The Howard County Fair is BACK! 🎡🐄 Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2026)
If there's ONE summer tradition my family looks forward to every single year, it's the Howard County Fair! 🤍
From adorable baby animals and tractor rides to fair food, carnival rides, and live entertainment, this is one of those events that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're taking little ones for the first time or you've been going for years, I honestly think it's one of the best family events of the summer.
The 80th Annual Howard County Fair runs Saturday, August 8 through Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. The fairgrounds are open daily from 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, with carnival rides running into the evening.
🎠 My Favorite Things at the Howard County Fair
🐐 1. The Kids Barn (My #1 Recommendation!)
If you have little ones (I'd say especially ages 0–8+), do not skip the Kids Barn!
It's packed with FREE, hands-on activities that are perfect when you need a break from the rides. There are crafts, interactive exhibits, games, educational stations, and so many opportunities for kids to explore and learn while having fun.
It's honestly one of my family's favorite parts of the fair every year.
🐑 2. The Petting Barn
The baby animals absolutely melt my heart every single time.
Kids can get up close with adorable farm animals while learning more about agriculture and life on the farm. It's such a fun experience, especially for little animal lovers.
🎡 3. The Carnival Rides
Of course, the rides are always a huge highlight!
There are rides for little kids, older kids, teens, and even adults if you're feeling adventurous.
One tip: check the daily promotions before you go! Throughout the week, the fair offers different ride specials, themed nights, and discount opportunities that can help save money depending on which day you visit.
🌽 4. The Animal Barns
One of our favorite traditions is simply wandering through all of the livestock barns.
You'll find:
🐰 Rabbits
🐥 Chickens
🐓 Roosters
🐄 Cows
🐴 Horses
🐑 Sheep
🐐 Goats
...and so much more!
It's such a fun way for kids to see animals they don't get to interact with every day.
🍿 5. Fair Food
Let's be honest...
You can't go to the fair without treating yourself.
Whether you're craving funnel cake, fresh-cut fries, barbecue, lemonade, roasted corn, ice cream, kettle corn, or another fair favorite, you'll definitely find something delicious.
(And yes... calories don't count at the fair. 😉)
🎶 6. Live Entertainment
Throughout the day you'll find live music, demonstrations, competitions, and entertainment happening all across the fairgrounds.
I always recommend checking the daily schedule before you head over because every day has something a little different.
🫧 7. The Giant Bubble Booth
This is one of those little things my kids never skip.
The oversized bubbles are always a huge hit, make for adorable photos, and are just plain fun.
🛍️ 8. Local Vendors & Farm Market
I also love walking through the vendor buildings and agricultural exhibits.
You'll find local businesses, handmade goods, produce, baked treats, and so many fun things to browse between attractions.
🎟️ Before You Go
A few helpful things to know:
📅 August 8–15, 2026
📍 Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship
🕗 Open daily beginning at 8 AM
👧 Children 12 & under receive free admission with a supervising adult.
🎟️ Adults (13–61): $10
👵 Seniors (62+): $5
🎫 Season passes are also available if you plan on visiting multiple days.
❤️ Why We Love It
For me, the Howard County Fair isn't just about the rides.
It's watching my kids pet baby animals, wandering through the barns together, eating way too much fair food, listening to live music, and slowing down for a day of simple summer fun.
It's one of those Howard County traditions that we look forward to every single year, and if you've never been before, I highly recommend adding it to your summer bucket list.
Will we see you at the fair this year? 🎡🐄
