Arkansas County Fairs and the State Fair
Arkansas runs fairs at three levels: county fairs, district fairs and the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock. State funding goes to county fairs, district fairs, the Arkansas State Fair, the Arkansas Youth Expo and district junior livestock shows, per the Department of Agriculture's fair funding guidance. Each fair sets its own rules and dates, so always read the fair book for the show you plan to enter. The details below come from the State Fair handbooks and one county fair schedule, and they show what to expect.
Arkansas State Fair 2026
The 2026 Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show ran October 16 to 25 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock, per KATV. RFD-TV reported that FFA students lead the Ag in Action Center there. The organizer is the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, Inc., at 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, phone 501-372-8341, per Showsbee. Earlier years ran October 10 to 19 in 2025 and October 11 to 20 in 2024. Check arkansasstatefair.com for the 2027 dates.
Who Can Show
These rules come from the 2024 State Fair general handbook, the latest full handbook found, so confirm current-year changes.
- Junior shows are limited to Arkansas 4-H or FFA members in good standing, certified by the County Agent or Agricultural Education Advisor.
- Exhibitors must be at least 5 and cannot have turned 21 by October 1.
- You may not show in a junior show after the fall following high school graduation or GED, regardless of age.
- Showmanship divisions: Pee Wee ages 5 to 8, Junior 9 to 13, Senior 14 and up, with age figured as of October 1.
Ownership Rules
- The exhibitor must own the animal, with title and possession by July 15 in 2024. Market steers had an earlier date of May 5.
- Animals must be registered solely in the junior exhibitor's name, with no farm name.
- Co-ownership, chapter ownership and club ownership are not allowed.
- The clean ear rule applies to market shows, and only state or federal identification tags are allowed.
- Bred and Owned animals must be bred and owned by the junior before conception.
Validation, DNA and Tagging
Per the 2025 validation information, all market animals (steers, lambs, goats, hogs) and commercial females must take part in the Arkansas State Fair Validation Program to show at the State Fair. Some county and district fairs may also participate, so check each fair's rules.
- Each animal needs an RFID (840) electronic ID tag, and you obtain your own, which requires a premises ID.
- DNA envelopes are ordered and paid online at arkansasstatefair.com for $10 per animal per exhibitor.
- Samples may be collected by an ag teacher, county extension agent, Department of Agriculture livestock inspector or State Fair staff.
- 2025 steer deadline: May 5. Lambs, goats, hogs and commercial females: July 15.
Validation is proof of ownership and does not enter your animal in a show.
Entries and Fees
For the 2024 State Fair junior show, the standard online entry deadline was September 3, with a $50 late fee through September 16 and a $200 fee through October 1. No on-site entries were accepted except Showmanship. Market animals (steer, lamb, goat, hog) were $30 each, market broilers $10 for a pen of 3, and breeding beef $25. Substitutions in market shows were not allowed. Breeding animals needed a registration number at entry.
Health, Check-In and Drug Rules
- Most Arkansas livestock need a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 90 days before exhibition. Arkansas sheep, goats, horses, steers and rabbits are exempt, and sheep, goats and steers are inspected on arrival.
- Poultry needs NPIP paperwork, and horses need a negative EIA test within 12 months.
- Animals not checked in on time are scratched.
- Animals with warts or wool fungus cannot show or stay on the grounds.
- Drugs, substances that disguise an animal and stomach pumping equipment are prohibited, and the fair may take hair, blood, urine or tissue samples.
- Penalties: a one-year ban for a first infraction and three years for a second.
Exhibitor Conduct
You must show your own animal. Parents, agents, breeders, professionals and advisors may not present or assist with any animal. Animals must stay in your continuous possession, and they must be on display in the barns during required times. Late arrival to the ring means disqualification. Protests must be in writing with a $250 deposit, delivered within two hours.
The Sale of Champions
The Sale of Champions is held the last Friday of the fair at Barton Coliseum. Exhibitors may enter only one animal unless they have multiple Grand or Reserve Grand Champions. Sale animals must provide urine and DNA samples that are compared with validation samples.
What a County Fair Looks Like: Clark County 2026
The 2026 Clark County Fair ran September 14 to 19, per the Arkadelphian. A livestock exhibitor meeting was held August 29, livestock, poultry and rabbit check-in was September 13 and 14, the Goat and Lamb Show was September 15, the Swine Show September 16 and the Beef and Dairy Show September 17. The George Sharp Jr. Premium Livestock Sale was Saturday morning, September 19, after the Poultry Chain Sale. Other fairs follow similar patterns, with an exhibitor meeting, check-in, species shows and a closing sale.
Getting Ready
- Ask your county extension agent or ag teacher for the fair book and the exhibitor meeting date.
- Order tags and DNA envelopes early.
- Keep ownership, vet and health paperwork in one folder.
- Set calendar reminders for entry deadlines, because late fees add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in 4-H or FFA?
For the State Fair junior livestock show, yes. Exhibitors must be Arkansas 4-H or FFA members in good standing.
Can I enter on the day of the show?
At the 2024 State Fair, no. Only Showmanship sign-ups happened at the show.
Where is the Sale of Champions?
At Barton Coliseum on the last Friday of the State Fair, per the 2024 handbook.
Who do I call about the State Fair livestock show?
The Livestock Office at 501-372-8341.
Arkansas Listings Covered by This Guide
- Pulaski County Fair
Held each year at Riverfront Park in North Little Rock; the most recent run was May 15-25, 2026, with two closed days in the middle of the run.
120 Riverfront Park Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72114 | Organizer: Pulaski County Fair Board Official event details - Sharp County Fair
Held each year at the Sharp County Fairgrounds in Ash Flat; the most recent run was July 6-11, 2026.
Fairgrounds Rd, Ash Flat, AR 72513 | Organizer: Sharp County Fair Association Official event details - Fulton County Fair
Nine-day county fair in Salem; held each year, with the most recent dates being July 10-18, 2026, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds on Arena Lane.
124 Arena Lane, Salem, AR 72576 | Organizer: Fulton County Fair Association Official event details - Howard County Fair
Held each year at the fairgrounds on US-371 in Nashville; the most recent run was August 24-29, 2026. Organizers take enquiries by phone.
1565 US-371, Nashville, AR 71852 | 870-845-7393 | Organizer: Howard County Fair Association Official event details - Washington County Fair
Washington County Fair in Fayetteville with livestock, horticulture and home economics exhibits. Held each year in late August; the most recent dates were August 25-29, 2026.
Fayetteville, AR Official event details - Greene County Fair
Held each year at the Greene County Fairgrounds on Highway 49B in Paragould; the most recent run was September 7-12, 2026.
1108 Hwy 49B, Paragould, AR 72450 | Organizer: Greene County Fair Board Official event details - Sevier County Fair
Seven-day county fair at the Sevier County Fairgrounds in De Queen, organized by the junior fair board; the most recent run was September 1-7, 2026.
De Queen, AR | Organizer: Sevier County Junior Fair Board Official event details - Garland County Fair
Ten-day county fair on Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs; held each year, with the most recent dates being September 10-19, 2026.
4831 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | Organizer: Garland County Fair Association Official event details - White County Fair
Held each year at the White County Fairgrounds on Davis Drive in Searcy; the most recent run was September 14-19, 2026.
802 Davis Drive, Searcy, AR | Organizer: White County Fair Board Official event details - Clark County Fair
Clark County Fair themed Stars, Stripes & Carnival Lights ran Sept. 14-19, 2026, with rabbit, goat and lamb, swine, and beef and dairy shows, a poultry chain sale and the George Sharp Jr. Premium Livestock Sale. Held each year.
Arkadelphia, AR Official event details - Baxter County Fair
Five-day county fair at the Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home; held each year, with the most recent dates being September 15-19, 2026.
1507 Fairgrounds Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653 | Organizer: Baxter County Fair Association Official event details - Pope County Fair
Russellville fair with a livestock show, junior competition, rabbit and dairy goat show, commercial exhibits and evening concerts. Held each year; the most recent dates were Sept. 15-19, 2026.
517 S. Knoxville Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801 | Organizer: Pope County Fair Association Official event details - Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair
Nine-day regional fair at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith serving the Arkansas-Oklahoma district. Held each year; the most recent dates were Sept. 25 to Oct. 3, 2026.
Fort Smith, AR Official event details - Faulkner County Fair
Faulkner County Fair opened Sept. 22, 2026 with a parade, hog show and livestock barn exhibits, a Parade of Champions with 50 awards and a Saturday Junior Premium Auction. Held each year at the Conway Expo and Fairgrounds.
Conway, AR Official event details - Northeast Arkansas District Fair
The Northeast Arkansas District Fair in Jonesboro runs ten days at the NEA District Fairgrounds, 7001 E. Johnson Ave. The most recent dates were September 24 to October 3, 2026.
- Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show
Held each year in October; the most recent run was October 16-25, 2026, with livestock shows and competitions across the ten days, plus rides and attractions at the Little Rock fairgrounds.
2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, AR 72206 | Organizer: Arkansas Livestock Show Association Official event details - St. Francis County Fair
Held each year at the Wyley T Jones Fairgrounds in Forrest City; the most recent run was October 17-24, 2026.
3212 Highway 1 South, Forrest City, AR | Organizer: St. Francis County Fair Association Official event details - Newton County Fair and Rodeo Inc
Newton County Fair and Rodeo Inc is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Newton County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Ouachita County Livestock & Fair
Ouachita County Livestock & Fair is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Ouachita County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Perry County Fair Association
Perry County Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Perry County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Pike County Fair Association
Pike County Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Pike County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Poinsett County Agricultural Fair
Poinsett County Agricultural Fair is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Poinsett County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Polk County Fair & Rodeo Association
Polk County Fair & Rodeo Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Polk County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Pope County Fair Association
Pope County Fair Association is named among Arkansas fair groups receiving state fair and livestock show funding and organizes the Russellville fair held each September.
AR - Randolph County Fair Foundation
Randolph County Fair Foundation is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Randolph County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Saline County Fair Association
Saline County Fair Association has run the Saline County Fair and Rodeo in Benton since 1908, owning the fairgrounds beside Highway 67 since 1951; its arena roof collapsed under ice in January 2026.
AR - Scott Co Fair Association
Scott Co Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Scott County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Searcy County Fair Association
Searcy County Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Searcy County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Sevier County Fair
Sevier County Fair is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Sevier County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Sharp County Fair Association Inc
Sharp County Fair Association Inc is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Sharp County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - St Francis Co Fair Association
St Francis Co Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the St. Francis County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Stone County Fair Association
Stone County Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Stone County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - The Prairie County Fair and Livestock
The Prairie County Fair and Livestock is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Prairie County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Union County Fair Association
Union County Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Union County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Van Buren Co Livestock Show & Fair
Van Buren Co Livestock Show & Fair is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Van Buren County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Washington County Fair Association
Washington County Fair Association is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Washington County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR - Yell County Free Fair Inc
Yell County Free Fair Inc is one of the Arkansas fair organizations named as a recipient in the state fair and livestock show funding announced by the governor, supporting the Yell County fair and its youth livestock exhibits.
AR
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.