“Southern Nights and Fairground Lights” will be the theme of the 2026 Van Buren County Livestock Show and Fair, bringing livestock competitions, carnival rides, pageants, exhibits and family entertainment to Clinton.
Early fair activities begin August 20, with the primary fair schedule running September 8–13 at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds.
The fairgrounds are located at 1827 Arkansas Highway 16 East in Clinton.
FAIR PAGEANTS BEGIN IN AUGUST
Fair Queen registration and practice will be held from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, August 20, in the GW Building.
The Van Buren County Fair Pageants will follow Saturday, August 22. Categories range from babies and toddlers through the Mrs. and Senior Mrs. divisions.
Pageant activities begin at 10 a.m. with the Baby and Toddlers competition. Elementary contestants take the stage at 2 p.m., followed by Teen Miss and other divisions beginning at 5 p.m.
CREATIVE ARTS EXHIBITS OPEN SEPTEMBER 4
Creative Arts entries, including food items, will be accepted from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday, September 4, in the GW Building.
Exhibit judging will take place Saturday, September 5. The building will be closed to the public during judging.
MAIN FAIR ACTIVITIES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 8
The kitchen will open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 8.
Tuesday’s schedule includes the Rabbit and Fryer Show, commercial exhibits, Bingo Night and the Goat and Sheep Market and Wether Dam Show.
Wednesday, September 9, will be School Bus Day. Exhibits open at 9 a.m., while the commercial building opens at 3 p.m.
The carnival begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Armbands will cost $30 per person.
Worship Night will be held Wednesday evening, followed by the nightly $100 cash drawing at 9:15 p.m. A paid gate ticket is required, and the winner must be present.
LIVESTOCK SHOWS CONTINUE THURSDAY
Thursday, September 10, will also be School Bus Day.
The schedule includes poultry judging and showmanship, commercial exhibits, carnival rides and the Market Hog and Commercial Gilt Show.
The nightly $100 cash drawing will return at 9:15 p.m.
PRO WRESTLING AND LIVESTOCK SHOWS SET FOR FRIDAY
Friday, September 11, will feature a full day of activities beginning with exhibits and the Horse Show Halter Class.
The Dairy Goat and Dairy Cattle Show begins at 3 p.m.
The Strutt Your Mutt Contest will be held at 6 p.m. in the GW Building.
Southern Championship Pro Wrestling and the Beef Cattle Show are both scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Carnival rides will operate from 5–10 p.m., with the nightly $100 drawing scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
VETERANS TO BE HONORED SATURDAY
Saturday, September 12, will include an all-day Veterans Field of Flags.
A veterans’ lunch will be held at 1 p.m. in the GM Building, followed by a recognition ceremony at 2 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule also includes the Livestock Premium Auction, Scholarship Cookie Jar Auction, Herdsman Awards and showmanship competitions.
The Scholarship Cookie Jar Auction will benefit graduating Van Buren County high school seniors who submit an application.
Rapid Fire Ministries will appear near the Field of Flags Saturday evening.
Livestock will be released Saturday night, and the final $100 cash drawing will be held at 9:15 p.m.
FAIR CONCLUDES SEPTEMBER 13
Creative Arts exhibits may be picked up from 1–3 p.m. Sunday, September 13, in the GW Building.
Creative Arts premium checks will also be available.
ADMISSION AND CARNIVAL PRICES
Gate admission is $4 for visitors ages 5 and older. Children ages 4 and younger will be admitted free.
Carnival armbands are $30 per person.
The fair’s printed schedule advises visitors to check the official website for updated livestock show times and additional information.
Visit: https://www.vanburencountyarkansasfairgrounds.com/
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