Fun Family Outings in Northwest Arkansas: Washington County Fair Aug. 20-24

The Washington County Fair is one of our family’s favorite traditions.

For 16 years we’ve visited the animals (we still laugh about that time a goat sneezed on me, ha!), checked out all the food and crafts in the exhibition halls, gorged ourselves on on fair food and whirled and twirled on the rides (pro tip: eat after you ride the Scrambler).

Did you know that the Fayetteville fair is the largest county fair in the state? Yep, it was founded in 1857 and it just keeps getting better each year. We’re happy to partner with the fair every year to let you know what’s new and awesome.

This year the fair will be in town August 20-24, 2019.

And here’s something really cool you need to know about: you can pay admission and armbands before you get there! Your tickets will be emailed to you. Just show your ticket on your phone to get in and redeem your armband(s).

This is going to be sooooo much more convenient for parents who don’t want to wait in line while their kids just want to get into the fair and start having fun already! You just order before you go (click here to buy now) and just stop by the will call window to pick them up.

Tuesday night is the best deal for families! Just $2 admission with canned food item and $2 rides. Fair organizers say family night is growing each year with families and strollers!

The Washington County Fair is also bring back the ever-popular petting zoo, a 4-Wheeler rodeo, bull riding, arts & crafts exhibits, and lots of furry/feathered farm animals to see.

Admission is $5 for ages 6 and up (except for Two Dollar Tuesday Night, when admission is $2 per person with a canned food item and $2 rides). Parking is free. Daily armbands are $25.

Friday night (Aug. 23) is Midnight Madness, so armbands are $20 with a Pepsi can from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Each day of the fair is packed with fun, but here are some of the special events you don’t want to miss:

*The Free Petting Zoo, sponsored by Farm Credit is open every day of the fair from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gates open daily at 10 a.m., midway opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at noon on Saturday.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019:

Family Night: Two Dollar Tuesday Night

  • $2 Gate with Canned Food Item, $2 Rides
  • Beautiful Bunny Contest, Rabbit Barn, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019:

  • School & Church students admitted free until 3 p.m.
  • Washington County 4-H Presents Demonstrations and Hands-on Activities with Free Crafts, Thompson Hall, 5-7 p.m.
  • Livestock Show

Thursday, August 22, 2019:

  • Senior Citizen Day: 62 or older admitted free from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Washington County 4-H Presents Demonstrations and Hands-on Activities with Free Crafts, Thompson Hall, 5-7 p.m.

Friday, August 23, 2019:

  • Midnight Madness Friday Night: Armband Special $20 with a Pepsi Can from 10 pm – 1:30 am ONLY
  • Washington County 4-H Presents Demonstrations and Hands-on Activities with Free Crafts, Thompson Hall, 5-7 p.m.
  • Freedom Power Sports 4-Wheeler Rodeo, Rodeo Arena, 7-9 p.m.
  • Washington County Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstration, Livestock Arena, 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 24, 2019:

  • Youth Dog Show, Livestock Arena, 9 a.m.
  • Kids Fest, Livestock Arena, 2-5 p.m.
  • Farmhand Olympics, Livestock Arena, 3 p.m.
  • LJ Jenkins Bull Riding Tour Rodeo Arena, Sponsored by APAC, 7 p.m.

We’ll see you at the fair, mamas! We can’t wait!