About this event
The Oklahoma State Fair youth livestock shows include junior and youth competitions for beef, sheep, goats, swine and dairy at OKC Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd, Oklahoma City. Most are managed by Exposition for the Youth of Oklahoma (EYO), and the show office is on the south side of Barn 1.
Dates, deadlines and schedule
The 2026 junior program began with check-in on Wednesday, September 16, ran through the fair that opened September 17, and ended September 27.
- Thursday, September 17: beef showmanship 4 p.m., Performance Arena
- Friday, September 18: junior steer show 8 a.m., goat showmanship 2 p.m., sheep showmanship 3 p.m., swine showmanship 4 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19: market wether lamb and wether goat shows 9 a.m., market barrow and commercial gilt shows 9 a.m., Round Robin Showmanship 6 p.m.
- Sunday, September 20: breeding sheep, breeding doe and breeding gilt shows, Supreme Cattle Drive 3 p.m.
The entry window opened July 31 and closed August 21. Entry fees: $60 per head for beef, $30 per head for sheep, goats and swine. Showmanship has no fee.
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.
Barns and arrival
Shows used Barns 1, 3, 4 and 8 and the Performance Arena. Animals arrive at Gate 7 from 5 p.m. on September 16, then 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The 2026 guide covers an animal ownership date of August 21 for junior exhibitors, a W-9 for premiums over $599, and partnerships with adults are not eligible.
Tips for exhibitors and families
- Check which logo heads the competition, EYO or OSF, since it shows who manages each show.
- Beef entries pay a $15 generator fee because Barn 4 runs on provided power; bring a 30 amp L5-30 adapter.
- There were no release cards in 2026: animals are released after their breed show or competition is complete.
- Stalls are assigned by the fair based on availability, with no guaranteed location.
Official links
- Oklahoma State Fair 2026 swine competition guide
- Oklahoma State Fair 2026 sheep competition guide and 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.