What the Whidbey Island Fair Is
The Whidbey Island Fair in Langley is a four-day island fair mixing 4-H and open livestock shows, a livestock auction, a parade, a rodeo night, a log show and a main stage with live bands. It dates to 1912, when it began in Coupeville; it ended in 1916 and was revived in Langley in 1917. It became a nonprofit in 1923, the pole building was built in 1934 with WPA support, and the Port of South Whidbey acquired the property from Island County in 2015. The most recent edition ran July 23-26, 2026.
Animals and Exhibits
The week is packed with animal classes. Highlights of the 2026 program:
- 4-H horse showmanship, western and English classes, barrels and flags throughout the week
- Goat, cavy, rabbit, poultry and dog judging and showmanship
- Open class swine and goat shows
- Livestock auction: Saturday, July 25, 12 pm, Livestock Arena
- The Rainshadow Ranchers "Support Island County" sale: Saturday, July 25, noon, in front of the Grandstand
- Rodeo Night: Friday, July 24, 6 pm, Horse Arena
Animal exhibitors buy a $5 wristband and superintendents a $4 wristband. 4-H exhibitors and leaders buy their passes in advance through 4-H only. The 4-H program published a 2026 4-H Fair Premium Book, and animal enrollment for the fair opened and closed through Washington State University Extension in Island County ahead of the fair.
Hours and Admission
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday | 9 am - 10 pm |
| Friday and Saturday | 9 am - 10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am - 7 pm |
| Ticket | Daily | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18-64) | $12 | $36 |
| Military with ID, seniors (65+), juniors (6-17) | $6 | $18 |
| Children 5 and under | Free | Free |
The Schedule Highlights
- Parade: Saturday, July 25, 10 am, starting at the Midway
- Main stage: The Wax Lips (Thursday, 8 pm), Cale Moon (Friday, 6:30 pm), The Heels (Friday, 8:30 pm), Ike and the Old Man (Saturday, 6:30 pm), Hit Machine (Saturday, 8:30 pm) and The Dueling Hobbits (Sunday, 5 pm)
- Other acts: magic, comedy juggling, a circus act and trick roping
- Log show: Sunday, July 26, youth at 11 am and adult at 1 pm
Questions
How much does it cost to get in?
Adults pay $12 for a day or $36 for the season. Seniors, military with ID and juniors 6-17 pay $6 or $18. Children 5 and under are free.
When is the auction?
Saturday at noon in the Livestock Arena.
How do 4-H families get in?
4-H exhibitors and leaders buy their passes in advance through 4-H.
Official Links
- Whidbey Island Fair
- 2026 fair program (PDF)
- 2026 4-H Fair Premium Book
- Young exhibitors bring the fair to life (Whidbey News-Times)
Washington County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Washington's fair season runs from spring youth fairs to the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima, September 25 to October 4 in 2026, per a fair calendar. The Washington State Fair in Puyallup ran September 4 to 27.
Who can show
The state 4-H handbook requires members to be eight by October 1 to compete in livestock shows or sales. Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, cannot compete.
Rules to know
Animals sold at a junior livestock auction cannot be leased. Market steers must be polled or dehorned. Washington 4-H recommends YQCA training. Ownership dates vary: San Juan County's 2026 auction guide lists beef by April 15 and swine, lamb and goat by June 14.
Next steps
Ask your county WSU Extension office for your fair book. Dates, weights and sale rules change, so confirm with the organizer.
Read the full guide: Washington County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Whidbey Island Fair Youth Livestock Auction
Saturday-noon youth livestock auction at the Whidbey Island Fair where 4-H members sell market animals. Held each year; the most recent date was July 25, 2026.
819 Camano Avenue, Langley, WA 98260 Official event details - Washington Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Annual Convention and Tradeshow
Held each year; the most recent dates verified were November 12-14, 2025, the 100th convention, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
Wenatchee, WA | Organizer: Washington Cattlemen's Association Official event details - Kittitas Beef Pre-Show, Weigh-In and Judging Contest
Spring day where 4-H, FFA and Grange members weigh and tag fair steers (1,150 lb minimum), compete in a beef judging contest and show heifers. Most recent date: March 21, 2026.
Ellensburg, WA | Organizer: Kittitas County 4-H Official event details - Washington State Spring Fair
Held each year in Puyallup over two spring weekends; the most recent dates were April 9-12 and April 16-19, 2026.
Puyallup, WA Official event details - Whatcom County Youth Fair
Held each year in Lynden on the Northwest Washington Fair grounds; the most recent dates were April 10-11, 2026.
Lynden, WA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.