Lee County Alabama Fair Schedule
The Lee County Alabama Fair is one of the established annual community fairs in east-central Alabama, bringing agricultural exhibits, 4-H livestock activities, educational displays, carnival rides, food vendors, pageants and live entertainment to Opelika. The 2026 Lee County Fair is scheduled for September 29 through October 3 at the Lee County Fairgrounds on Lafayette Parkway in Opelika. The fairgrounds were established in 1948, and the event has developed into a long-running community tradition supported by the Lee County Fair Association, the Opelika Exchange Club and local agricultural and youth organizations. The 2026 program includes five days of fair activities, with special events under the Big Tent, livestock and educational exhibits, a carnival midway operated by James Gang Amusements, and live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Fair Overview and Fast Facts
Lee County is located in east-central Alabama, with Opelika serving as the county seat and Auburn forming the other major population center of the Auburn-Opelika area. The county combines a growing urban and university-centered economy with agricultural communities, making an agricultural fair especially relevant to the region.
The Lee County Fairgrounds are located at 2408 Lafayette Parkway in Opelika, near Opelika High School. The fairgrounds have been associated with the county fair since their establishment in 1948.
The fair’s program reflects the connection between agriculture, education and community organizations. Exhibits are sponsored or supported through 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, schools, community groups, agricultural programs and other participating organizations.
| Fair Information | 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| County | Lee County, Alabama |
| County Seat | Opelika |
| Fair | Lee County Fair |
| 2026 Dates | September 29–October 3, 2026 |
| Venue | Lee County Fairgrounds |
| Address | 2408 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama |
| Fairgrounds Established | 1948 |
| Main Organizer/Association | Lee County Fair Association |
| Community Sponsor | Opelika Exchange Club |
| Carnival | James Gang Amusements |
| 4-H Livestock | Yes |
| Pageants | Yes |
| Live Music | Yes |
| Food Vendors | Yes |
| 2027 Dates | Not confirmed |
2026 Lee County Alabama Fair Schedule
The 2026 Lee County Fair runs for five days, beginning Tuesday, September 29 and closing Saturday, October 3.
The gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Tuesday is Veterans Appreciation Night and includes the Fairest of the Fair Pageant. Wednesday features the Miss Lee County Fair’s Outstanding Teen competition. Thursday through Saturday feature live music under the Big Tent.
| Date | Day | Gate Opening | Main Scheduled Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 29, 2026 | Tuesday | 4:00 PM | Veterans Appreciation Night; Fairest of the Fair Pageant at 7 PM |
| September 30, 2026 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM | Miss Lee County Fair’s Outstanding Teen at 7 PM |
| October 1, 2026 | Thursday | 6:00 PM | Alice Nelson live, 7–9 PM |
| October 2, 2026 | Friday | 6:00 PM | Jessie Lynn live, 7–9 PM |
| October 3, 2026 | Saturday | 4:00 PM | Strawberry Whine live, 7–9 PM |
The fair also includes exhibits, 4-H activities, livestock competitions, carnival rides, games and food throughout the five-day event.
2026 Fair Admission and Ticket Information
The 2026 Lee County Fair has different admission prices depending on age and eligibility.
Children under two years old are admitted free. Children ages 2–11 are listed at $4, adults ages 12–59 at $5, and seniors age 60 and older, military members with identification and first responders at $2.
Tuesday has a special admission arrangement. The gate opens at 4:00 p.m., with free admission before 6:00 p.m., while the regular Tuesday gate admission is $1 after 6:00 p.m. Veterans Appreciation Night also provides a special benefit for dependent children of veterans under age 12 when accompanied by the veteran.
| Visitor Category | 2026 Admission |
|---|---|
| Under 2 | Free |
| Ages 2–11 | $4 |
| Ages 12–59 | $5 |
| Age 60+ | $2 |
| Military with ID | $2 |
| First Responders | $2 |
| Tuesday before 6 PM | Free |
| Tuesday after 6 PM | $1 |
Admission covers entry to the fairgrounds. Carnival rides require separate ride tickets or an unlimited-ride wristband purchased through the midway.
History and Origins of the Lee County Fair
The Lee County Fairgrounds were established in 1948, giving the fair a history extending more than seven decades.
The fair developed around the agricultural, educational and community activities of Lee County and the surrounding Auburn-Opelika region. Its program has traditionally brought together agricultural exhibits, livestock, schools, youth organizations, community groups and commercial exhibitors.
The fair was not held in 2020 because of the pandemic, but the annual event subsequently returned. By 2026, the fair continues as an established part of the local autumn calendar.
The fairgrounds are managed by the Lee County Fair Association and participate in Alabama’s broader fair system. Agricultural and youth activities are supported through cooperation involving the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 4-H, FFA and related educational organizations.
Readers exploring Alabama’s county fair traditions can continue from the Lawrence County Alabama Fair Schedule to other communities with established agricultural and family-oriented fair events. The Lee County Alabama Fair Schedule provides another useful resource for finding information about a long-running Alabama fair, including its 2026 dates in Opelika, livestock and 4-H activities, exhibits, carnival rides, entertainment, pageants, and other community attractions.
Agricultural Competitions and Livestock Shows
Agriculture remains one of the most important components of the Lee County Fair. The official program describes exhibits representing livestock, agricultural, industrial and educational programs in the area.
The 2026 fair includes 4-H livestock shows, with youth exhibitors participating in organized livestock competition. The fair’s livestock program is connected with 4-H and agricultural education, giving young people an opportunity to display their work and compete for awards.
The 2026 fair program also includes horticulture competition. Plant entries must be grown by the exhibitor and must have been in the exhibitor’s possession for at least six months. Entries are scheduled for submission at the fairgrounds before the public fair opens.
Agricultural participation is not limited to livestock. The fair’s exhibit program includes community and educational displays as well as horticultural and other agricultural categories.
Fair Schedule Structure
The Lee County Fair’s schedule combines exhibits and competitions with evening entertainment. Some competitions require participants to prepare and submit entries before the public opening hours.
The 2026 fair program provides specific exhibit setup and judging periods. Agricultural, educational, community and commercial booths are installed before the public opening, while judging begins before the first evening’s public activities.
| Schedule Area | 2026 Timing |
|---|---|
| Exhibit Setup | Before public opening |
| Exhibit Judging | Begins September 29 |
| Fair Opening | September 29 at 4 PM |
| Pageant Activities | September 29–30 |
| Carnival and Midway | Throughout fair |
| Live Music | October 1–3 |
| Final Fair Day | October 3 |
| Exhibit Pickup | After fair according to department rules |
This structure allows the fair to function both as a public entertainment event and as an exhibition of agricultural, educational and community work.
Entertainment, Rides, and Midway
The carnival midway is a major part of the Lee County Fair experience. James Gang Amusements provides the rides, food vendors and midway activities for the 2026 fair.
Visitors can purchase individual ride tickets or unlimited-ride wristbands separately from general fair admission. This means that the cost of attending the fair and the cost of using the rides are not the same.
The midway also contributes food and traditional fair attractions, while local food vendors and organizations provide additional choices.
The combination of rides, games, food and evening entertainment gives the fair a traditional family-fair atmosphere while the exhibit halls and livestock activities provide the agricultural side of the event.
Open Class and Amateur Competitions
The Lee County Fair includes a broad exhibit program beyond livestock.
The exhibit hall includes booths created by FFA, FHA, schools, Scout troops, community organizations, nonprofit adult groups and commercial exhibitors. These displays allow organizations to show educational projects, community work and local products.
The 2026 fair program also includes competitions involving baked foods, horticulture, artwork and other exhibit categories.
Baked-food categories include cakes, cupcakes, breads, biscuits, cornbread, rolls, sweet breads, brownies, cookies, candy and other items. Competition rules specify that many baked entries must be made from scratch, with particular presentation and preparation requirements.
Horticulture entries must be grown by the exhibitor and meet the fair’s plant-entry requirements.
4-H and FFA Youth Programs
Youth programs are an important part of the Lee County Fair.
The fair works with 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, agricultural education programs, schools and other youth organizations. These groups can participate through livestock projects, educational exhibits and community displays.
The livestock program provides young exhibitors with practical experience in animal care, preparation, presentation and competition. The exhibit hall also gives students and youth organizations an opportunity to demonstrate projects outside the livestock arena.
The 2026 program specifically includes 4-H livestock activities and state-wide participation opportunities for eligible youth exhibitors in certain livestock competitions.
Miss Lee County Fair Pageants
Pageant activities form another important part of the 2026 fair schedule.
The Fairest of the Fair Pageant takes place Tuesday, September 29, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Miss Lee County Fair’s Outstanding Teen competition takes place Wednesday, September 30, also beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The pageant includes multiple age divisions, beginning with very young contestants and continuing through the Miss division. Winners receive trophies, and the teen winner has the opportunity to compete at the state level.
| Pageant Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fairest of the Fair Pageant | Sept. 29, 2026 | 7 PM |
| Outstanding Teen Competition | Sept. 30, 2026 | 7 PM |
Live Music and Big Tent Entertainment
Live music is scheduled for the final three evenings of the 2026 fair.
Alice Nelson performs Thursday, October 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Jessie Lynn performs Friday, October 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Strawberry Whine performs Saturday, October 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
| Date | Artist | Time |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Alice Nelson | 7–9 PM |
| October 2 | Jessie Lynn | 7–9 PM |
| October 3 | Strawberry Whine | 7–9 PM |
This evening entertainment gives visitors another reason to attend beyond the rides, food and agricultural exhibits.
Demolition Derby, Tractor Pulls, and Motorsport Events
A demolition derby is not listed as a confirmed 2026 Lee County Fair attraction.
Similarly, a tractor pull has not been identified as part of the 2026 county fair program. The fair’s emphasis is instead on livestock, agricultural exhibits, youth competitions, community displays, rides, pageants and live music.
Visitors should not assume that motorsport events appearing at other Alabama county fairs are automatically part of the Lee County Fair.
Fairgrounds Facilities and Layout
The Lee County Fairgrounds are located at 2408 Lafayette Parkway in Opelika, near Opelika High School.
The grounds contain areas for exhibit halls, agricultural displays, livestock activities, carnival attractions, food vendors and large-tent entertainment.
The exhibit hall is used by schools, agricultural organizations, community groups, nonprofit organizations, commercial exhibitors and youth organizations. The midway occupies another major part of the fairgrounds and provides rides, games and carnival food.
The grounds also host events outside the annual fair, making the property a year-round community event venue.
Getting There: Directions and Logistics
The Lee County Fairgrounds are located on Lafayette Parkway, also identified as U.S. Highway 431 North, in Opelika.
The location is convenient for residents of Opelika, Auburn and surrounding Lee County communities. The fairgrounds are close to Opelika High School and are accessible from the major roads serving the Auburn-Opelika area.
During fair week, visitors should expect increased traffic around the grounds, particularly during the evening hours and on Saturday. The fair has an organized parking crew to assist visitors with parking and traffic movement.
Food Vendors and Fair Food
Food is an important part of the Lee County Fair experience.
The 2026 fair includes the fairground concession stand operated by VFW Post 5404, LA Food Truck & Catering and midway concessions. James Gang Amusements also provides food vendors as part of its midway operation.
Visitors can therefore find both traditional carnival food and additional local food options.
Because the fairgrounds have multiple food providers, visitors do not have to rely solely on the midway for refreshments.
Pets and Fairground Rules
The 2026 fairground rules state that pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds, with an exception for certified service dogs.
The fairgrounds also prohibit weapons on the property.
Visitors should follow the posted fairground rules when entering the event, especially because the fair includes children, livestock, carnival equipment and large evening crowds.
Volunteer and Vendor Opportunities
The Lee County Fair depends on participation from agricultural groups, schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and commercial exhibitors.
Organizations wishing to create an exhibit booth can apply through the Lee County Extension Service using the fair’s booth application process.
The exhibit program provides opportunities for FFA, FHA, schools, Scout troops, community groups, nonprofit organizations and commercial exhibitors to display their work.
Food vendors and midway concessions are handled separately from exhibit booths.
Economic and Community Impact
The Lee County Fair brings together agricultural producers, students, families, community organizations, local businesses and visitors from throughout the Auburn-Opelika area.
Its economic activity comes from several sources, including admission, carnival rides, food purchases, vendor activity and spending associated with visitors attending the fair.
The event also creates opportunities for local organizations to raise funds and promote their programs. Youth exhibitors gain a public setting for agricultural and educational projects, while businesses and community groups can interact directly with residents.
The fair therefore serves both an entertainment purpose and a community-exhibition purpose.
Comparing the Lee County Fair to Nearby Alabama Fairs
The Lee County Fair is distinct from larger regional fairs elsewhere in Alabama because of its close connection with Opelika, Auburn and Lee County’s educational and agricultural organizations.
Its program combines 4-H livestock activities, educational exhibits, community booths, pageants, a carnival midway and live music.
Nearby county and regional fairs may place greater emphasis on particular attractions such as rodeos, demolition derbies, tractor pulls or larger livestock programs. Those features should not be assumed to be part of the Lee County Fair unless they appear in its current schedule.
The Lee County Fair’s established 1948 fairground history and strong involvement from youth and community organizations are central features of its identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the Lee County Alabama Fair in 2026?
The 2026 Lee County Fair runs from Tuesday, September 29 through Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Where is the Lee County Fair held?
The fair is held at the Lee County Fairgrounds, 2408 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama, near Opelika High School.
What time does the Lee County Fair open?
The gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 4:00 p.m. Saturday.
How much does the Lee County Fair cost?
For 2026, admission is $4 for ages 2–11, $5 for ages 12–59, and $2 for seniors 60 and older, military members with ID and first responders. Children under two are free.
Tuesday has special pricing, with free admission before 6:00 p.m. and $1 gate admission after 6:00 p.m.
Are rides included with admission?
No. General admission covers entry to the fairgrounds. Ride tickets and unlimited-ride wristbands are purchased separately at the midway.
Is there free parking?
The fair provides parking assistance, but a specific separate parking fee is not listed as part of the 2026 admission information. Visitors should follow the parking crew’s instructions when arriving.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
The fair has multiple food vendors and concession providers. A specific general outside-food policy is not clearly stated in the published 2026 information, so visitors should check the current fairground rules before bringing outside food or drinks.
How do I enter an exhibit?
Exhibitors should follow the 2026 fair program and the relevant department’s entry requirements. Booth exhibitors use the fair’s application process through the Lee County Extension Service.
Are there livestock competitions?
Yes. The 2026 Lee County Fair includes 4-H livestock activities and agricultural competitions.
Are there 4-H and FFA activities?
Yes. 4-H, FFA and other educational organizations participate in the fair through livestock activities and exhibits.
Does the Lee County Fair have a demolition derby?
A demolition derby is not confirmed as part of the 2026 Lee County Fair program.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds except for certified service dogs.
Is the fair suitable for children?
The fair includes carnival rides, games, livestock activities, pageants, food and family-oriented entertainment, making children an important part of the event’s audience.
Who organizes the Lee County Fair?
The Lee County Fairgrounds are managed by the Lee County Fair Association, with the fair also supported by the Opelika Exchange Club and agricultural and educational organizations.
Is camping available?
No 2026 camping program has been confirmed as part of the Lee County Fair.
What happens if the fair is cancelled because of weather?
The published 2026 information does not establish a detailed weather-cancellation schedule. Any cancellation, postponement or change would need to be announced by the fair organizers.
Final Schedule Status for Lee County Alabama
The Lee County Alabama Fair Schedule 2026 is clearly established for September 29 through October 3, 2026, making Lee County one of the Alabama counties with a confirmed current fair calendar. The event takes place at the Lee County Fairgrounds in Opelika and combines agriculture, youth programs, community exhibits, entertainment and carnival attractions.
The 2026 schedule begins Tuesday, September 29, with Veterans Appreciation Night and the Fairest of the Fair Pageant. Wednesday features the Miss Lee County Fair’s Outstanding Teen competition, followed by live music from Alice Nelson on Thursday, Jessie Lynn on Friday and Strawberry Whine on Saturday.
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