2026 Kay County Fair Prices and Schedule

109th Kay County Free Fair returns to Blackwell Sept. 15-20 with carnival, live music and new events

BLACKWELL — One of Kay County’s longest-running traditions returns to Blackwell this week as the 109th Kay County Free Fair brings six days of exhibits, livestock, carnival rides, live entertainment, food and competition to the Blackwell Fairgrounds.

The 2026 fair runs Tuesday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 20, under this year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes & County Nights.”

Organizers are promising a mix of familiar fair traditions and new attractions, including the return of the carnival, five nights of free entertainment, a cornhole tournament and, for the first time, a horseshoe tournament.

For generations of Kay County families, however, the heart of fair week remains the exhibits, livestock, youth competition and community traditions that have made the event an annual destination for 109 years.

Carnival returns for 2026

One of the fair’s biggest attractions will once again light up the Blackwell Fairgrounds as WEEE Entertainment returns with its carnival midway.

The carnival will operate from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Saturday will feature two carnival sessions, running from noon to 5 p.m. and again from 5 to 10 p.m. The carnival’s final session will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Wristbands will be available for $33 during each event promotion. Individual tickets are $4.50, while a family pack containing 10 tickets is $40. A 30-ticket Super Saver Pack will be available for $115.

The return continues the fair’s relationship with WEEE Entertainment and brings back the rides, games, lights and midway atmosphere that have traditionally been among the most visible portions of fair week.

Free entertainment every night

Visitors will also be able to catch free live entertainment at 7 p.m. each night from Tuesday through Saturday.

Blackwell talent will open the week Tuesday, Sept. 15, when the Blackwell High School Marching Band performs.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the NOC Roustabouts from Northern Oklahoma College will take the stage.

The Imitators will perform Thursday, Sept. 17, followed by Justin Walker on Friday, Sept. 18.

The Jason Boyd Band will close out the fair’s nightly entertainment lineup Saturday, Sept. 19.

All five performances are free.

Fair organizers are encouraging visitors to arrive early, tour the exhibits, grab something to eat and enjoy the carnival before settling in for the evening performances.

Cornhole returns, horseshoes added

Fairgoers looking for a little competition will have two opportunities to earn bragging rights this year.

The fair’s Cornhole Tournament returns at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

A Horseshoe Tournament has been added to the schedule for 2026 and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.

The fair is partnering with Arthur’s for both events, and entry into each tournament is free.

Organizers are inviting participants to grab a partner and compete, with the tournaments intended to offer another casual, family-friendly activity alongside the fair’s traditional competitions.

Exhibits, agriculture remain at heart of fair

While rides and concerts may dominate the evenings, the Kay County Free Fair continues its longstanding role as a showcase for agriculture, youth achievement, homemaking, craftsmanship and the talents of residents from throughout the county.

FFA and 4-H exhibitors will once again be among those filling the fairgrounds during the week, continuing a tradition that has given generations of Kay County youth an opportunity to demonstrate the work they have put into livestock, agricultural and other projects.

Open-class exhibits and other traditional fair entries will also give residents an opportunity to compete and put their work on display.

Separate 2026 fair books have been made available for the general fair, FFA and 4-H competitions with rules, classes and other information for exhibitors.

Online pre-entry for the fair was scheduled to close Sunday, Sept. 13, ahead of opening day.

A full week in Blackwell

The fair arrives during what is traditionally one of Blackwell’s busiest stretches of the year.

From Tuesday through Sunday, the fairgrounds will become a gathering place for families from Blackwell and communities throughout Kay County, whether they are arriving with livestock trailers and exhibit entries or simply coming out for an evening of rides, food and entertainment.

The 2026 event also comes amid continued efforts to expand the entertainment surrounding the traditional county fair experience.

The addition of the horseshoe tournament joins returning activities such as cornhole, while the nightly entertainment schedule gives visitors another reason to remain at the fairgrounds after exhibits and livestock activities wind down for the day.

Sunday, Sept. 20, will bring the six-day celebration to a close, including the carnival’s final session from 1 to 5 p.m.

Fair organizers have made the complete schedule and individual fair books available online for visitors looking for specific exhibit, livestock and competition times.

2026 KAY COUNTY FREE FAIR AT A GLANCE

What: 109th Kay County Free Fair — “Stars, Stripes & County Nights”

When: Tuesday, Sept. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 20

Where: Blackwell Fairgrounds, Blackwell

Admission: Free

FREE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT — 7 P.M.

Tuesday, Sept. 15: Blackwell High School Marching Band

Wednesday, Sept. 16: NOC Roustabouts

Thursday, Sept. 17: Imitators

Friday, Sept. 18: Justin Walker

Saturday, Sept. 19: Jason Boyd Band

TOURNAMENTS

Friday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.: Horseshoe Tournament

Both tournaments offer free entry.

CARNIVAL HOURS

Tuesday-Friday: 6-10 p.m.

Saturday: Noon-5 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.

Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

CARNIVAL PRICES

Wristband: $33 per event promotion

Single ticket: $4.50

Family Pack: $40 for 10 tickets

Super Saver Pack: $115 for 30 tickets

With 109 years of tradition and several new additions for 2026, the Kay County Free Fair is set to once again make Blackwell the center of activity in Kay County for one big week of competition, agriculture, music, carnival lights and community.