What the Douglas County Fair Is
The Douglas County Fair is the week-long county fair at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Harper Street in Lawrence. In 2026 the main fair ran Tuesday, July 28 through Saturday, August 1, preceded by a week of "pre-fair" 4-H shows that began July 18. It is where Douglas County 4-H and open class exhibitors show animals and projects, and where the public gets a carnival, free live music, tractor pulls and two nights of demolition derby. Exhibits are held in Building 21, the Open Pavilion, the Community Building and the Dreher Family 4-H Building.
Livestock Shows
| Day | Show |
|---|---|
| Tue., July 28 | Poultry show and showmanship 8 a.m.; meat goat show 6 p.m. |
| Wed., July 29 | Rabbit show 8:30 a.m.; dairy cow show 11 a.m., dairy goat to follow; swine show 5 p.m. |
| Thu., July 30 | Llama and alpaca show 9 a.m.; livestock judging contest 1:30 p.m.; sheep show 6 p.m. |
| Fri., July 31 | Bucket calf show 8:30 a.m., beef show to follow; inclusion showmanship 4 p.m.; adult showmanship and creative fitting 5 p.m. |
| Sat., Aug. 1 | Barnyard Olympics 11 a.m.; awards ceremony 3 p.m.; 4-H Foundation recognition and ice cream social 4 p.m.; livestock auction 5:30 p.m. |
Pre-fair events included the 4-H pet and cat show and dog show (July 18), a public modeling showcase (July 22), the open horse show (July 25) and the 4-H Horse Show (July 26).
Entering as an Exhibitor
- Entries go online through the fair entry system. In a recent year the deadline was June 30 at 11:59 p.m., and the exhibitor fee was $7 per exhibitor.
- Ribbon premiums are Purple and Blue $5, Red $4 and White $3. Purple winners may advance to the State Fair if they meet age requirements.
- Livestock exhibitors enter their YQCA number and certificate with the entry.
- Poultry (except waterfowl and pigeons) must show proof of Pullorum-Typhoid clean status or a negative test at check-in.
- Horse exhibitors must complete a Horse Safety video and quiz.
- Douglas County 4-H allows animal project leasing so members can exhibit a non-owned project.
The Livestock Auction
Held Saturday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Open Pavilion. Only market beef, market hogs, market lambs, market goats and meat pens of rabbits and chickens may sell, and each exhibitor may sell one animal. Grand and Reserve Champions in beef, goat, sheep, swine, rabbit and poultry may sell, be harvested at a designated plant and be drug tested.
Evening Entertainment
- Carnival (Moore's Greater Shows), open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with Family Night on Wednesday and Thursday and Family Day Saturday 1-5 p.m.
- Free live music on the stage most nights, from Ethan James on Tuesday to The Vincents on Saturday.
- Garden tractor pull Wednesday and antique tractor pull Thursday; pedal tractor pull and cornhole championship Saturday.
- Demolition derby Friday (gates 6:30 p.m., start 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (gates 7 p.m., start 8 p.m.): $15 for one night or $25 for both, plus online fees.
- Petting zoo and pony rides, plus a "Touch a Truck" event Tuesday evening.
Where
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Harper Street, Lawrence, Kansas. The fair's website is dgcountyfair.com.
Questions
Do I need a ticket for the demolition derby?
Yes, from $15 per night.
When does the fair book come out?
In June, on the fair website.
Official Links
- From livestock shows to demolition derby: 2026 schedule
- Plan your week at the 2026 Douglas County Fair
- Douglas County 4-H fair page: entry dates, fees and sale rules
- Douglas County Fair information page
Kansas County Fairs: The Essentials
Kansas county fairs are community partnerships. The fair board or association manages the facilities and open class, while Extension staff run the 4-H division under state 4-H policy. Fairs run across the state through the summer, starting in late June, and the Kansas Fairs and Festivals Association keeps a list of them.
Examples
Mitchell County's 2024 book paid open class blue $2.00, red $1.50 and white $1.00, and 4-H blue $2.50, red $2.00 and white $1.75. Sedgwick County took entries online, with livestock due May 31 and most static entries due June 28. Scott County's 2026 book requires YQCA training for 4-H animal projects. Deadlines differ by county, so read your fair book early.
State fair
The Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson runs September 11-20 in 2026. 4-H exhibitors must be enrolled, have shown in that division at their local fair, and generally earn a purple ribbon. Beef, sheep, swine and meat goat entries must be blue ribbon quality.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Douglas County 4-H Pet Show
Morning 4-H pet show in Building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, ahead of the afternoon dog show. Held each year; the most recent show was July 18, 2026.
2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046 | Organizer: Douglas County 4-H Official event details - Douglas County 4-H Dog Show
Afternoon 4-H dog show in Building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, following the morning pet show. Held each year; the most recent show was July 18, 2026.
2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046 | Organizer: Douglas County 4-H Official event details - Douglas County 4-H Clothing Judging
Clothing project judging for Douglas County 4-H members in Building 21 and the Dreher Family 4-H Building in Lawrence. Held each year; the most recent judging was July 21, 2026.
2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046 | Organizer: Douglas County 4-H Official event details - Douglas County 4-H Horse Show
Sunday morning 4-H horse show held at the Community Building of the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence. Held each year; the most recent show was July 26, 2026.
2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046 | Organizer: Douglas County 4-H Official event details - Douglas County 4-H Fashion Review
Evening 4-H fashion review in Building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, where members model what they have sewn or chosen. Held each year; the most recent review was July 22, 2026.
2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046 | Organizer: Douglas County 4-H Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.