology, Livestock ID, Ornamental Horticulture, Performing Arts (dance, instrumental, vocal), Photography, Poultry Skill-a-thon, Public Speaking, Safety, Veterinary Science, Wildlife |
| Wednesday, July 22 | State-only contests | ATV Safety, Archery, Consumer Decision Making, FCS Skill-a-Thon, Food Bowl, Interior Design, Livestock Sales Talk, Parliamentary Procedure, Impromptu Public Speaking, Tractor Driving, Veterinary Science Contest (new for 2026), Welding |
Members may enter one contest per day at state. Someone who did not compete at district may enter only the state-only contests.
How It Works: The Timeline
- Before district: contestants must be chosen through a competitive county-level activity, event or judging process.
- June 9, 10 and 11, 2026: the three district O-Ramas.
- June 22, 2026: state registration deadline.
- July 14, 2026: encouraged deadline to submit PowerPoint files for state.
- July 20-23, 2026: State O-Rama in Fayetteville, with district-qualifying contests on Tuesday and state-only contests on Wednesday.
- Thursday, 10:00 a.m.: Activity Awards and Recognition Program.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Participants must be active Arkansas 4-H members. Cloverbuds cannot compete.
- Junior is ages 9-13 and Senior is ages 14-19, with age counted as of January 1 of the contest year. Juniors and seniors cannot be mixed on a team. A Junior Observer (age 8) may attend and take part in officer elections and the community service project at no registration fee.
- Team members must come from the same county.
- To compete in a district-qualifying contest at state, a member must have competed in it at district. Senior district winners placing first through seventh may advance.
- Substitutions are for emergencies only, must come from the same county and need approval from the state O-Rama coordinator.
- Junior talks run 2-5 minutes and senior talks run 5-8 minutes. Commercially prepared slides are not allowed. Presenters bring three hard copies and load their presentation 15 minutes before the contest.
- Photography and video are prohibited in contest rooms, and firearms, weapons, fireworks and open flames are not allowed.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
- Registration for the 2026 edition was $190 for youth and $195 for adults for Monday through Thursday, and $70 for part-time attendance.
- Once registration is approved at the county level, refunds are generally not given, except for a death in the immediate family, severe illness or accident, or event cancellation.
- The 4-H Awards of Excellence Ceremony recognizes the Governor's Award, scholarship recipients and State Record Book winners.
- State winners can advance to national contests: Food Bowl, FCS Presentation, FCS Skill-a-Thon, Consumer Decision Making and Fashion Revue go to the FCS National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, and Parliamentary Procedure, Impromptu Speaking and Public Speaking go to the Western National Roundup in Denver.
Where
University of Arkansas campus, Fayetteville. Workshops and tours for adults and members were to be announced later in 2026.
Questions
Can my child compete without going to district?
Only in the state-only contests such as Archery, Tractor Driving, Welding and Parliamentary Procedure.
Can a winner repeat?
Senior state winners cannot compete again in that contest at O-Rama, and state winners who attend nationals cannot compete again in that contest at state.
Who do I call?
Your county Extension office handles eligibility and general rules. The Arkansas 4-H office events coordinator can be reached at 501-671-2271.
Official Links
- Arkansas 4-H O-Rama: contests, dates and registration fees
- 2026 O-Rama guide: rules, age divisions and deadlines
University of Arkansas Extension: The Essentials
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and has a physical office in each of Arkansas's 75 counties, per the Extension "About" page.
What it offers
Four program areas: 4-H and youth development, agriculture and natural resources, community, professional and economic development, and family and consumer sciences. Farmers get help with crop pests, soil testing, livestock and marketing, and homeowners with lawns, water quality and timber.
4-H
New members can join at any time at no cost, and returning members re-enroll September 1 through December 31, per the Division of Agriculture. The county 4-H agent matches each child to a club.
Next steps
Find your county office at uaex.uada.edu/counties, or call the state office at 501-671-2000 or toll-free 888-884-5565.
Read the full guide: University of Arkansas Extension: County Offices, 4-H and Help for Producers
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Arkansas 4-H State Horse Judging Contest
Annual state horse judging contest for 4-H members at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arena in Fayetteville; the most recent date was April 2, 2026.
- Northwest 4-H Qualifying Horse Show
Northwest Arkansas qualifying horse show for 4-H members, run at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arena; the most recent date was May 30, 2026.
Fayetteville, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Rodeo of the Ozarks
The 82nd annual Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale, preceded by a rodeo parade at Parsons Stadium; held each year, with the most recent dates being June 24-27, 2026.
- Tontitown Grape Festival
Tontitown Grape Festival, a long-running fair and festival honoring the town's grape-growing heritage, with a 5K, food and crafts. Held each year in early August; the most recent dates were August 4-8, 2026.
Tontitown, AR Official event details - Washington County Fair
Washington County Fair in Fayetteville with livestock, horticulture and home economics exhibits. Held each year in late August; the most recent dates were August 25-29, 2026.
Fayetteville, AR Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.