About this event
The Junior Steer Show is an EYO division of the Oklahoma State Fair at OKC Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Per the 2026 beef guide it is a fit show, which means glue, paint and similar fitting products are allowed. The superintendent is Kurt Murray, and the junior steer judge was Eric Schaefer of Owaneco, Illinois.
Dates, deadlines and schedule
The 2026 steer show began at 8 a.m. Friday, September 18 in the Performance Arena (Ring A). Steers could start arriving Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m., and had to be in place with cards due by 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17 through self check-in. The entry deadline was August 21, with late fees after that. Online entries for the 2026 fair opened July 31 and closed at 11:59 p.m. on August 21, with a two percent processing fee added to online payments. Late entries cost a flat $175 per exhibitor from August 22 to September 10, and $225 from September 16 until check-in closes.
Every date on this page is from the 2026 edition, which has now been held. The 2027 dates were not yet published in the sources checked, so treat the pattern below as a guide and confirm the new schedule before you plan a trip.
Divisions
Breeds offered include Angus, AOB, Charolais, Chianina, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Shorthorn, Simmental and Crossbred, shown alphabetically by breed. A breed needs at least five head or its steers show in AOB, and each class is capped at 15 animals, divided by weight. Ribbons went to the top ten in each class, with class premiums of $45, $35, $25, $20 and $10 for first through fifth.
Rules that matter
- No weight limit and no limit on the number of steers per exhibitor.
- The top three steers in each class were weighed back and could not have gained more than 5 percent over the weight on the official card.
- Hair coloring or materials that change natural conformation were not permitted; false switches were.
- Beef entries carried a $15 generator fee because Barn 4 runs on provided generator power, which shuts down around 10 p.m. and returns near 6:30 a.m. Bring a 30 amp L5-30 adapter for blowers and fans.
Getting there
Steers enter through Gate 7 and stall in Barn 4. The fairgrounds are at 3001 General Pershing Blvd, Oklahoma City. Outside bedding is not allowed (a $5 per bag charge applies), and an on-site feed and bedding store sits south of Gate 7 at 405-948-6786.
Official links
- Oklahoma State Fair 2026 competition guide (schedule)
- Oklahoma State Fair 2026 beef competition guide
- Oklahoma State Fair
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.