By Alex Paul
Linn County Communications
The 2026 Linn County Fair starts Thursday, July 16, and runs through Saturday, July 18, at the Fair & Expo Center, 3800 Knox Butte Road East.
To view complete information about this year’s fair, see the Fair program in this week’s newspaper or visit https://www.linncountyor.gov/commissioners/page/2026-linn-county-fair-special-section to find information on everything from 4-H and FFA livestock shows to special events such as Senior Bingo and the annual Senior Ice Cream Social on opening day.
“This year’s fair offers something for everyone,” said Fair & Expo Center Manager Kris Barnes. “Explore the incredible accomplishments of our 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors, enjoy thrilling carnival rides, indulge in your favorite fair foods, shop from local vendors, experience interactive exhibits and take part in outstanding live entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.”
As usual, this year’s fair will feature daily main stage entertainment at 8:30 p.m. starting off with Frankie Ballard on July 16, Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery on July 17 and the Band Perry on July 18.
Opening acts will be McKayla Marie on Thursday, Skinny Lyzrd on Friday and Kurt VanMeter on Saturday. Opening acts take the stage at 7 p.m.
The concerts are free with paid admission, although reserved seating is available at: www.linncountyfair.com.
Daily admission for adults is $10, but kids 12 and under are admitted free thanks to Boshart Trucking. Complete information can be found at www.linncountyfair.com/prices/hours.
Thursday, July 16 is Senior and Military Day sponsored by Coastal Farm & Ranch. Seniors and members of the military with an official ID are admitted free.
Friday, July 17 is Family Day, sponsored by ATI.
Saturday, July 18 is Health Day, sponsored by Samaritan Health Services.
The always-popular FamilyLand will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
There will always be something fun to do with Mac the Flexbot, Puzzle Mania, the Silver Starlets, Eric Haines the one-man band, Molly’s Musical Adventure, the Butterfly Encounter, face painting and Hillia Queen of the Rings.
A complete schedule of daily events can be found at https://www.linncountyfair.com/schedules.
Davis Carnival rides and midway games will offer fun for all ages from 11 a.m. until midnight and don’t forget to fuel up with the many food vendors in the courtyard, offering everything tasty from sugary elephant ears to mounds of fries and giant corn dogs.
Rodeo fans will enjoy the Hell on Hooves Rodeo that starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the Calapooia Arena. It is free with paid admission.
Wild ‘n’ Wooly Mutton Bustin’ action gets under way at 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, in the Calapooia Arena.
New this year, the Open Class Department is hosting an Oregon Authors Table in the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Department.
USA Today bestselling author Whitney Dineen will one of our featured authors. Whitney is an award-winning author known for her humor, heartwarming stories, and unforgettable characters. Her books have entertained readers across the country, earning her a loyal following and bestselling status.
Stop by the Oregon Authors Table during the Linn County Fair, July 16–18, 2026, to meet Whitney, learn about her books, and celebrate the creativity and talent of Oregon authors.
Don’t forget about Senior Bingo at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Willamette Building and at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker, and Sheriff Michelle Duncan, will be dishing up ice cream for seniors in the Sponsors Pavilion.
You can also enjoy daily entertainment in the Expo Center stage including Jeff Martin Magic, Starr Studios Company Dancers and the Legacy Dance Project.
Don’t forget the Linn County 4-H and FFA Fair gets underway on Monday, July 13, and will wrap up on Saturday, July 18 with the annual Youth Livestock Auction in the Calapooia Arena. Registration starts at 9 a.m., lunch will be served at 11 a.m. and auction action starts at noon.
General admission is $9 online and $10 at the gate for adults 13 and up, with children 12 and under free. Seniors 60 and older are $7 online and $8 at the gate. Parking is $5 daily, with no re-entry. Season passes for adults are $22, $18 for seniors.
Tickets for 4-H and FFA participants are $15 and must be purchased at the Expo Fair Office; proof of 4-H participation is required. Season parking for 4H and FFA, which includes daily in-and-out privileges, is $12
Carnival ride ticket prices are: Single ride ticket, $8; Five-ride ticket, $35; All-day ride wristband, $42.