How North Dakota County Fairs Work
North Dakota county fairs have a long legal history. According to the State Historical Society's history of the State Fair Association, laws passed in 1897 and 1905 allowed county commissioners to levy taxes to establish and support county agricultural fairs. That page also notes that each county sends three members to the State Fair Association: one chosen by the county fair board, one by the board of county commissioners and one by the county agent.
Today most fairs combine an open class, a 4-H division run with NDSU Extension, and often an FFA division. Fair season starts in June and runs into the fall. The Farm Progress list of the 2022 North Dakota fair schedule started with Traill County in Hillsboro on June 17 and Ward County in Minot on June 20-23, ran through the North Dakota State Fair in Minot in late July, and ended with Walsh County in Park River on October 19-22. Dates change every year, so use that list only as a map of the season.
Finding Your Fair
That 2022 schedule shows how many different fair types exist. Some are single-county fairs such as Stutsman County in Jamestown, Foster County in Carrington and Dickey County in Ellendale. Some are regional, like the Red River Valley Fair (Cass County) in West Fargo, the Tri-County Fair in Wishek and the Upper Missouri Valley fair in Williston. Some counties split their events into separate days for horse, livestock and static exhibits, as Ramsey and Towner counties did in 2022. The Farm Progress page advises checking local county fair websites and NDSU Extension before you go, because schedules change.
The county Extension office is the best source for your fair book. Many fair books are posted on the NDSU Agriculture site under the county name.
Open Class, 4-H and FFA
- Open class. Open class is the public division. Check your fair book for who may enter. At the Grant County fair in Carson in 2025, open class and FFA static exhibits were entered on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and rabbits and poultry were entered at 4:30 p.m. Open class small animals were limited to a total of 4 entries, with most static classes limited to 2.
- 4-H. Run by Extension. Members must be enrolled in the project and, in Grant County, be county residents or affiliated with a Grant County school.
- FFA. FFA exhibits are often entered alongside open class, as in Grant County. Check with your advisor and the fair book.
Age Divisions
Age cutoffs differ by county. In the Grant County 2025 fair book, youth must be 8 years old by September 1 of the prior year to participate fully in district and state 4-H activities. Pre-Junior (8 and under) shows in livestock and small animal showmanship, Junior is 9-12 and Senior is 13-18. In Cass County's 2021 Red River Valley Fair book, Cloverbuds were ages 5-7 as of September 1, and most static classes were split into ages 8-12 and 13-18. Cloverbuds are non-competitive in animal events there.
Static Exhibits and Interview Judging
Static exhibits are things you make or grow and hand in. Many North Dakota counties judge them with the exhibitor present. Grant County held interview judging on Thursday morning from 8 to 11:30, and members who did not show up for interview judging dropped one ribbon placing. Cass County's static judging day was July 7 in 2021, with registration closing at 3:00 p.m. on judging day and no entries accepted that day.
Cass County rules also cap entries at 4 per class unless stated otherwise and limit state-fair-eligible blue ribbon exhibits to 2 per class. Labels with name, address and club are required, and exhibits must come from the previous or current club year. Grant County says exhibits must be made or prepared by the member during the current 4-H year.
Livestock Rules You Should Expect
Look for these in your fair book:
- Ownership dates. Grant County required market beef to be owned or leased with daily management by March 1, and breeding beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats by May 1. The state fair uses the same dates.
- Meetings. Grant County members had to attend six business meetings with reports sent to the county office. Cass County exhibitors needed at least 3 meetings.
- Identification. Grant County required a bill of sale (brand release) for all market beef at weigh-in and scrapie tags for sheep and goats, with market wether goats excepted. Cass County required animal ID to be submitted to the Extension office by May 17 in 2021.
- Health. Animals with ringworm, warts, bloat or visible illness may be sent home.
- Drugs. Grant County prohibits drugs on exhibited or sold animals, observes withdrawal times, and bans Clenbuterol and injectable anabolic substances.
- Selling. Grant County charged a 5 percent commission on market animals and required a parent release form to sell.
Entry Deadlines in General
Each fair sets its own. Grant County 2025 (August 14-17, Carson) had a pre-registration sheet due July 31, a livestock health substitution letter due before August 8, and livestock weigh-in Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. Cass County 2021 registration ran June 1 to June 16 online, with static judging July 7 and livestock achievement day July 9-12. Read your own book when it is posted.
Premiums and Ribbons
Premiums are small. In Grant County, livestock paid from $1.25 to $5.00 depending on ribbon and division, showmanship blue was $1.00, and small animals and static exhibits paid blue $1.00, red $0.75 and white $0.50. In Cass County in 2021, static blue paid $3.50, red $2.50 and white $1.50, and livestock blue paid $30 for beef and dairy and $14 for swine, sheep and goats. Both books penalize rule breaking. Grant County drops violators one placing, and Cass County drops dress code violators a ribbon placing. Exhibits left after the release window forfeit premiums.
The North Dakota State Fair Tie-In
The 2026 North Dakota State Fair ran July 17-25 in Minot. Per the State Fair 4-H book, static exhibits had to earn a blue ribbon or higher at a county achievement day or fair supervised by NDSU Extension, with the county Extension office making the entry. Livestock entries were due by May 1 through 4-HOnline or to an FFA advisor, and exhibitors needed quality assurance certification such as YQCA. Premiums are mailed in September.
Practical Tips
- Get your county fair book from the Extension office as soon as it is posted.
- Write down ownership, ID and registration dates before spring.
- Label every static exhibit and read the dress code.
- Know the release time. Early removal can cost your premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my county fair?
Dates change each year. Check your county Extension page or the fair's own site.
Can I show at a fair in another county?
Many 4-H divisions require county residency or enrollment in that county. Grant County requires residency or a school affiliation, and Cass County livestock requires Cass County 4-H membership.
Do county fairs lead to the state fair?
Yes. A blue ribbon or higher at a county event supervised by Extension makes a static exhibit eligible for the state fair.
County fairs are the heart of the North Dakota summer. Learn your fair's book, hit its dates and bring your best exhibit.
North Dakota Listings Covered by This Guide
- McLean County Fair
McLean County Fair is held June 12-14, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Underwood, one of the earliest county fairs of the North Dakota summer.
N Prairieview St, Underwood, ND 58576, Underwood, ND Official event details - Greater Grand Forks Fair
Greater Grand Forks Fair with rides, food, 4-H exhibits, concerts and games at the Grand Forks County Fairgrounds. Held each June; the most recent dates were June 17-21, 2026.
Grand Forks, ND Official event details - McKenzie County Fair
McKenzie County Fair in Watford City runs June 17-20, 2026, serving the largest county in North Dakota by area with 4-H, open-class and community events.
Watford City, ND Official event details - Bottineau County Fair
Four-day Bottineau County Fair at the county fairgrounds in Bottineau, run by the Bottineau County Fair Association. The most recent dates were June 18-21, 2026; the fair is held each June.
1205 98th St NE, Bottineau, ND 58318 | 701-228-5140 | Organizer: Bottineau County Fair Association Official event details - Foster County Fair
Four-day Foster County Fair with carnival rides, livestock shows, petting zoos, contests and live entertainment, held since 1933 in Carrington. The most recent dates were June 18-21, 2026.
Carrington, ND Official event details - Divide County Fair
Divide County Fair in Crosby, a three-day summer fair at the county fairgrounds hosted by the Divide County Fair Association. The most recent dates were June 19-21, 2026.
10 5th St NE, Crosby, ND 58730 | 701-240-8951 | Organizer: Divide County Fair Association Official event details - Wells County Fair Rodeo
The Wells County Fair rodeo in Fessenden, starting at 3 p.m. on the NDRA broadcast schedule. Held each year; the most recent date was 2026-06-21.
Fessenden, ND Official event details - Hettinger County Fair
Hettinger County Fair is a three-day event June 25-27, 2026 on the fairgrounds along Highway 21 in Mott.
831 East ND Hwy 21, Mott, ND 58646, Mott, ND Official event details - Roughrider Days Fair and Expo
Roughrider Days Fair and Expo is the big summer fair of Dickinson and Stark County, with the main fairgrounds days set for June 25-28, 2026 alongside a PRCA pro rodeo.
4024 Highway 22 S, Dickinson, ND 58601, Dickinson, ND Official event details - Renville County Fair
Renville County's annual fair, scheduled for June 29 to July 1 in 2026 and tied to local 4-H and open class exhibits. Held in Mohall.
Mohall, ND Official event details - Stutsman County Fair
Annual county fair at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds in Jamestown, set for June 24-27, 2026, as the 128th edition.
27th St NW, Jamestown, ND 58401 | (701) 252-2404 Official event details - Upper Missouri Valley Fair
Williams County's annual fair at the Upper Missouri Valley Fairground in Williston, scheduled June 24-28, 2026.
519 53rd St E, Williston, ND 58801 | 701-572-3338 Official event details - Mercer County Fair
Mercer County Fair fills five days, June 24-28, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Beulah in coal and power country along the Missouri River.
112 7th St NE, Beulah, ND 58523, Beulah, ND Official event details - Red River Valley Fair
Ten-day Cass County fair at the West Fargo fairgrounds, with competitive exhibits, Cass County 4-H events and livestock shows. Held each July; the most recent dates were July 3-12, 2026.
1805 Main Avenue West, West Fargo, ND 58078 | 701-282-2200 | Organizer: Red River Valley Fair Official event details - Mountrail County 4-H Fair
The Mountrail County 4-H Fair is held July 6-9, 2026 at the county fairgrounds northwest of Stanley, centered on youth projects and livestock exhibits.
8101 61st St NW, Stanley, ND 58784, Stanley, ND | 701-628-2835 Official event details - Dickey County Fair
Dickey County Fair at the county fairgrounds in Ellendale, organized by the Dickey County Fair Association. Held each July; the most recent dates were July 9-12, 2026.
520 4th Ave S, Ellendale, ND 58436 | 701-320-0381 | Organizer: Dickey County Fair Association Official event details - Golden Valley County Fair
Golden Valley County Fair at the fairgrounds in Beach, hosted by the Golden Valley County Fair Association. The most recent dates were July 9-11, 2026.
499 3rd Ave NW, Beach, ND 58621 | 701-872-4332 | Organizer: Golden Valley County Fair Association Official event details - Pembina County Fair
Pembina County Fair is held July 9-11, 2026 at the county fairgrounds on Highway 5 at Hamilton in the northeast corner of the state.
14878 North Dakota Highway 5, Hamilton, ND 58238, Hamilton, ND Official event details - Dunn County Fair
Dunn County Fair held at the High Plains Community Center in Killdeer and organized by the Dunn County Fair Association. Held each July; the most recent dates were July 10-12, 2026.
100 5th Ave SW, Killdeer, ND 58640 | 701-764-6533 | Organizer: Dunn County Fair Association Official event details - Tri-County Fair 12th Annual Archery Contest
Archery tournament for ages 8-18 in Beginner, Junior and Senior divisions with Barebow and Freestyle classes; $15 entry, registration due July 8.
8050 38th Ave SE, Wishek, ND 58495 | 701-754-2504 | Organizer: Logan County 4-H and NDSU Extension Logan County Official event details - Griggs County Fair
Griggs County Fair is held July 8-12, 2026 at the Cooperstown fairgrounds, where the community building also hosts a seasonal farmers market.
301 12th St SE, Cooperstown, ND 58425, Cooperstown, ND Official event details - North Dakota State Fair
The North Dakota State Fair fills the Minot fairgrounds for nine days each July with 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, horse shows and youth contests. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 17-25, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair Quarter Horse Show
The quarter horse show starts Friday at 8 a.m. in the All Seasons Arena and continues Saturday in Arena II. Held each year; the most recent show was July 17-18, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair Draft Horse Show
Draft horse event classes run Saturday at 4 p.m. and hitch classes Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the All Seasons Arena. Held each year; the most recent show was July 18-19, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair ARBA Rabbit Show
An American Rabbit Breeders Association sanctioned show runs both weekend mornings at 9 a.m. in the Rabbit Barn. Held each year; the most recent show was July 18-19, 2026.
Minot, ND | Organizer: North Dakota State Fair Official event details - North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Poultry Show
The 4-H/FFA poultry show opens the livestock week at 8 a.m. in the Poultry Barn, followed by the open class show at 1 p.m. Held each year; the most recent show was July 19, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H Horse Show
4-H members show horses over three mornings at the Minot fairgrounds, starting at 8 a.m. in Arena II. Held each year; the most recent show ran July 20-22, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair ND Club Calf Association Show
The North Dakota Club Calf Association holds its show at 3:30 p.m. in the Gooseneck Arena after the junior breed shows. Held each year; the most recent show was July 21, 2026.
Minot, ND | Organizer: North Dakota State Fair Official event details - North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Beef Show
4-H and FFA exhibitors bring market and breeding beef to the All Seasons Arena at 8 a.m. Held each year; the most recent show was July 23, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Swine Show
The 4-H/FFA hog show begins at 2 p.m. in the Expo Barn on the Thursday of fair week. Held each year; the most recent show was July 23, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show
Youth rabbit exhibitors show at 3 p.m. in the Rabbit Barn on the Thursday of fair week. Held each year; the most recent show was July 23, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Show
Junior dairy exhibitors lead cows into the Gooseneck Arena at 8 a.m. on the Friday of fair week. Held each year; the most recent show was July 24, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Meat Goats Show
The youth meat goat class is held at noon in the Gooseneck Arena on the Friday of fair week. Held each year; the most recent show was July 24, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H Leadership Showmanship
A 6 p.m. showmanship contest in the All Seasons Arena where 4-H members are judged on handling skills across species. Held each year; the most recent contest was July 24, 2026.
Minot, ND | Organizer: North Dakota State Fair Official event details - North Dakota State Fair ND Junior Sheep Show
Junior sheep exhibitors from across the state compete at 4 p.m. in the Expo Barn. Held each year; the most recent show was July 24, 2026.
- Sargent County Fair
Annual Sargent County Fair at the Sargent County Fairgrounds in Forman, scheduled July 22-26, 2026.
101 Green Ave SE, Forman, ND 58032 | 701-680-0189 Official event details - North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Sheep Show
Youth sheep exhibitors show in the Expo Barn starting at noon on the Wednesday of fair week. Held each year; the most recent show was July 22, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair 4-H/FFA Dairy Goat Show
Youth dairy goat exhibitors show at 9 a.m. in the Gooseneck Arena, ahead of the afternoon ND Junior Goat Show. Held each year; the most recent show was July 22, 2026.
- North Dakota State Fair ND Junior Goat Show
The statewide junior goat show is held at 4 p.m. in the Gooseneck Arena after the morning dairy goat class. Held each year; the most recent show was July 22, 2026.
- Morton County Fair
Morton County Fair is set for July 29 to August 2, 2026 at the fairgrounds in New Salem, home of the county 4-H show and a fair-week rodeo.
1000 8th St N, New Salem, ND 58563, New Salem, ND Official event details
Plus 26 more. Find yours on your county's page in the North Dakota directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.