DeKalb County Alabama Fair Schedule
The DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair returns to Fort Payne, Alabama, for its 71st annual fair from October 16 through October 24, 2026. Sponsored by DeKalb County VFW Post 3128, the fair combines agricultural competitions, livestock shows, creative exhibits, carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment, and family activities. The 2026 fair is also scheduled to be the fair’s longest edition yet, running for nine days. This year’s theme is “Happy 250th Birthday, America!” and the fairgrounds will feature the Kissel Entertainment midway along with livestock and agricultural events throughout the week. The information below focuses on the officially published 2026 schedule and explains what is currently known about the 2027 fair.
DeKalb County Alabama Fair Quick Facts
| Detail | 2026 Information |
|---|---|
| Fair Name | DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair |
| Annual Edition | 71st Annual Fair |
| 2026 Dates | October 16–24, 2026 |
| Location | Fort Payne, Alabama |
| Fairgrounds | DeKalb County VFW Post 3128 |
| Address | 151 18th Street NE, Fort Payne, AL 35968 |
| Organizer | DeKalb County VFW Post 3128 |
| Theme | Happy 250th Birthday, America! |
| Midway | Kissel Entertainment |
| Gate Admission | $5 for ages 6 and older |
| Children | Under 6 free when accompanied by an adult |
| Parking | $5 |
| Midway Tickets | $1.50 each or 22 for $30, plus tax |
| 2027 Dates | Not yet published in the sources reviewed |
When Is the DeKalb County Alabama Fair in 2026?
The 2026 DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair is scheduled for Friday, October 16 through Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Fort Payne.
The 71st annual edition is particularly notable because organizers describe it as their longest fair ever, with nine days of rides, agricultural events, livestock shows, entertainment, exhibits, and special promotional days.
The fairgrounds are located at DeKalb County VFW Post 3128, 151 18th Street NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968.
The official 2026 catalog lists $5 general admission for visitors age 6 and older, while children under 6 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Fairground parking is listed at $5.
DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair History
The DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair has a long-running connection with Fort Payne and the surrounding community. The 2026 event is identified as the 71st annual fair, while the 2025 catalog identified that year’s event as the 70th annual fair.
The fair is sponsored by DeKalb County VFW Post 3128, a nonprofit veterans organization and member of the Association of Alabama Fairs. The VFW credits cooperation from the DeKalb County Extension Service, agricultural and home economics teachers, local businesses, schools, the City of Fort Payne, and other community organizations for helping the fair continue over the years.
The fair also has an agricultural and educational purpose beyond its midway attractions. Its exhibits allow residents and young people to display livestock, farm products, flowers, baked goods, artwork, photography, crafts, sewing, and other work.
The City of Fort Payne and DeKalb County Commission have also recognized the fair as an important part of the local community, bringing residents together while promoting schools, county organizations, agriculture, and the local economy.
For readers exploring Alabama’s county fair traditions, the Dallas County Alabama Fair Schedule offers information about the Central Alabama Fair in Selma, including its exhibits, carnival activities, community events, and agricultural traditions. Those interested in another long-running Alabama fair can also explore the DeKalb County Alabama Fair Schedule for details about the Fort Payne fair, including livestock shows, 4-H activities, midway rides, exhibits, special events, and family entertainment.
2026 DeKalb County Fair Daily Schedule
The official 2026 fair catalog provides the following schedule. Times and activities should be checked against the fair’s website before traveling because individual entertainment listings can be updated.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Horse & Mule Show: 6:30 PM
Armband: $30
The fair opens Friday evening with the Horse & Mule Show at 6:30 PM. The first night also begins the nine-day midway and fair entertainment schedule.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Gates open: 1:00 PM
Open Beef Show: 1:00 PM
Alabama Show Bird: 6:00–9:00 AM
Armband: $30
Saturday brings a major livestock focus, including the Open Beef Show. The Alabama Show Bird event is scheduled earlier in the day.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Gates open: 1:00 PM
Poultry Show: 7:00 AM–1:00 PM
Latin Night: Entertainment and dancing
Armband: $30
Sunday combines agricultural activities with a special Latin Night featuring entertainment and dancing.
Monday, October 19, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Mommy Monday
Lamb Show: 6:00 PM
Armband: $30
The 2026 catalog lists Mommy Monday, under which a mother or guardian receives a free armband when purchasing a child’s armband. Both must be present at the time of purchase.
The Youth Lamb Show begins at 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Veterans Appreciation Day
Rabbit Show & Costume Contest: 5:30 PM
Veteran armband: $5 with ID
Veteran gate admission: Free with ID
Regular armband: $25
Tuesday is dedicated in part to veterans. Veterans with identification receive free gate admission and can purchase an armband for $5.
The evening also includes the 4-H Rabbit Show and Costume Contest at 5:30 PM.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Student Day
Dairy Goat Show: 5:00 PM
Armband: $25
Student Day provides a discount on the ride armband. The catalog states that students receive $5 off a $25 armband.
The Dairy Goat Show is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
Thursday, October 20, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Veterans Appreciation Day
Rabbit Show & Costume Contest: 5:30 PM
Veteran armband: $5 with ID
Veteran gate admission: Free with ID
Regular armband: $25
Tuesday is dedicated in part to veterans. Veterans with identification receive free gate admission and can purchase an armband for $5.
The evening also includes the 4-H Rabbit Show and Costume Contest at 5:30 PM.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Student Day
Dairy Goat Show: 5:00 PM
Armband: $25
Student Day provides a discount on the ride armband. The catalog states that students receive $5 off a $25 armband.
The Dairy Goat Show is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Meat Goat Show: 5:00 PM
Armband Day: Buy One, Get One Free
Armband: $30
Thursday features a Buy One, Get One Free armband promotion. Both people must be present when purchasing the armbands.
The Meat Goat Show begins at 5:00 PM.
Friday, October 23, 2026
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Demo Dog Shows: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Armband: $30
Friday evening features three scheduled Demo Dog Show performances. This gives visitors another type of entertainment alongside the midway and fair exhibits.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Gates open: 1:00 PM
4-H Chick Chain Show: 11:00 AM
Armband: $30
The final Saturday includes the Alabama 4-H Chick Chain Project. The 2026 Chick Chain schedule lists registration from 8:00–10:00 AM, the show from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, an awards ceremony from 2:00–3:00 PM, and an auction beginning at 3:00 PM.
2026 Admission, Parking and Midway Prices
The official fair information lists:
- Gate admission: $5 for ages 6 and older
- Children under 6: Free when accompanied by an adult
- Fairground parking: $5
- Midway: Kissel Entertainment
- Ride tickets: $1.50 each plus tax
- 22 ride tickets: $30 plus tax
- Armbands: Prices vary by day, generally $25 or $30
Several special promotional days are included in the 2026 schedule, so families planning to ride multiple attractions may want to check the specific day’s armband offer.
Carnival Rides and Midway
The midway is operated by Kissel Entertainment. Visitors can purchase individual ride tickets or take advantage of unlimited-ride armbands on designated days.
The 2026 fair is expected to have an expanded midway because the fair chairman’s message says organizers are looking to expand the footprint and bring in more rides for visitors.
The midway also includes traditional fair games and attractions. The official fair website describes the midway as a popular part of the event, with rides for different age groups and games of chance along the fairgrounds.
Agricultural Exhibits and Competitions
Agriculture remains one of the central parts of the DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair.
The 2026 catalog includes competitions and exhibits covering:
- Agriculture
- Baking
- Canning
- Flowers
- Art
- Photography
- LEGO™
- Handicrafts
- Needlework
- Scarecrows
- School booths
- Club and organization booths
- 4-H exhibits
- Livestock
These competitions give local residents an opportunity to display their skills and products and allow fair visitors to see the agricultural and creative work produced throughout the region.
2026 Exhibit Entry Dates
For individual exhibits in Art, Photography, LEGO™, Handicrafts, Needlework, Agriculture, Baking, Canning, and Flowers, the official fair information lists:
October 10–11, 2026
8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Judging is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026.
The fair chairman’s message also explains that, beginning in 2026, the fair moved to one weekend for all entries, covering both perishable and non-perishable categories.
School, Club and Community Booths
Schools, clubs, scouts, homemakers, and similar organizations can participate through booth competitions.
For the 2026 competition:
- Booths in Divisions 1–8 must be pre-registered.
- The pre-registration deadline is September 30, 2026.
- Booth setup is scheduled for October 8–11.
- The final booth completion deadline is 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 11.
Scarecrow entries also require pre-registration, with the 2026 deadline listed as September 30.
These displays help make the fair more than a midway event by showcasing organizations, educational groups, community projects, and local creativity.
Livestock Shows at the 2026 DeKalb County Fair
Livestock competitions are a major feature of the fair and take place throughout the week.
The 2026 schedule includes:
- Horse & Mule Show
- Open Beef Show
- Poultry Show
- Lamb Show
- Rabbit Show
- Dairy Goat Show
- Meat Goat Show
- 4-H Chick Chain
- Other livestock and agricultural exhibits
Open Beef Show
The Open Beef Show is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The published rules state that exhibitors from surrounding states, including Georgia and Tennessee, are eligible to participate. The competition includes heifers, steers, showmanship, and breed classes.
The show also includes youth showmanship divisions ranging from Pee Wee through Senior II.
Youth Lamb Show
The Youth Lamb Show is scheduled for Monday, October 19 at 6:00 PM.
The show includes youth competition and a market lamb division. The published rules state that market lambs may include wethers and ewes and are shown by weight.
4-H Rabbit Show and Costume Contest
The 4-H Rabbit Show and Costume Contest is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 at 5:30 PM.
The costume contest is optional, making this one of the more family-oriented livestock activities during the fair.
Dairy Goat and Meat Goat Shows
The Dairy Goat Show takes place Wednesday, October 21 at 5:00 PM.
The Meat Goat Show takes place Thursday, October 22 at 5:00 PM.
4-H Chick Chain Project
The Alabama 4-H Chick Chain Project concludes at the fair on Saturday, October 24.
The 2026 schedule is:
- Registration: 8:00–10:00 AM
- Show: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Awards: 2:00–3:00 PM
- Auction: 3:00 PM
The project teaches participating 4-H members poultry management, record keeping, business skills, and animal care.
Live Entertainment
Entertainment is planned throughout the fair.
The 2026 catalog lists nightly entertainment, although several individual performers are marked TBA in the published schedule.
One entertainment feature identified for the week is the Pompeyo Family Dog Show. The schedule also includes the Demo Dog Shows on Friday, October 23.
Other special entertainment includes:
- Latin Night with entertainment and dancing
- Nightly stage entertainment
- Demo Dog Shows
- Pompeyo Family Dog Show
- Livestock-related demonstrations and activities
Because the fair’s catalog leaves some entertainment slots as TBA, visitors should check the official website for the latest lineup before attending.
Fair Food and Vendors
Traditional fair food is part of the DeKalb County VFW Fair experience. The official fair website highlights popular favorites such as:
- Funnel cakes
- Caramel apples
- Corn dogs
- Cotton candy
- Other carnival-style foods
Commercial and special exhibitors can also participate in designated fair spaces. The 2026 competition rules include requirements for commercial booths, including setup and removal schedules.
4-H and Youth Activities
Youth participation is an important part of the fair’s agricultural program.
The event includes:
- 4-H rabbit competition
- Rabbit costume contest
- Youth lamb competition
- Youth livestock showmanship
- Chick Chain Project
- School and youth organization booths
- Agriculture and educational exhibits
These activities give young participants an opportunity to develop skills in animal care, agriculture, presentation, record keeping, and competition.
Veterans Appreciation Day
The 2026 fair specifically includes Veterans Appreciation Day on Tuesday, October 20.
Veterans with identification receive:
- Free gate admission
- $5 ride armband
The promotion is part of the fair’s connection with its sponsoring VFW organization.
Student Day
Wednesday, October 21 is Student Day.
Students receive $5 off a $25 ride armband, according to the 2026 fair catalog. The Dairy Goat Show is also scheduled for that evening.
Mommy Monday
Monday, October 19 is listed as Mommy Monday.
The promotion allows a mother or guardian to receive a free armband when purchasing a child’s armband. The fair’s published terms state that both people must be present at the time of purchase.
Armband Day
Thursday, October 22 is Armband Day.
The published offer is:
Buy one $30 armband and get one free.
Both people must be present at the time of purchase, and the two armbands cannot be treated as separate sales under the promotion.
Where Is the DeKalb County VFW Fair Held?
The fair is held at:
DeKalb County VFW Post 3128
151 18th Street NE
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Fort Payne is the county seat of DeKalb County and is located in northeastern Alabama.
Visitors should use the official fair address when planning their trip because the fairgrounds, rather than a general downtown location, are the destination.
What to Expect at the Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds bring several different parts of the event together, including:
- Carnival midway
- Livestock areas
- Agricultural exhibits
- Creative arts displays
- School and community booths
- Commercial exhibits
- Food vendors
- Entertainment areas
- Parking
Because livestock shows and exhibit competitions take place at different times, visitors interested in a particular competition should check the daily schedule rather than assuming all exhibits occur simultaneously.
How to Participate in the DeKalb County Fair
Residents and exhibitors can participate through individual competitions, livestock shows, school and organization booths, and 4-H programs.
The 2026 rules specifically provide opportunities for the general public to enter individual exhibits. Categories include art, photography, LEGO™, handicrafts, needlework, agriculture, baking, canning, and flowers.
Livestock exhibitors should review the individual show rules because requirements vary by animal and competition. Some shows require health documentation, registration information, entry fees, or specific arrival times.
For example, the 2026 Open Beef Show states that health papers are required for animals crossing state lines.
2026 Fair Planning Dates
Visitors and exhibitors can use the following important dates when preparing for the 2026 fair:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2026 | Pre-registration deadline for school/club/community booths and scarecrows |
| October 6, 2026 | Scarecrow deadline |
| October 8–11 | Booth setup period |
| October 10–11 | Individual exhibit entries, 8 AM–4 PM |
| October 12 | Exhibit judging |
| October 16 | Fair opens |
| October 17 | Open Beef Show |
| October 18 | Poultry Show and Latin Night |
| October 19 | Mommy Monday and Youth Lamb Show |
| October 20 | Veterans Appreciation Day and Rabbit Show |
| October 21 | Student Day and Dairy Goat Show |
| October 22 | Armband Day and Meat Goat Show |
| October 23 | Demo Dog Shows |
| October 24 | 4-H Chick Chain and final day |
DeKalb County Fair 2026 Schedule at a Glance
For visitors who want the schedule in a shorter format:
Friday, Oct. 16: Fair opens, Horse & Mule Show
Saturday, Oct. 17: Open Beef Show, Alabama Show Bird
Sunday, Oct. 18: Poultry Show, Latin Night
Monday, Oct. 19: Mommy Monday, Lamb Show
Tuesday, Oct. 20: Veterans Appreciation Day, Rabbit Show & Costume Contest
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Student Day, Dairy Goat Show
Thursday, Oct. 22: Buy-One-Get-One Armband Day, Meat Goat Show
Friday, Oct. 23: Demo Dog Shows
Saturday, Oct. 24: 4-H Chick Chain, final day
The 2026 event is confirmed as the 71st annual fair, so future editions are expected to continue the established annual tradition, but the exact 2027 schedule, admission prices, entertainment, midway arrangements, and special-day promotions should be treated as pending until officially announced.
DeKalb County Fair Schedule FAQs
When is the DeKalb County Alabama Fair in 2026?
The DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair is scheduled for October 16–24, 2026, in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Where is the DeKalb County VFW Fair held?
The fair is held at DeKalb County VFW Post 3128, 151 18th Street NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968.
How much is admission to the DeKalb County Fair?
The 2026 general admission price is $5 for visitors age 6 and older. Children under 6 are free when accompanied by an adult.
How much is parking?
Fairground parking is listed at $5 for the 2026 fair.
Who provides the carnival rides?
Kissel Entertainment operates the midway.
How much are ride tickets?
The 2026 fair lists individual ride tickets at $1.50 each plus tax, or 22 tickets for $30 plus tax.
Are there unlimited ride armbands?
Yes. The 2026 schedule includes $25 and $30 armband days, along with special promotions such as Student Day and Buy-One-Get-One Armband Day.
Is there a livestock show?
Yes. Livestock events include beef, poultry, lamb, rabbit, dairy goat, meat goat, horse and mule events, and the 4-H Chick Chain.
Is there a 4-H program?
Yes. The fair includes several 4-H activities, including the Rabbit Show, Chick Chain Project, and other youth agricultural competitions.
What is Veterans Appreciation Day?
Veterans Appreciation Day is Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Veterans with ID receive free gate admission and can purchase a $5 armband.
When is Student Day?
Student Day is Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Students receive $5 off a $25 armband under the published promotion.
When is the final day of the 2026 fair?
The final day is Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Tips for Visiting the DeKalb County Fair
If you are planning a family visit, checking the schedule before arriving can help you choose the best day. Families interested primarily in rides can look at the armband promotions, while agriculture enthusiasts may want to plan around the beef, poultry, lamb, goat, rabbit, or 4-H events.
Visitors should also remember that the fair has both a $5 admission charge and $5 parking charge listed for 2026. Ride costs are separate unless an armband promotion applies.
Those interested in entering an exhibit should review the official competition rules before bringing an item to the fairgrounds. Entry dates, pre-registration requirements, livestock health requirements, and judging dates vary between categories.
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