What the Chesterfield County Fair Is
The Chesterfield County Fair is a nine-day fair on Courthouse Road in Chesterfield, run by the Chesterfield County Fair Association, a nonprofit whose mission is promoting agriculture, education and community entertainment in a family-friendly setting. The 2026 fair, held August 28 through September 5, was its 115th year. It is also a member of the Virginia Association of Fairs and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. The fairgrounds are at 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
Hours and Admission
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 5 to 11 p.m. |
| Friday, September 4 | 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Saturday and Sunday | 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (13-59) | $12 |
| Seniors (60+) | $8 |
| Children (4-12) | $6 |
| Children 3 and under | Free |
Tickets can be bought ahead at MyFairTickets.com. Anyone 17 and under must be with a parent or chaperone who is at least 21, and a clear bag policy limits the size and type of bags. Weapons, guns and knives are not allowed. If weather closes the fair, guests can get a hand stamp for re-entry the same day; there are no refunds or admission on another day, and the association does not handle midway ride refunds.
What Is on the Grounds
- Midway rides operated by Jolly Shows
- Pig races and a hypnotist show
- Concerts, including Gone Country RVA and the Departure tribute band
- A rodeo with roughstock and barrel racing
- Race cars, Heritage Village and parades
- A kids' foam zone and a Power Wheels Derby
- The Miss Chesterfield County Fair and princess pageants
The 2026 fair also carried an America 250 theme with red, white and blue decorations and birthday celebrations for the country.
Compete: Arts and Crafts
The arts and crafts competition is open to youth and adults from any county. Each person may enter one item per class within their age division. The age divisions are Senior, Adult, Youth (14-17), Youth (9-13), Child (8 and under) and 4-H Member. 4-H members may enter any class in their age division or the 4-H division.
| Department | Category |
|---|---|
| A | Produce |
| B | Culinary |
| C | Canned goods |
| D | Flowers |
| E | Needle arts (including quilts) |
| F | Crafts |
| G | Art and photography |
| H | 4-H and youth club poster or exhibit |
| X | 250 American Celebration (new for 2026) |
Arts and crafts deadlines
- Online registration through FairEntry ran May 1 through August 25, 2026. Entering by 11:59 p.m. on August 25 is preferred.
- If you cannot register online, email your entry list by 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, with department, class, description and age division.
- Walk-in entries are accepted Thursday, August 27.
- Quilts are due Tuesday, August 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., and are picked up September 6.
Compete: Horse Shows and Other Contests
The fair holds two horse shows, one in August and one in October, plus a poultry show and produce and general fair competitions. Entry deadlines for 2026 were:
- August horse show: mailed entries postmarked by Saturday, August 22; emailed entries by Wednesday, August 26.
- October horse show: mailed entries postmarked by Saturday, September 26; emailed entries by Wednesday, September 30.
Pre-registration is preferred but not required, and entry-fee discounts require registering by the emailed deadline.
Questions
Can I enter if I live in another county?
Yes. The arts and crafts competition is open to residents of any county.
Can my child enter?
Yes. There are youth divisions, a child division for ages 8 and under and a 4-H division.
Can I bring a bag?
Only within the clear bag policy. Medically necessary items are exempt after inspection.
Official Links
Virginia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Virginia county fairs run from late June into the fall. In 2026, fairs on one roundup ran from Orange County on June 24 to 27 to Shenandoah County on August 28 to September 5, per a fairs roundup. Dates may change.
State fair
The 2026 State Fair of Virginia ran September 25 to October 4 at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, per the fair press page. The youth beef, sheep, swine and meat goat shows were October 1 to 4, per the nomination letter.
Nomination and tags
Market animals needed nomination and DNA by July 1, and entries closed August 17 in 2026. Sheep and goats needed a scrapie tag, and cattle and hogs an 840 EID tag.
County rules
Shenandoah County required 4-H or FFA enrollment by February 1 and set ownership dates in March and June, per its 2025 rules.
2027 dates
A fair listing shows the Loudoun County Fair July 20 to 24, 2027, and the Prince William County Fair August 13 to 21, 2027. The State Fair of Virginia lists September 24 to October 3, 2027.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office or FFA advisor for the show book and tagging dates.
Weights and entry rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Virginia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Winter in the Woods 4-H Specialty Camp
Winter weekend outdoor specialty camp for 4-H youth at Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are December 5 to 6, 2026.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Fluvanna 4-H County Contest Day
Fluvanna 4-H members compete at County Contest Day, scheduled for January 16, 2027 at the Fluvanna Community Center. It is the only contest on the county 4-H calendar this season.
VA | Organizer: Fluvanna 4-H Official event details - Holiday Lake Cloverbud Camp
Summer weekend camp for young Cloverbud 4-H members at Holiday Lake in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are June 18 to 20, 2027.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Woods and Wildlife Camp
Five-day summer 4-H camp on forestry and wildlife held at the Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are June 21 to 25, 2027.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Loudoun County Fair
Loudoun County's annual fair in Leesburg supports local 4-H youth, with animal exhibits for members aged 5 to 19, rodeos and a Friday evening livestock auction. The 2027 dates are July 20 to 24; the 90th fair ran July 21 to 25, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.