About this event
The Oklahoma State Fair Beef and Goat Skillathons are youth ag knowledge contests managed by the Oklahoma State Fair and held in the Barn 3 Auditorium at OKC Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd, Oklahoma City. The 2026 fee schedule lists Ag Skillathons as free.
Dates, deadlines and schedule
- Beef Skillathon: Friday, September 18, 10 a.m. to noon
- Goat Skillathon: Friday, September 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Skillathon Awards Presentation: 3:30 p.m. the same day, in the Barn 3 Auditorium
The guide notes that Ag Skillathons have their own deadline exceptions, described in individual competition guides rather than in the main entry rules. The online livestock entry deadline of August 21 does not necessarily apply, so confirm entry steps with the fair.
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.
Getting there
Barn 3 is part of the barn complex. Daily admission requires a verified gate ticket or armband. Barn 3 also hosts the 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Competition at 10 a.m. the same day.
Tips for exhibitors and families
- Contests run back to back, so a member entering both the beef and goat events can finish the morning session at noon and walk straight to the 1 p.m. goat contest.
- The same Friday brings Junior Steer judging at 8 a.m. and Junior Sheep Showmanship at 3 p.m., so teams with livestock exhibitors should plan who is where.
- Skillathons involve no animals, so no health papers are needed; do not confuse them with the livestock check-in at Gate 7.
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.