What the Missouri State Fair Is
The Missouri State Fair is the state's largest agricultural showcase, run by the Missouri Department of Agriculture under a State Fair Commission appointed by the governor. Established in 1899, it is one of the oldest fairs in the nation, and the most recent edition, held August 13 to 23, 2026, was the 122nd. It fills about 396 acres of the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia with premier livestock shows, competitive exhibits, agribusiness displays of Missouri-produced commodities, a carnival midway, grandstand concerts and arena events. The 2026 theme was "Show-Me Stars & Stripes," tied to America's 250th anniversary.
Ways to Take Part
| Who you are | What the fair offers |
|---|---|
| Junior exhibitor (4-H and FFA) | Livestock shows and the Sale of Champions classes, plus FFA building and 4-H exhibits |
| Open livestock exhibitor | Open shows for cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, mules, donkeys and horses |
| Home, garden and craft exhibitor | Fine arts, home economics, horticulture, floriculture, apiculture, dairy products and country hams |
| Contest entrant | Queen contest, horseshoe pitching, barbecue and tractor pulls |
| Visitor | Midway, concerts, rodeo, bull riding, free daily arena shows and daily theme days |
Key Dates and Deadlines for Exhibitors (2026)
- July 13, 5 p.m.: livestock entries (4-H/FFA, open livestock and equine). No late entries are accepted.
- July 15: queen contest.
- July 21: fine arts, home economics and parade.
- July 28: horseshoe pitching, country hams, mild cured ham, bacon, sausage, snack sticks and jerky.
- July 31: dairy products.
- August 1: barbecue and tractor pulls.
- August 10: apiculture.
- August 11: horticulture.
- August 12: market goat show at 11 a.m., the day before the fair opens.
- August 13 to 23: the fair.
Rules and Fees
Exhibitors are expected to read the General Rules and Regulations, the Animal Health Requirements and the department rules in the online Premium Guide. Cattle and swine need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from an accredited veterinarian within 30 days of the show. Swine need an 840 RFID/EID or NUES tag, cattle need an AID/RFID tag, and all steers must carry an EID tag. 4-H members must have dues paid by June 1, 2026 and members in food animal projects must hold Missouri Show-Me Quality Assurance certification or an equivalent by June 1. Swine ownership moved to May 1 to match the market barrow deadline, and market heifers are now allowed in beef carcass shows.
Entry fees listed for 2026: poultry $3 per single bird and $6 per pen; rabbits $3 per single rabbit and $6 per meat pen; floriculture $1 per item; dormitory space $15 per night. Exhibitors age 12 and under get free admission with a wristband sponsored by MFA, Inc. Exhibitors 13 and older can buy up to 40 single-day tickets at $8 each, or a new $88 season wristband covering all 11 days. Buy them with your entries or at the Business Office through August 12; they are not sold at the gate and do not include exhibitor parking.
What You Get
Exhibitors compete for premiums, ribbons and banners in each department. For example, the Boer goat wether show carried feed-company premiums of $1,000 and $500 for the overall grand and reserve champion. Visitors get daily arena shows from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at no extra charge, plus special days: Mizzou Day (August 13), Military Appreciation Day (August 16), Missouri Farm Bureau/Farm Family Day (August 17), Senior Appreciation Day (August 19), the Governor's Ham Breakfast (August 20) and Youth in Agriculture Day (August 22).
Where
Missouri State Fairgrounds, 2503 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301. Trams run free from the parking areas to the admission gates, and taxis enter through Gate 11. Coolers without alcohol are allowed; bicycles, skates, skateboards and weapons are not. Only service animals and animals in exhibitions or competitions may enter the grounds.
Questions
When is the next fair?
The most recent edition ran August 13 to 23, 2026. Check the fair's website for the next dates.
Can I enter livestock after the deadline?
No. The July 13 livestock deadline had no late entries.
What does admission cost for exhibitors?
Free for ages 12 and under with a wristband; $8 per day or $88 for the season for ages 13 and older.
Who do I call?
The State Fair office: 800-422-FAIR (3247).
Official Links
- Missouri Department of Agriculture: State Fair
- Livestock Entry and What's New in Livestock
- Competition Updates for 2026
- Fair FAQ
- Events in the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena
- Governor kicks off the 2026 fair
Missouri County Fairs and State Fair Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Fair dates
Missouri county fairs run through the summer. In 2026 the Benton County fair in Lincoln was June 17 to 20 and the Livingston County fair in Chillicothe was July 11 to 17, per fair listings. The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia ran August 13 to 23, per the News Tribune.
Who can show
State Fair 4-H members must have passed their 8th birthday but not their 19th before January 1, and food animal exhibitors need Show-Me Quality Assurance, per the livestock rules.
Deadlines
State Fair livestock entries were due July 13 at 5:00 p.m. with no late entries. Beef steer ownership is March 1 and swine May 1.
Health and sale rules
Cattle and swine need a veterinary inspection certificate dated within 30 days of the show, and needles are not allowed in the barns. A market animal that has been offered for sale cannot be shown at the State Fair.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book, ownership dates and weigh-in details.
Rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Missouri County Fairs and State Fair Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Missouri State Fair Market Goat Show
Boer market goat show held the day before the fair opens, at 11 a.m. Held each year; the most recent date was Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026.
- Missouri State Fair IPRA Pro Rodeo
International Pro Rodeo Association performances in the Parson Arena at 6 p.m. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug 13, 14 and 15, 2026, with $15 to $20 adult tickets.
- Missouri State Fair Lamb BBQ Competition
Lamb barbecue cook-off hosted by Missouri Sheep Producers during the state fair. Held each year; the most recent date was Sunday, Aug 16, 2026.
- Missouri State Fair Zebra Camel and Ostrich Races
Free evening races with zebras, camels, ostriches, emus and ducks. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug 17 and 18, 2026.
2503 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO, Sedalia, MO 65301 | Organizer: Hedrick's Zebra, Camel, Ostrich, Emu & Duck Races Official event details - Missouri State Fair Knights of Valour Jousting Show
Mounted jousting performances in the state fair arena, $10 adult and $5 youth. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug 19 and 20, 2026.
2503 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO, Sedalia, MO 65301 | Organizer: Knights of Valour Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.