The Benton County Fair and Rodeo is set to kick off its four-day celebration from July 30 through Aug. 2 with a blend of beloved traditions and new additions for fairgoers.
Fair and rodeo activities will run from 11 a.m.-midnight all four days. For those planning to attend 4-H events before the fair opens, tickets go on sale at the Orange/West gate at 8 a.m. The Blue/South gate opens at 11 a.m.
General admission is $10 (ages 17-59) or $8 (ages 7-16 and 60 and older). Children ages 6 and under are free. Kids 16 and under are free Wednesday as part of Family Fun Day and seniors ages 60 and older are free Thursday as part of Senior Day. Active, reserve and retired members of the military are admitted free with a valid military ID.
Tickets can be purchased online. All rodeos and concerts are included with the price of admission. There is a $5 per day parking fee.
This year’s fair introduces several fresh attractions:
- A new butterfly encounter and ladybug exhibit will take residence in the Benton Arena.
- Trackless train rides will operate daily from noon-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.
- The Floral Courtyard will house multiple new features, including the Floral Fair Saloon beer and wine garden, a Kids Corner with sensory play activities for younger children, and a Community Stage showcasing local talent.
Traditional fair staples return as well:
- NPRA rodeo running Thursday and Friday. The 2026 rodeo queen will be crowned on the second evening.
- On Wednesday, the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo is scheduled for 7 p.m.
- Senior Day bingo and ice cream social is set for 11 a.m. Thursday.
- Saturday highlights include the Lee Allen Youth Auction at 3 p.m.
- The Beard and Mustache Competition is set for 4 p.m. Aug. 2 on the main stage (preregistration online or at the fairgrounds office is accepted through July 25; in-person registration on the day of the event will go from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 2 near the main stage).
- Competitive exhibits with entries across multiple categories from floriculture and food to art and photography that offer both prize money and recognition for participants.
- Rainier Amusements’ carnival rides will operate from open to close. Wristbands can be purchased online to save $5.
- A number of food vendors will be on site.
- 4-H livestock and exhibits run throughout the fair.
- The Benton Oaks Taphouse with 18 local and craft brews and ciders will return.
- Dance groups, drama clubs, music performers, magicians, jugglers and more are invited to perform on the Community Stage. Sign up by contacting Jennifer Martin via email.
The main stage entertainment lineup features family-friendly programming:
- On Wednesday, the schedule includes Barrel O’ Fun at 6 p.m., Magical Ventriloquist Vikki at 7 p.m., and Bright Heart Circus at 8 p.m.
- A Battle of the Bands competition will run from 1-9 p.m. Thursday (enter here) with the winner performing at 7 p.m. Friday.
- Completely Unchained, a Van Halen tribute band, will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
- Saturday’s concerts include country artists Dylan Schneider at 7 p.m., and Rodney Atkins at 8:30 p.m.
A complete Benton County Fair and Rodeo schedule is available on the fair’s website.
For more information, visit bentoncountyfair.net.