Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule
The Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule for 2026 is one of the clearer county-fair calendars in northern Alabama. The Jackson County Fair Association has announced its 90th Annual Fall Agricultural Fair for Tuesday, August 25 through Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds in Scottsboro. The fair combines agricultural exhibitions, livestock activities, youth and adult competitions, carnival rides, commercial vendors, food, and community entertainment. The association also operates a separate spring carnival, making Jackson County unusual among Alabama counties in having both a spring and fall fairground event.
Jackson County Alabama Fair Quick Facts
| Fair Information | 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Fair | Jackson County Fall Agricultural Fair |
| County | Jackson County |
| State | Alabama |
| County Seat | Scottsboro |
| 2026 Fall Fair Dates | August 25–29, 2026 |
| Fairground | Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds |
| Fairground Address | 220 Cecil Street, Scottsboro, Alabama |
| 2026 Fair Edition | 90th Annual Fall Agricultural Fair |
| Organizer | Jackson County Fair Association |
| Carnival | K&S Southern Midways |
| Admission | $5 cash discount for ages 6+; $5.25 card-only gate |
| Ages 5 and under | Free |
| Rides | Available during fair |
| Livestock | 2026 Open Youth Beef Livestock Show |
| Individual Exhibits | No-cost entry |
| Pets | Not allowed, except ADA-recognized service animals |
| 2027 Dates | Not yet confirmed |
2026 Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule
The main 2026 fall fair runs for five days, from Tuesday through Saturday.
| Date | Day | Main Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| August 25, 2026 | Tuesday | Fair opening, exhibits, carnival rides and evening activities |
| August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Agricultural exhibits, competitions, rides and fair activities |
| August 27, 2026 | Thursday | Exhibits, livestock-related activities, rides and community fair attractions |
| August 28, 2026 | Friday | Fair activities, vendors, exhibits and extended evening ride hours |
| August 29, 2026 | Saturday | Final fair day, exhibits, rides, vendors and evening activities |
The association lists admission gates from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday, and 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday. Ride hours are listed as 6:00–10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, approximately 6:00 p.m. to midnight Friday, and approximately 4:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Weather, attendance and other unforeseen circumstances can affect operating times.
2026 Spring Carnival
Jackson County also has a separate spring event organized by the same fair association. The 2026 Spring Carnival is scheduled for May 27–30, 2026 at the Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds.
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Spring Carnival |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Spring Carnival |
| May 29, 2026 | Friday | Spring Carnival |
| May 30, 2026 | Saturday | Spring Carnival |
The spring carnival should not be confused with the five-day Fall Agricultural Fair in August. The two events use the same fairgrounds and are organized by the Jackson County Fair Association.
History of the Jackson County Fair
The Jackson County Fair Association has a long-established role in Scottsboro. The association was incorporated in 1949 and is made up of members of American Legion Post 30, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6073, and their respective auxiliaries.
The association’s work is carried out by volunteers. Its events have traditionally served two purposes: providing residents with a community fair experience while generating funds for local programs.
The 2026 event is identified as the 90th Annual Fall Agricultural Fair, reflecting the longstanding agricultural-fair tradition in Jackson County.
Readers searching for the Houston County Alabama Fair Schedule can also explore the Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule to compare two different county-fair traditions across Alabama. While Houston County’s fair history is closely connected with Dothan and the Wiregrass region, Jackson County’s current fair program in Scottsboro includes a clearly scheduled fall agricultural fair with livestock activities, individual competitions, carnival rides, food, vendors, and family entertainment. Looking at both schedules gives visitors a broader view of how Alabama county fairs differ in their dates, agricultural programs, attractions, and community traditions.
Agricultural Competitions at the Fair
Agriculture remains at the center of the fall fair. The 2026 program accepts individual exhibits in several agricultural and household categories.
These include hay and forage grasses, garden crops and honey, food preservation, baked goods, needlework and quilting, handicrafts, woodworking, art, arts and crafts, amateur photography and flower displays.
The fair also includes competitive youth and adult divisions. Individual exhibit entries are offered at no cost, and premium awards are available for first, second and third places.
2026 Open Youth Beef Livestock Show
Livestock is an important part of the Jackson County fair program. The 2026 fair includes an Open Youth Beef Livestock Show, with registration required by August 22, 2026.
The cattle show gives young exhibitors an opportunity to participate in an agricultural competition as part of the larger county fair.
Because livestock activities can have separate registration requirements from general fair exhibits, participants should follow the specific cattle-show registration instructions rather than assuming that general exhibit registration covers livestock.
Open Class and Amateur Competitions
The Jackson County fair provides a broad range of open competitions rather than limiting exhibits to professional agricultural producers.
Youth and adults can compete in areas including:
| Competition Area | 2026 Status |
|---|---|
| Agricultural products | Available |
| Hay and forage grasses | Available |
| Garden crops | Available |
| Honey | Available |
| Canning and food preservation | Available |
| Baked goods | Available |
| Needlework | Available |
| Quilting | Available |
| Handicrafts | Available |
| Woodworking | Available |
| Art | Available |
| Arts and crafts | Available |
| Amateur photography | Available |
| Flower show | Available |
| Scarecrow competition | Available |
| Feature exhibit booths | Available |
Scarecrow competitions and feature exhibit booths require pre-registration.
Individual Exhibit Entry Dates
The fair provides dedicated days for competitors to bring their individual exhibits to the fairgrounds.
| Date | Day | Exhibit Entry Time |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2026 | Friday | 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| August 22, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Entries must be the work of the person entering them. Competitive divisions are open to Jackson County residents, surrounding counties and neighboring states.
Professional Baked Goods Competition
The 2026 fair also includes two baked-goods classes specifically intended for professionals to demonstrate decorating skills.
This creates a distinction between the general amateur competition and professional participation. Anyone entering baked goods should therefore check the relevant class requirements before submitting an exhibit.
Carnival Rides and Midway
Carnival rides are an important part of the Jackson County Fall Agricultural Fair. K&S Southern Midways is identified as the carnival provider for the 2026 event.
The rides are scheduled to begin at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.
| Day | Listed Ride Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 6:00 p.m.–midnight approximately |
| Saturday | 4:30 p.m.–midnight approximately |
Ride operating times are not guaranteed. Lightning, high winds and other severe weather can result in rides being temporarily shut down for safety.
Admission Prices for the 2026 Fair
The 2026 Jackson County Fair has different admission prices depending on the payment method.
For guests age six and older, the cash gates offer a $5 discounted admission price, while the credit-card-only gate charges $5.25.
Children five and under can enter free. The association also provides free admission for wheelchair-bound guests and one companion, as well as people who served in the military and first responders when appropriate identification is presented.
| Visitor | 2026 Admission |
|---|---|
| Age 5 and under | Free |
| Age 6+ cash gate | $5 |
| Age 6+ card-only gate | $5.25 |
| Wheelchair-bound guest + one companion | Free |
| Military service member with ID | Free |
| First responder with ID | Free |
The admission gate is for entry only. Guests who want to leave and return on the same day must follow the fairground’s re-entry procedure and obtain a re-entry ticket.
Fairground Location
The Jackson County Fall Agricultural Fair takes place at the Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds in Scottsboro.
The physical fairground address is:
220 Cecil Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768
The fairground is located within Scottsboro, making it accessible to residents from across Jackson County and visitors traveling into the county from surrounding communities.
Fairground Facilities and Layout
The Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds includes areas for commercial vendors, exhibits, concessions and carnival activity.
The commercial building opens with the admission gates and closes at 9:30 p.m. each night. The exhibit building follows the admission-gate schedule.
The grounds also have designated exit gates to help manage visitor movement and re-entry.
Because the fair uses several activity areas rather than a single building, visitors attending competitions may need to visit different sections of the fairgrounds during their trip.
Food and Concessions
Food and concessions form part of the fairground experience, particularly during the evening carnival period.
The fair’s commercial and concession areas operate alongside the rides and exhibit buildings. Individual food vendors may have different menus and prices.
The published fair rules should be checked before bringing outside food or beverages because policies can vary by event and facility.
Pets and Fairground Rules
The Jackson County Fair Association has a specific pet policy for the fairgrounds.
Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds. ADA-recognized service animals are the exception.
The fair also has restrictions on weapons and certain recreational items such as bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards and other rideable items.
These rules are intended to help manage a busy family event where large numbers of visitors are moving between rides, exhibits and vendors.
Weather and Ride Safety
Weather can affect the Jackson County Fair schedule, particularly carnival rides.
The fair association specifically states that adverse conditions such as lightning or high winds can result in rides being shut down for guest safety. Admission and ride operating times are also not guaranteed.
This means visitors planning to attend mainly for carnival rides should be prepared for temporary interruptions if severe weather moves through Scottsboro.
Vendor Opportunities
Commercial vendor spaces are available at the Jackson County Fall Agricultural Fair.
For 2026, a single commercial booth space is listed as 8 feet wide for $75, while two adjoining spaces cost $125 for the duration of the five-night fair.
The rental fee covers the fair period but does not include tables, chairs or partitions. Vendors receive two free gate passes.
The fair also provides an opportunity for local businesses, artisans, food sellers and community organizations to interact directly with visitors.
Volunteer and Community Support
The Jackson County Fair Association operates through volunteers associated with American Legion Post 30, VFW Post 6073 and their auxiliaries.
The association uses proceeds from its spring and fall events to support community programs and education. Examples include agricultural and farm-animal contest awards, exhibit payouts, assistance for veterans, scholarships for local high-school students and other community services.
This makes the fair more than a seasonal entertainment event. Its proceeds are connected to community and educational activities in Jackson County.
4-H, Youth and Agricultural Education
Youth participation is strongly represented through agricultural competitions and the Open Youth Beef Livestock Show.
County-fair competitions give young people an opportunity to demonstrate practical skills, present agricultural projects and compete for awards.
The fair’s agricultural categories also connect young exhibitors with broader farming and rural traditions in Jackson County.
Demolition Derby, Tractor Pulls and Motorsport Events
The 2026 Jackson County Alabama Fall Agricultural Fair schedule does not list a demolition derby or tractor pull among the confirmed major attractions.
Visitors should not confuse Jackson County, Alabama, with Jackson County fairs in other states that advertise demolition derbies, monster trucks or tractor pulls.
The Scottsboro fair’s 2026 program places greater emphasis on agricultural exhibits, livestock, carnival rides, competitions, vendors and community activities.
Camping and Overnight Stays
The Jackson County Fair Association’s published 2026 fair information does not establish a public camping program at the fairgrounds.
Visitors coming from outside Scottsboro should therefore make separate accommodation arrangements unless the association announces temporary camping availability.
The fair is concentrated into five evenings, so visitors traveling from nearby counties may also choose to attend for a single evening rather than stay overnight.
Comparing the Spring Carnival and Fall Agricultural Fair
Jackson County has two distinct annual events at its veterans fairgrounds.
| Feature | Spring Carnival | Fall Agricultural Fair |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Dates | May 27–30 | August 25–29 |
| Duration | 4 days | 5 days |
| Main Character | Carnival/community event | Agricultural fair |
| Agricultural Exhibits | Limited/not the main focus | Major component |
| Livestock | Not the main focus | Open Youth Beef Livestock Show |
| Individual Exhibits | Not the main focus | Extensive youth and adult divisions |
| Carnival Rides | Yes | Yes |
| Organizer | Jackson County Fair Association | Jackson County Fair Association |
For visitors primarily interested in agriculture, exhibits and livestock, the August Fall Agricultural Fair is the more relevant event.
2027 Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule
The 2027 Jackson County Alabama Fair dates have not yet been confirmed.
Because the association has an established annual fall fair tradition, visitors can watch for the next official schedule, but an exact 2027 date should not be presented until announced.
| Year | Event Status |
|---|---|
| 2026 | August 25–29 confirmed |
| 2027 | Dates not yet confirmed |
The 2027 Spring Carnival dates are also not confirmed in the currently available schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the 2026 Jackson County Alabama Fair?
The 2026 Jackson County Fall Agricultural Fair runs from Tuesday, August 25 through Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Where is the Jackson County Fair held?
The fair is held at the Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds, 220 Cecil Street, Scottsboro, Alabama.
How much does admission cost?
For guests age six and older, admission is $5 when paying cash at the discounted gates or $5.25 at the card-only gate. Children age five and under enter free.
Are there free admission categories?
Yes. The association lists free admission for children five and under, wheelchair-bound guests and one companion, military service members with identification, and first responders with identification.
What time does the fair open?
Admission gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with Friday extending to 11:00 p.m. On Saturday, gates open at 4:00 p.m. and remain open until 11:00 p.m.
What time do the rides operate?
Rides are scheduled from 6:00–10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, approximately 6:00 p.m. to midnight Friday, and approximately 4:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
Can I enter an item in a competition?
Yes. The fair accepts youth and adult entries in agricultural products, baked goods, food preservation, crafts, woodworking, art, photography, flowers and other categories. Individual exhibits have no entry fee.
When are individual exhibits accepted?
Individual exhibits are accepted on Friday, August 21, from 2:00–6:00 p.m., and Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Does the fair have a livestock show?
Yes. The 2026 program includes an Open Youth Beef Livestock Show, with registration required by August 22.
Does the Jackson County Fair have a demolition derby?
A demolition derby is not listed as a confirmed 2026 Jackson County Alabama Fair attraction.
Does the fair have a tractor pull?
A tractor pull is not listed as a confirmed 2026 attraction.
Are carnival rides available?
Yes. Carnival rides are scheduled throughout the five-day fall fair, with longer operating hours on Friday and Saturday.
Are pets allowed?
No. The fairground policy states that pets are not allowed. ADA-recognized service animals are permitted.
Is parking free?
The published 2026 fair information does not establish a separate parking charge, so visitors should check current fairground instructions when attending.
Can vendors participate?
Yes. Commercial vendor spaces are available, with 2026 rates listed at $75 for one 8-foot space or $125 for two adjoining spaces for the five-night fair.
Is camping available?
A public camping program at the fairgrounds has not been confirmed in the 2026 fair information.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect the operating schedule. Lightning and high winds may cause rides to shut down for safety, and admission and ride times are not guaranteed.
Who organizes the Jackson County Alabama Fair?
The fair is organized by the Jackson County Fair Association, which is made up of members of American Legion Post 30, VFW Post 6073 and their respective auxiliaries.
Final Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule Summary
The Jackson County Alabama Fair Schedule 2026 is centered on the 90th Annual Fall Agricultural Fair from August 25–29, 2026, at the Jackson County Veterans Fairgrounds in Scottsboro. The event combines agricultural exhibits, youth and adult competitions, an Open Youth Beef Livestock Show, carnival rides, vendors and community activities.
The fair also has a separate Spring Carnival from May 27–30, 2026, giving Jackson County two major annual fairground events. For visitors planning their trip, the August Fall Agricultural Fair is the main agricultural event and provides the largest range of exhibits and competitions.
The 2027 fair dates have not yet been announced, but the established annual structure provides a strong historical framework for future scheduling.
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