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
Nebraska County Fairs: The Essentials
Nebraska county fairs are run by local fair boards and agricultural societies, while Nebraska Extension runs the 4-H side. Nebraska 4-H points to nebraskafairs.org for a printable list of fair dates and locations.
Examples
Cherry County's 2024 book paid purple $5, blue $4, red $3 and white $2 on standard classes. Pawnee County's 2026 book paid $7, $5, $3 and $1 on typical breeding and market classes and requires YQCA before June 15. Saline County's open class is open to any Nebraska resident, with animal entries due June 13 in its 2025 book. Deadlines differ by county, so read your fair book early.
State fair
The Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island ran August 28 to September 7 in 2026 per Pawnee County's book. 4-H youth must enroll by June 15, static exhibits need a county purple ribbon, and livestock entries close August 10 at 8 p.m. Central.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Nebraska Wheat Board Meeting
Wheat checkoff board meeting on the Nebraska Wheat calendar, held in Lincoln on Nov. 18, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
- Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention
Farm Bureau members meet for policy voting, discussion meet rounds, workshops, a keynote and board elections. The 2026 meeting is Dec. 6 to 8; the 2025 convention was also held in Kearney.
- Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show
Annual convention and trade show of Nebraska Cattlemen at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, scheduled for Dec. 9 to 11, 2026.
- Box Butte County 4-H Holiday Maker Day
Youth ages 5-18 choose four holiday projects from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Friday, December 18, 2026; registration is due December 1 at the Extension office.
Alliance, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County Official event details - Nebraska Farm Bureau YF&R Conference
Young Farmers and Ranchers conference of Nebraska Farm Bureau at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln, scheduled for Jan. 29 to 30, 2027.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.