Crawford County Arkansas Fair Schedule
Introduction
The Crawford County Arkansas Fair Schedule brings the agricultural, youth, and community traditions of western Arkansas together each September at Kirksey Park in Mulberry. The Crawford County Fair has been a Mulberry tradition since 1920, giving the event more than a century of connection with local families, farmers, exhibitors, and community organizations. The 2026 fair period runs from September 12 through September 19, 2026, although the public carnival portion does not begin until Tuesday, September 15, while the opening weekend includes the downtown parade and Equine Expo.
Crawford County has a distinctive setting in the Arkansas River Valley, with the Ozark Mountains influencing the northern part of the county and rolling farmland, wooded ridges, isolated mountains, lakes, and river landscapes farther south. Van Buren is the county seat, while Mulberry serves as the long-established home of the county fair. Agriculture remains an important part of the county economy, with soybeans, fruit and vegetables, beef cattle, poultry, and other agricultural production represented across the county.
The fair reflects that agricultural character through livestock competitions, horticulture, home economics, agricultural mechanics, equine activities, 4-H and FFA participation, and the Junior Livestock Auction. At the same time, the 2026 program gives families plenty of non-agricultural reasons to attend, including carnival rides, pageants, a rodeo, a parade, entertainment, commercial exhibits, food concessions, and community activities.
Fair Overview and Fast Facts
The 2026 Crawford County Fair is held at Kirksey Park in Mulberry, Arkansas, with the fairgrounds listed at 845 Kirksey Parkway, Mulberry, Arkansas 72947. The opening public event is the Crawford County Fair Parade in downtown Mulberry on Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m., followed by an Equine Expo at noon.
Sunday, September 13 and Monday, September 14 are largely devoted to exhibitor preparation, exhibit placement, livestock entries, commercial setup, and other activities leading into the main public fair schedule. The public gates open at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15.
Regular 2026 admission is listed as $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 5–12, with children four and younger free. A week pass is listed at $12 for all ages. Tuesday admission is specially priced at $1 or free with a canned-good donation.
The fair’s major components include livestock shows, home economics and horticulture exhibits, agricultural mechanics, carnival rides, commercial exhibits, pageants, a rodeo, youth competitions, livestock awards, and the Junior Livestock Auction.
History and Origins
The Crawford County Fair was founded in 1920, establishing a long-running agricultural tradition in Mulberry. The fair has developed alongside the farming communities of Crawford County and has provided a recurring opportunity for residents to display livestock, agricultural projects, household skills, crafts, horticulture, and other accomplishments.
The fair’s century-long history is especially meaningful in Mulberry because the community sits in the Arkansas River Valley amid an agricultural landscape. Farming has historically been an important part of the Mulberry area’s economy, including livestock, chickens, hay, soybeans, and other food crops.
Kirksey Park has remained the central setting for the fair, transforming each September into a combination of livestock barns, exhibition areas, show rings, commercial spaces, carnival activity, and community gathering areas. The continued use of the same community setting reinforces the fair’s role as a local institution rather than simply a temporary entertainment event.
Readers comparing the Craighead County Arkansas Fair Schedule with the Crawford County Arkansas Fair Schedule can explore how fairs in different parts of Arkansas reflect their own agricultural traditions and community character. Craighead County’s fair in Jonesboro combines livestock and agricultural competitions, Family Living exhibits, Agricultural Mechanics, youth activities, carnival rides, food, vendors, pageants, and entertainment, while Crawford County’s fair in Mulberry features livestock shows, 4-H and FFA programs, horticulture and Home Economics exhibits, agricultural mechanics, equine activities, a rodeo, pageants, a parade, carnival attractions, and the Junior Livestock Auction. Comparing both schedules highlights the variety of agricultural programs, youth opportunities, entertainment, and community traditions found across Arkansas.
Agricultural Competitions and Livestock Shows
Agriculture is at the center of the Crawford County fair experience. The county’s agricultural economy includes soybeans, fruit and vegetables, beef cattle, poultry, and other production, while the Mulberry area has a particularly strong history of livestock and hay farming.
The 2026 livestock schedule begins with entries and weigh-ins before the main judging days. Goats, sheep, dairy cattle, poultry, and rabbits are entered on Monday, September 14, while market and commercial goats and lambs have an evening weigh-in.
Tuesday, September 15 features the Broiler Show, poultry judging, rabbit competition, dairy cattle, and dairy goat activities. Swine check-in and beef-cattle requirements also take place that evening.
Wednesday brings the market sheep, market goat, breeding sheep, and breeding goat shows. Thursday is devoted to major hog and cattle competitions, including market hogs, breeding hogs, feeder steers, market steers, breeding cattle, and related classes.
Friday includes Round Robin competition, an animal costume contest, adult showmanship, and the Cowboy Showdown before the evening rodeo. Saturday concludes the livestock program with the Poultry Chain Sale, livestock awards, the Junior Livestock Auction, and final livestock cleanup and release.
Fair Schedule Structure
The 2026 schedule begins before the main fairgrounds gates open. On Saturday, September 12, the Equine Expo registration begins in the morning, the downtown Mulberry parade lineup starts at 10 a.m., and the parade takes place at 11 a.m. The Equine Expo follows at noon.
Sunday, September 13 is primarily a preparation day for food concessions, commercial exhibitors, and Home Economics entries. Monday, September 14 continues the setup period with livestock arrivals, Home Economics entries, commercial exhibit preparation, and agricultural-mechanics registration.
Tuesday, September 15 marks the first main public fair day, with the gates opening at 4 p.m. Home Economics and horticulture exhibits open after judging, commercial exhibits operate through the evening, and the first group of pageants takes place. Livestock weigh-ins and agricultural presentations also make Tuesday an important competition day.
Wednesday, September 16 continues the exhibit program and opens the carnival from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with armbands available. Thursday continues livestock shows, commercial exhibits, pageants, and carnival activity.
Friday, September 18 combines agricultural competitions and family events with the Princess Pageant, Cowboy Showdown, and the 7 p.m. rodeo. Saturday, September 19 serves as the closing day, with the Poultry Chain Sale, livestock awards, Junior Livestock Auction, Junior Fair Queen and Fair Queen pageants, carnival rides, exhibit release, and livestock cleanup.
Entertainment, Rides, and Midway
The carnival is an important part of the Crawford County fair, but the 2026 schedule shows that the fairgrounds do not operate as a full carnival from the first day of the published fair period. The public carnival opens Wednesday, September 16 at 4 p.m. and continues Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the listed evening hours.
This distinction matters for families planning their visit. Someone attending the September 12 parade or the September 13–14 preparation activities should not expect the full carnival midway to be operating. The main carnival experience begins later in the week.
The fair’s entertainment program extends beyond rides. The opening parade, Equine Expo, pageants, Cowboy Showdown, rodeo, livestock competitions, commercial exhibits, and agricultural displays create a varied schedule in which visitors can choose between traditional fair activities and entertainment-oriented attractions.
Open Class and Amateur Competitions
The Crawford County fair provides opportunities for residents to participate through Home Economics and Horticulture exhibits as well as agricultural projects. These departments allow the fair to represent the practical skills of Crawford County households alongside its livestock program.
The Home Economics Building remains open throughout much of the main fair period after judging. Horticulture exhibits provide another connection to the county’s agricultural identity, while photography, crafts, food-related projects, and other creative entries give residents opportunities to participate without exhibiting animals.
The 2026 program also includes an Agricultural Mechanics component. Registration for Agricultural Mechanics is scheduled before the main public fair period, reflecting the fair’s emphasis on practical agricultural and technical skills.
Rodeo and Western Events
The 2026 Crawford County Fair includes a confirmed rodeo on Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. The rodeo follows an evening schedule that also includes Round Robin competition, an animal costume contest, adult showmanship, the Princess Pageant, and the Cowboy Showdown.
The combination of livestock competition and rodeo activity fits naturally within Crawford County’s agricultural and rural character. The event gives fairgoers an opportunity to experience a western-oriented program after the daytime livestock and exhibition activities.
The Cowboy Showdown also adds a competitive western element to Friday evening, connecting the fair’s youth and livestock traditions with its entertainment program.
4-H and FFA Youth Programs
Youth participation is one of the strongest features of the Crawford County fair. The fair provides a setting for young people involved in 4-H and FFA to demonstrate skills developed through agriculture, livestock, home economics, horticulture, and other educational programs.
Livestock competitions give youth exhibitors responsibility for preparing animals, participating in showmanship, following entry requirements, and presenting their projects before judges. The Round Robin and other showmanship activities extend those skills beyond individual livestock classes.
The fair also provides youth-oriented opportunities outside the livestock barns. Pageants, talent activities, agricultural projects, horticulture, Home Economics exhibits, and other competitions allow young residents with different interests to participate in fair week.
The Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday, September 19 provides an important culmination for youth livestock exhibitors. It gives the community an opportunity to recognize the work invested by young participants throughout the year.
Fairgrounds Facilities and Layout
Kirksey Park in Mulberry serves as the home of the Crawford County Fair. During fair week, the park accommodates livestock barns, agricultural show areas, exhibition buildings, commercial displays, food concessions, carnival activities, and other event spaces.
The fairgrounds are located at 845 Kirksey Parkway, making Mulberry the physical center of Crawford County’s annual fair tradition. The location also places the event within the community rather than outside the county’s established population centers.
The arrangement of the grounds changes according to the schedule. Livestock areas become especially active during the animal judging days, while the commercial and exhibition areas operate throughout the main public period. Carnival activity becomes increasingly important from Wednesday through Saturday.
Getting There: Directions and Logistics
Visitors traveling to the Crawford County Fair should use Mulberry as the primary destination and Kirksey Parkway as the fairgrounds location. The official fairgrounds address is 845 Kirksey Parkway, Mulberry, Arkansas 72947.
The opening parade takes place downtown rather than entirely at the fairgrounds. On Saturday, September 12, visitors attending the parade should therefore plan for downtown Mulberry before traveling to Kirksey Park for the Equine Expo.
Because the fair attracts visitors from throughout Crawford County and surrounding western Arkansas communities, evening traffic can increase when carnival rides, the rodeo, and other major activities are operating. Visitors should allow additional time for parking and entry during the busiest periods.
Admission and Visitor Planning
The 2026 admission structure is designed to give visitors several options. General admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 5–12, while children four and younger are free. A $12 week pass is available for all ages.
Tuesday, September 15 has special admission pricing of $1, with free admission available when a visitor brings a canned good under the stated promotion. The carnival operates later in the week, with armbands available on the scheduled carnival days.
Families should distinguish between admission to the fairgrounds and participation in individual competitions or special activities. Exhibitor registration, pageants, livestock participation, and other competitive programs have their own deadlines and requirements.
Volunteer and Vendor Opportunities
The fair depends on participation from local families, exhibitors, agricultural organizations, businesses, volunteers, food vendors, commercial exhibitors, and community supporters. Commercial exhibit setup begins before the main public fair period, with spaces prepared on September 12–14.
Food concessions are also established before the public opening. This preparation allows vendors to operate throughout the main fair week and provides visitors with the traditional food offerings associated with the Crawford County event.
Volunteer participation is especially important for livestock competitions, exhibit departments, pageants, youth activities, and fairground operations. The fair’s longevity reflects the continued involvement of generations of Crawford County residents rather than the work of a single organization or short-term event team.
Economic and Community Impact
The Crawford County fair supports the local economy by bringing visitors into Mulberry during September and creating activity for food vendors, commercial exhibitors, agricultural businesses, local retailers, and other community enterprises.
Its impact extends beyond direct visitor spending. The fair gives local agricultural producers and young exhibitors a public venue for demonstrating their skills, while community organizations and businesses gain opportunities to participate in an established annual event.
The fair is particularly important to Mulberry because it brings countywide attention to a smaller community. The downtown parade, followed by activities at Kirksey Park, connects the town’s public spaces with the agricultural traditions of Crawford County.
Comparing Crawford County Fair to Nearby Fairs
The Crawford County Arkansas Fair Schedule has a distinctive western Arkansas identity shaped by the Arkansas River Valley, Mulberry, livestock agriculture, and the county’s long-standing relationship with 4-H and FFA programs.
Unlike a fair centered primarily on carnival entertainment, Crawford County’s schedule gives substantial space to livestock judging, Home Economics, horticulture, agricultural mechanics, equine activities, youth competitions, and the Junior Livestock Auction. The rodeo and Cowboy Showdown add a western component that fits the county’s rural character.
Its September timing also places the fair within a period when many Arkansas communities are holding agricultural celebrations. Comparing the Crawford County schedule with fairs in neighboring Arkansas counties can reveal differences in livestock programs, carnival schedules, rodeo traditions, youth competitions, and local community events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Crawford County Arkansas Fair in 2026?
The 2026 Crawford County Fair period runs from September 12 through September 19, 2026. The September 12 opening includes the downtown Mulberry parade and Equine Expo, while the main public fair gates open Tuesday, September 15.
Where is the Crawford County Fair held?
The fair is held at Kirksey Park, 845 Kirksey Parkway, Mulberry, Arkansas 72947.
What time does the 2026 fair open?
The main public gates open at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. Earlier dates are primarily devoted to the parade, Equine Expo, exhibitor setup, livestock entries, and exhibit preparation.
How much is admission?
The 2026 general admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 5–12. Children four and younger are free. A week pass is listed at $12 for all ages, while Tuesday admission is $1 or free with a canned-good donation.
Does the Crawford County Fair have livestock shows?
Yes. The 2026 program includes poultry, rabbits, dairy cattle, dairy goats, swine, beef cattle, sheep, market goats, breeding goats, breeding sheep, feeder steers, market steers, breeding cattle, and other livestock activities.
Is there a Junior Livestock Auction?
Yes. The 2026 Junior Livestock Auction is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at 4 p.m. following the livestock awards.
Does the fair have a rodeo?
Yes. The 2026 Crawford County Fair rodeo is scheduled for Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m.
Does the fair have carnival rides?
Yes. The 2026 carnival opens Wednesday, September 16 at 4 p.m. and operates on the scheduled Wednesday through Saturday fair days.
Are there pageants?
Yes. The 2026 schedule includes Tiny Princess, Little Princess, Pre-Teen, Jr. Princess, Little Miss, Princess, Junior Fair Queen, and Fair Queen pageant activities during fair week.
Does 4-H and FFA participate in the fair?
Yes. 4-H and FFA participation is an important part of the Crawford County fair, particularly through livestock, agricultural projects, showmanship, youth competitions, and related exhibits.
Is the Crawford County Fair held in Van Buren?
No. Van Buren is the county seat of Crawford County, but the Crawford County Fair is held in Mulberry at Kirksey Park.
What is the 2027 Crawford County Arkansas Fair Schedule?
The official 2027 dates have not been sufficiently verified yet. The fair traditionally takes place in September, but visitors and exhibitors should wait for the Crawford County Fair organization to publish the 2027 schedule before relying on a specific date range.
What makes the Crawford County fair distinctive?
Its strongest distinction is the combination of a century-old Mulberry tradition with a substantial agricultural and youth program. Livestock shows, 4-H and FFA participation, horticulture, Home Economics, Agricultural Mechanics, equine activities, a rodeo, pageants, a downtown parade, carnival rides, and the Junior Livestock Auction all contribute to the character of the Crawford County Arkansas Fair Schedule.