About this event
The Oklahoma State Fair dairy cattle program opened the fair's livestock events in 2026 at OKC Fair Park. Check-in was Thursday, September 17 at 5 p.m. in the Barn 3 Arena, and the shows followed on September 18-19. Those are the most recent verified dates; the 2027 dates are not announced.
Dates, deadlines and schedule
- September 17, 5 p.m.: arrival and check-in; animals must be in place by 5 p.m.
- September 18, 10 a.m.: 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Competition, Barn 3.
- September 19, 9 a.m.: Junior Dairy Cattle, Dairy Cattle Showmanship and Open Dairy Cattle, Barn 3.
Online entries for the fair closed August 21. Late Fee #1 ($175) applied August 22 to September 10, and Late Fee #2 ($225) from September 16.
Fees and health requirements
- $45 per head; showmanship is free; the $15 beef generator fee does not apply to dairy.
- Official USDA ID is required for all dairy cattle.
- Lactating dairy cattle need an HPAI milk test, with results on a CVI completed within 7 days of entry.
- Out-of-state dairy must come from a TB-free source or test negative within 60 days if over six months old.
- Intact dairy animals 6 months or older changing ownership within Oklahoma need a negative TB test within 60 days before the change.
Ownership and judges
Junior and youth exhibitors must have owned and cared for animals since August 21 of the show year. The showmanship judge was Jones Smith of Collinsville, OK; the junior and open judge was not listed.
Getting there
Barn 3 Arena, OKC Fair Park, Oklahoma City. Animals arrive at Gate 7, and on-site feed and bedding is sold south of Gate 7 at (405) 948-6786. The Livestock Show Office and ODAFF phone is 405-522-6141.
Official links
Oklahoma County and State Fairs: The Essentials
Most Oklahoma counties hold a county or free fair, usually run by the local OSU Extension office and a fair board. A fair book (premium list) sets the divisions, entry dates and rules, and many fairs combine open class, 4-H and FFA entries.
Examples
The 2026 Oklahoma County Free Fair book says admission is free and no entry fee is charged. Junior livestock exhibitors must be 8 by July 1 and be 4-H or FFA members, and junior livestock class premiums run from $40 to $15, with $200 for grand champion. Wagoner County requires original health documents current within 30 days, and a written protest needs a $100 deposit. Tulsa County's fair started in 1903 and offers ribbons for first through fifth place.
State fair
The 2026 Oklahoma State Fair runs September 17-27. Livestock entries have separate deadlines, such as August 21 for 2026 junior steers, so read the guide for your species. Check your county's fair book for current dates.
Read the full guide: Oklahoma County and State Fairs: What to Expect
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Oklahoma Youth Expo
Premier statewide junior livestock show for 4-H and FFA exhibitors at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds; the next edition is listed for March 10-19, 2027.
- Farm City Festival
Farm City Festival in Oklahoma City on February 12 during Farm Bureau Week, connecting urban visitors with agriculture.
Oklahoma City, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Official event details - Oklahoma City Farm Show
Farm show with more than 250 exhibitors held at the OKC Fairgrounds after moving to earlier March dates.
- Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival
Local food and farm festival in Oklahoma City listed for March 20. Dates come from a festival guide listing and are not yet confirmed by organizers.
Oklahoma City, OK Official event details - Ag Day at the Capitol
Agriculture advocacy and promotion day at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, listed for April 29, 2026.
Oklahoma City, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.