9 Days of Rides, Pageants & Livestock at the Benton County Fair

The smell of kettle corn, the squeal of carnival rides, and the sounds of live music are coming back to Northwest Arkansas. The 121st Annual Benton County Fair runs September 19-27, and this isn’t just any county fair—it’s a nine-day celebration that’s been bringing families together since 1904.

Where Tradition Meets Thrills

Over 35,000 people are expected to attend the annual Benton County Fair, and for good reason. Beyond the prize-winning pigs and homemade preserves (though those are absolutely there), think state-fair quality carnival rides, four nights of live music, and enough fried food to make your cardiologist weep.

From the opening night Talent Show on Friday to the Bentonville School of Rock wrapping up festivities the following Saturday night, there’s live entertainment throughout the week. The carnival runs daily, livestock competitions span multiple days, and quirky contests like “Beautiful Bovine” and “Goat Costume” add plenty of personality to the fair.

Plan Your Fair Adventure

📍 Benton County Fairgrounds
📅 September 19-27, 2025
💲 Fair admission is free during the day, but expect $10-15 gate fees when the carnival fires up (late afternoons until 10 or 11pm nightly). If you’ve got little ones eyeing the rides, check with carnival staff about height and weight requirements before getting in line.
What to expect: Opening night kicks off Friday with a Talent Show, followed by daily livestock competitions, pageants throughout the week, with Bentonville School of Rock on Saturday, September 27th to close out the festivities.

More Than Just Funnel Cakes

Sure, the carnival rides are a blast, but the real magic happens throughout the week with dedicated livestock shows for cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and rabbits. There are pageant competitions, 4-H and FFA livestock skills demonstrations, and even a Junior Livestock Auction.

Arts, Crafts, and Local Pride

Local talent shines in the home arts competition. We’re talking blue-ribbon jams, quilts that belong in museums, and photography that captures the soul of rural Arkansas. Last year, there were 1,335 items entered in the junior departments of clothing, food preparation, food preservation, crafts, home arts, photography alone.

Why 35,000+ People Keep Coming Back

Since 1904, the fair has provided family fun and education about agriculture, industry, history, and culture. Come make memories that’ll last long after the cotton candy sugar rush wears off.

See you there, NWA!