Baldwin County Alabama Fair Schedule

Schedule, Admission, History and Visitor Guide

Introduction

The Baldwin County Fair is one of the annual events that connects the agricultural history of Baldwin County with the rapidly changing community that surrounds it. The 2026 edition is especially significant because it marks the fair’s 75th edition, bringing the event into its eighth decade of operation.

Baldwin County is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing counties. The county seat is Bay Minette, while the fair itself is held in Robertsdale, farther south in the county. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Baldwin County had 231,767 residents, and the county government describes most of the population as living in rural, unincorporated areas despite the county’s fourteen incorporated municipalities.

Agriculture remains an important part of that identity. The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture recorded 853 farms covering 180,784 acres in Baldwin County, with a market value of agricultural products sold totaling about $143.7 million. Crops represented 86 percent of agricultural sales, while livestock, poultry and products accounted for 14 percent.

That agricultural background is still visible at the fair. Livestock, agricultural exhibits and competitive displays remain part of an event that also includes a modern carnival midway, games, food and family attractions. The result is a fair that reflects both sides of present-day Baldwin County: a growing Gulf Coast community and a county with deep farming and livestock traditions.

Fair Overview and Fast Facts

The 2026 Baldwin County Fair runs from Tuesday, September 22, through Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds at 19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale, Alabama 36567. The event is organized by the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association.

The 2026 schedule is:

Day	Fair Hours
Tuesday, September 22	5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23	5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 24	5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday, September 25	5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 26	2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Adult admission is $10 at the gate. The 2026 information also states that admission is free for seniors age 65 and older, active-duty military personnel, veterans and children under 12. Parking is reported as free.

The five-day schedule gives the fair two distinctly different rhythms. Tuesday through Thursday are primarily evening visits, while Saturday begins in the afternoon and continues through the evening. Friday has the latest closing time, extending to 1 a.m.

History and Origins

The Baldwin County Fair’s history reaches back to 1948, when the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association was established. Baldwin County Commission records describe the fair as having been established that year and identify it as the longest-running county fair in Alabama. The commission also noted that the fair continued to serve an educational purpose through agricultural exhibits and youth organizations such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

The physical location of the fair has changed over time. Historical information preserved by the City of Silverhill states that the first annual Baldwin County Fair was held in 1950 at the new Livestock Coliseum on Palmer Street in Robertsdale, after the association’s formation. The county fair remained at that location until 2008, when it moved to its newer Fairground Road facility.

The history of organized fairs in Baldwin County goes back even further than the present county fair. Silverhill hosted a community fair for nearly three decades before the countywide event became established in Robertsdale. The Silverhill Community Hall was associated with those earlier fairs and also served other community purposes.

The agricultural setting of Baldwin County has changed considerably since the mid-20th century. Historically, the county’s economy included cattle raising, timber and crops such as indigo, tobacco and rice. Modern Baldwin County agriculture is much more diverse, including beef cattle, poultry, dairy, pork, goats, horses, hay and forage, nursery production, fruits and vegetables, forestry and other commodities.

That makes the fair’s agricultural component more than a historical display. It provides a place where an agricultural tradition that has adapted over generations remains visible to residents of a county that is also experiencing rapid population growth.

If you’re looking for the Baldwin County Alabama Fair Schedule, you may also want to check the Autauga County Alabama Fair Schedule for another popular county fair in Alabama. Comparing both schedules can help you find the fair dates, opening hours, special events, entertainment, rides, and other activities planned throughout the fair season.

Agricultural Competitions and Livestock Shows

Agriculture remains part of the Baldwin County Fair’s identity. County Commission records state that the fair has historically included livestock exhibits as well as horticulture, agronomy and environmental exhibits. The same records report that the fair has featured more than 1,000 competitive exhibits across categories including crafts, sewing, food preparation and preservation, photography, horticulture, agronomy and livestock.

The agricultural categories fit the wider economy of Baldwin County. USDA data show substantial cropland in the county, alongside pasture and woodland, while cattle and other livestock remain part of the county’s agricultural landscape.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System maintains a Baldwin County office and has personnel working in areas including animal sciences and forages, agronomic crops, horticulture and Alabama 4-H. That extension infrastructure provides an important agricultural and youth-development connection within the county.

The available 2026 reports confirm that agricultural and competitive exhibits remain part of the fair, but a complete 2026 livestock judging timetable was not located in the sources reviewed. For that reason, specific livestock judging times and individual class schedules should be checked directly with the fair association rather than assumed from another Alabama county fair.

Fair Schedule Structure

The 2026 fair is structured around a five-day Tuesday-through-Saturday run.

The first three days open at 5 p.m., making them primarily evening events. Friday follows the same 5 p.m. opening but remains open until 1 a.m. Saturday is different, opening at 2 p.m. and continuing until 11 p.m.

The Saturday afternoon opening is particularly useful for visitors who want to see the fair before the nighttime midway becomes the main attraction. It also provides a longer daylight period for families to explore the exhibition areas and agricultural side of the event.

The fair’s published 2026 information does not establish a complete day-by-day timetable for events such as livestock judging, pageants, demolition derbies or tractor pulls. Those activities should not be attributed to the 2026 Baldwin County Fair without a specific schedule or official announcement confirming them.

Entertainment, Rides, and Midway

The carnival midway is operated by Arnold Amusements, which has serviced the Baldwin County Fair for more than a decade. For 2026, the midway expanded to 35 rides, with three new attractions added.

Among the new family-oriented attractions reported for 2026 are the Rocking Tub, Dizzy Dragon and small John Deere-themed farm tractors. The combination gives younger children and families options alongside the larger midway attractions.

The fair also includes games, concessions and a petting zoo. The 2026 petting zoo was reported to include camels, antelopes, snakes and a baby kangaroo, adding an animal attraction beyond the livestock and agricultural exhibits.

Food is another major part of the fair experience. Reported 2026 offerings include traditional carnival foods such as candied apples, cotton candy and fried Oreos.

The fair therefore combines two different experiences in Robertsdale: an exhibition-oriented county fair rooted in agriculture and a modern midway built around rides, games, food and entertainment.

Open Class and Amateur Competitions

Competitive exhibits have historically been one of the distinguishing features of the Baldwin County Fair.

Baldwin County Commission records identify categories including antique art, crafts and hobbies, environmental art, scrapbooking, sewing, food preparation and preservation, horticulture, agronomy, photography and livestock. Environmental exhibits involving schools and civic organizations have also been part of the fair’s competitive program.

The existence of these categories is important because it means the fair is not simply a ride-and-food event. Residents can participate by displaying skills and projects developed at home, at school or through community organizations.

However, the available sources do not provide enough verified 2026 information to give current entry deadlines, individual class numbers or premium amounts. Anyone planning to enter an item should obtain the current fair rules and entry information from the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association before preparing an exhibit.

Demolition Derby, Tractor Pulls, and Motorsport Events

A demolition derby or tractor pull should not automatically be included in the 2026 Baldwin County Fair schedule.

These events are common at many agricultural fairs, but the 2026 Baldwin County sources reviewed for this article do not provide sufficient confirmation that a demolition derby or tractor pull was scheduled as part of the September 22–26 fair.

Robertsdale does host other motorsport and agricultural-oriented events during the year, including professional rodeo activity at the Robertsdale Arena, but those events are separate from the Baldwin County Fair and should not be presented as fair attractions.

4-H and FFA Youth Programs

Youth agricultural education is an established part of the Baldwin County Fair’s purpose. Baldwin County Commission documentation specifically identifies 4-H and Future Farmers of America as organizations that encourage young people to participate in agriculture through the fair.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System maintains Alabama 4-H support in Baldwin County, including personnel involved in youth development.

For participating young people, a county fair can provide a public setting in which agricultural projects, animal care and other work completed during the year are displayed and evaluated. The Alabama FFA program also maintains statewide agricultural competition resources covering areas such as livestock, poultry, dairy, horse evaluation, agriscience and floriculture.

A specific 2026 Baldwin County junior livestock auction or animal-sale schedule was not confirmed in the sources reviewed, so it would be inaccurate to describe a particular auction or local business bidding system as part of this year’s fair without official documentation.

Fairgrounds Facilities and Layout

The Baldwin County Fairgrounds are located at 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale, and the venue includes the Baldwin County Coliseum/convention-center facilities used for portions of the fair.

For 2026, the convention center is being used for competitive activities including baking and floral exhibits. The outdoor arena area is also being used for the petting zoo.

The fairgrounds are therefore organized around both indoor exhibition space and outdoor attractions, allowing the event to continue functioning as an agricultural exhibition while accommodating the carnival midway and family entertainment.

Detailed information about accessible entrances, the precise location of restrooms, RV hookups or overnight camping was not confirmed in the available 2026 sources. Visitors who require specific accessibility arrangements or are interested in camping should contact the fair association before traveling.

Getting There: Directions and Logistics

The fair is located in Robertsdale, in central-southern Baldwin County, rather than at the county seat of Bay Minette.

The address for navigation is:

Baldwin County Fairgrounds
19477 Fairground Road
Robertsdale, AL 36567

Because the fair’s weekday gates open at 5 p.m., visitors arriving after work or school should expect the largest concentration of arrivals around the beginning of the evening session. Saturday provides a different option because the gates open at 2 p.m.

Parking is reported as free for attendees.

Visitors should use the fairgrounds address rather than the Baldwin County government address in Bay Minette, since Bay Minette is the county seat but is not the location of the fair.

Volunteer and Vendor Opportunities

The Baldwin County Fair is organized by the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association, which provides the organizational structure behind the annual event. The association is also identified in Alabama fair directories as the sponsoring organization, with Arnold Amusements listed as the carnival operator.

Commercial vendors, food operators, exhibitors and volunteers should therefore work directly with the fair association regarding applications and requirements.

Specific 2026 booth fees, vendor deadlines and volunteer registration requirements were not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Those details should not be estimated because fees and application procedures can change from one fair year to another.

Economic and Community Impact

The Baldwin County Fair operates in a county where agriculture remains economically significant even as residential development and other industries expand.

The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture recorded approximately $143.7 million in market value of agricultural products sold in Baldwin County. The county had 853 farms and more than 180,000 acres in farms.

A broader economic-impact analysis from the Alabama Council for Agribusiness found that agriculture, forestry and related industries generated approximately 19,915 full- and part-time jobs and $1.539 billion in economic activity in Baldwin County in the analysis cited.

The fair provides a public setting in which that agricultural economy becomes visible to residents who may otherwise encounter Baldwin County primarily through its beaches, residential development, retail centers and tourism economy.

It also brings visitors into Robertsdale and creates activity around local businesses during fair week. Exact 2026 spending or attendance figures should not be assumed, although local reporting described the fair as attracting tens of thousands of visitors and one 2026 report cited an organizer expectation of more than 30,000 visitors across the five-day run.

Comparing the Baldwin County Fair to Nearby Fairs

The Baldwin County Fair occupies a distinctive place in south Alabama’s fall event calendar because of its long history and its combination of agricultural exhibits with a modern carnival midway.

The event also sits within a broader Gulf Coast fair season. Later in 2026, the Greater Gulf State Fair is scheduled for October 30 through November 8 at The Grounds in Mobile. That event is substantially larger in scope and is a state-level Gulf Coast attraction rather than a county fair centered specifically on Baldwin County.

For Baldwin County residents, the county fair’s defining geographic connection is Robertsdale and the county’s agricultural communities. Its 75-year history also gives it a continuity that distinguishes it from simply attending a traveling carnival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and hours of the Baldwin County Fair?

The 2026 Baldwin County Fair runs from September 22 through September 26, 2026.

Tuesday through Thursday, the gates are open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday runs from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where is the Baldwin County Fair held?

The fair is held at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds, 19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale, Alabama 36567.

Robertsdale is the host city even though Bay Minette is the county seat of Baldwin County.

How much does it cost to attend the Baldwin County Fair?

For 2026, adult admission is $10 at the gate. Seniors age 65 and older, active-duty military personnel, veterans and children under 12 are admitted free.

Is there free parking at the Baldwin County Fair?

Yes. The 2026 visitor information reports free parking for attendees.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Baldwin County Fair?

The sources reviewed do not provide a confirmed 2026 outside-food and beverage policy. Because the fair has multiple concession vendors, visitors should confirm the current entrance policy with the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association before bringing outside food or drinks.

How do I enter an item in competition at the Baldwin County Fair?

The fair has historically included competitive categories covering crafts, sewing, food preparation and preservation, photography, horticulture, agronomy, art and livestock.

However, the available sources do not establish the complete 2026 entry rules, deadlines and class list. Prospective exhibitors should obtain the current 2026 fair entry information directly from the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association.

Is the Baldwin County Fair appropriate for young children?

Yes, the 2026 fair includes attractions specifically suitable for families and younger visitors. The midway added family rides including the Dizzy Dragon, Rocking Tub and small farm-tractor rides, while the petting zoo includes a range of animals.

Families should also remember that Saturday begins at 2 p.m., providing a daytime option before the evening crowds develop.

Are pets allowed at the Baldwin County Fair?

A confirmed 2026 general pet policy was not located in the sources reviewed. Visitors should not assume that household pets are permitted simply because the fair includes animal attractions. Service-animal rules and ordinary pet admission should be confirmed with the fair association.

Does the Baldwin County Fair have a demolition derby?

A demolition derby was not confirmed in the 2026 information reviewed. It should therefore not be listed as a scheduled 2026 fair attraction unless the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association publishes a specific announcement confirming one.

Who organizes the Baldwin County Fair?

The fair is organized by the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association. The organization has been associated with the county fair since its establishment in 1948.

Is camping available at the Baldwin County Fair fairgrounds?

The available 2026 sources do not confirm public RV or tent camping at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds. Visitors should contact the fair association before planning an overnight stay on the grounds.

What happens if the fair is cancelled due to weather?

A specific 2026 weather-cancellation procedure was not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Because the fair takes place outdoors and includes rides and livestock activities, weather-related decisions can affect individual attractions or operating hours. Visitors should check the Baldwin County Fair’s official communications before traveling during severe weather.

Baldwin County Fair 2026 at a Glance

The 75th Baldwin County Fair brings a 1948 tradition back to Robertsdale for five days in September 2026. It combines the agricultural identity of Baldwin County with a modern midway operated by Arnold Amusements, competitive exhibits, livestock-related activities, family rides, food and animal attractions.

The fair’s significance is tied to the particular history of Baldwin County. Agriculture remains economically important, yet the county has grown rapidly and now includes a much larger population and a broad coastal economy. The fair continues to place those two parts of Baldwin County in the same setting.

For visitors, the most important confirmed 2026 details are straightforward: September 22–26 at 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale; $10 adult admission; free admission for qualifying seniors, military members, veterans and children under 12; free parking; and evening hours Tuesday through Friday with an earlier Saturday opening.

After 75 editions, the Baldwin County Fair remains a distinctly local event—not simply because it has rides and fair food, but because its history is tied to the agricultural communities and families that have helped shape Baldwin County for generations.
Schedule

2026 fair (75th edition, now ended)

• Dates and place: The fair ran Tuesday, September 22 through Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Robertsdale Fairgrounds, 19477 Fairground Rd. The association presented it, with exhibits inside the coliseum and arena.
• Hours: Gates ran 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, until 1 a.m. Friday, and 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
• Admission: Seniors, veterans and children under 12 got in free, and everyone else paid $10. One preview said the free seniors were 65 and older and included active military. It also said parking was free and organizers expected more than 30,000 visitors.
• Midway: Arnold Amusements added three new rides for a total of 35: a rocking tub, the Dizzy Dragon and a set of small farm-tractor rides. Thrill rides included Area 51, the Cliff Hanger and the Freak Out.
• Competitions and animals: Baking, floral and other competitions were held indoors, and a petting zoo in the arena had camels, antelopes, snakes and a baby kangaroo.
• Food: Hankins said visitors come for candied apples, cotton candy and fried Oreos rather than home-style meals.
• Anniversary: The Alabama Senate resolution (SJR38) honoring the 75th anniversary was listed as passed on one legislative tracker.