April 2026 · America250

Washington County Fair 2026

Rodeo, concerts, demolition derby, livestock, and the America250 Founders Festival at Legacy Park in Hurricane, Utah

Quick Facts

Dates
April 10-19, 2026 (multi-day)
Location
Legacy Park, Hurricane, Utah
Admission
$5-$10 · kids under 5 free
Hours
Gates open daily · night events

The Washington County Fair 2026 returns to Washington County Legacy Park in Hurricane, Utah for another year of classic county fair tradition — rodeo, carnival rides, demolition derby, livestock competitions, concerts, and community celebration. The 2026 fair carries special significance as it incorporates the America250 Founders Festival (April 17–19) commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence with historical reenactments, patriotic performances, and community programming.

Washington County Fair 2026 Schedule Highlights

The fair runs multiple days with programming that builds toward championship weekends. Typical schedule structure includes:

  • Opening weekend — parade through downtown Hurricane, gates open, carnival launch, early livestock events
  • Weekday evenings — rodeo performances, junior livestock shows, community talent contests
  • Mid-fair — demolition derby nights, concert series, tractor pulls, exhibition judging
  • America250 Founders Festival (April 17-19) — historical programming, patriotic performances, founders-themed community events
  • Closing weekend — championship rodeo finals, grand champion livestock auctions, headline concert, fireworks

Washington County Fair Rodeo

The fair rodeo is one of the highlight events, featuring PRCA-sanctioned competition in bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback riding, and saddle bronc riding. Professional rodeo athletes from across the intermountain west compete alongside Utah riders for substantial prize purses. Tickets are sold separately from general fair admission and the championship final night often sells out — purchase in advance when possible.

Concerts and Entertainment

The Washington County Fair concert series brings regional and national touring acts to the Legacy Park stadium. Past fairs have featured country, rock, and popular tribute acts including Tennessee River (Alabama tribute), Fresh Horses (Garth Brooks tribute), and Neon Trees. The concert stage setup accommodates several thousand fans with general admission floor seating and reserved chair sections. Concert tickets are separately ticketed — check the official fair website or SGWOM's events calendar for the 2026 lineup as it's announced.

Livestock, 4-H, and FFA

The fair's agricultural roots remain central to the event. Livestock barns showcase market animals raised by Washington County 4-H and FFA members throughout the year — beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and horses. Competitions include showmanship, fitting, and market classes, culminating in grand champion selection and the junior livestock auction where local businesses and community members bid on animals raised by youth exhibitors. The auction is both a fundraising centerpiece and a meaningful tradition supporting next-generation agricultural education.

Demolition Derby

Demolition derby nights are consistently among the fair's most attended events. Local drivers modify older cars and trucks for heat competition with the last running vehicle declared champion. Fireworks, smoke, crashing metal, and enthusiastic crowds make derby nights a quintessential county fair experience. Bring hearing protection for young children — the events are loud.

Carnival and Midway

The carnival midway features 30+ rides ranging from kiddie rides for toddlers to spinning thrill rides for teenagers. Classic fair games line the midway along with food vendors serving corn dogs, funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, fresh lemonade, scones, and kettle corn. Unlimited ride wristbands are often available for specific days — check the fair website for daily wristband pricing.

America250 Founders Festival (April 17-19, 2026)

A special addition to the 2026 fair, the America250 Founders Festival commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence with programming over three days. Expected activities include Revolutionary-era historical reenactments, patriotic music performances, period-accurate crafts and demonstrations, founding documents exhibits, and community celebrations. The festival honors America's founding principles while celebrating Washington County's own agricultural and pioneer heritage.

Getting to the Fairgrounds

Washington County Legacy Park is located at 5500 W 700 S in Hurricane, Utah — roughly 25 minutes from downtown St. George via SR-9. Free parking is available on the fairgrounds. Plan extra time during concert, rodeo, and derby nights when parking fills 45–60 minutes before events start. Shuttle service from overflow parking areas operates during peak evenings.

Family Tips

The fair is genuinely family-friendly with dedicated kids zones, petting zoos, educational agricultural exhibits, and carnival rides sized for young children. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome throughout the fairgrounds. Mid-day visits (11 AM–3 PM) tend to be quieter and less overwhelming for young children. Evening events (rodeo, demolition derby, concerts) are more intense and may be better suited to older children. Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes — the fairgrounds are extensive.

Washington County Fair 2026 FAQ

When is the Washington County Fair 2026?
The Washington County Fair 2026 is held annually at Washington County Legacy Park in Hurricane, Utah. The 2026 fair runs multiple days with expanded programming including America250 Founders Festival activities on April 17-19, 2026, celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. Check the official Washington County Fair website for confirmed full schedule and gate hours.
Where is the Washington County Fair held?
The Washington County Fair is held at Washington County Legacy Park, 5500 W 700 S, Hurricane, UT 84737. The 120-acre fairgrounds complex includes the arena, livestock barns, midway, exhibit halls, and parking. The venue sits off SR-9 between St. George and Hurricane — roughly 25 minutes from downtown St. George.
How much are Washington County Fair tickets?
General admission to the Washington County Fair typically runs $5–$10 per person, with children under 5 admitted free. Carnival rides and some entertainment events require separate tickets or wristbands. Season passes and multi-day wristbands offer savings for families planning to attend multiple days. Demolition derby and concert events are separately ticketed with prices varying by event.
What events are at the Washington County Fair?
The Washington County Fair features livestock shows and competitions, 4-H and FFA exhibits, rodeo events, demolition derby, concerts, tractor pulls, carnival rides, kids zone activities, food vendors, craft and art exhibits, agriculture displays, and community programming. The 2026 fair includes America250 Founders Festival activities with historical reenactments and patriotic performances April 17-19.
Is there a parade at the Washington County Fair?
Yes. The Washington County Fair traditionally opens with a parade through downtown Hurricane featuring floats, marching bands, livestock, classic cars, rodeo royalty, and community organizations. The parade typically runs the first Saturday of the fair. Check the official schedule for exact 2026 parade date and route.
When is the Washington County Fair rodeo?
The Washington County Fair Rodeo is a signature event with PRCA-sanctioned competition typically held over multiple evenings during the fair. Events include bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, and bareback riding. Rodeo tickets are separate from general fair admission and often sell out for the final championship night.
What concerts are at the Washington County Fair 2026?
The 2026 fair features a concert series at the Washington County Legacy Park stadium including country, rock, and tribute acts. Recent fair concerts have included Tennessee River (Alabama Tribute), Fresh Horses (Garth Brooks Tribute), and Neon Trees. Concert tickets are sold separately from fair admission.
Is there parking at the Washington County Fair?
Yes. Washington County Legacy Park has extensive free parking on the fairgrounds. During peak evenings (concerts, demolition derby, championship rodeo), plan to arrive 45–60 minutes early as parking fills quickly. Shuttle service from overflow parking areas operates during the busiest events.
Is the Washington County Fair family friendly?
Yes. The fair is designed for all ages with dedicated kids zones, petting zoos, educational livestock exhibits, carnival rides sized for young children, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome on the fairgrounds. Some evening events (concerts, demolition derby) may be more appropriate for older children.
What food is available at the Washington County Fair?
Classic fair food is abundant — corn dogs, funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, fresh lemonade, scones, pulled pork, and kettle corn. Local food trucks supplement the traditional carnival food options. The fair also hosts community dinners and food competitions featuring local restaurants. Cash is recommended but most larger vendors accept cards.

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