Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair Returns And Celebrates 90 years
The Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair returns to Fort Smith Sept. 25–Oct. 3. Get Dollar Day details, special nights, ride deals and parking information.
FORT SMITH, Ark. —
The 2026 fair celebrates 90 years with nine days of rides, food, entertainment and family fun in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair returns this weekend to Fort Smith Sept. 25 through Oct. 3, 2026.
Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, fair food, vendors, creative arts and horticulture exhibits, livestock events, live music and other entertainment throughout the nine-day celebration.
ABC 40/29 and The Arkansas CW are proud to sponsor Dollar Day on Wednesday, Sept. 30. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is just $1. Volunteers from the River Valley Regional Food Bank will collect the dollar admission at the gates. It’s a chance to enjoy the fair while helping neighbors across the River Valley.
Dollar Day and Kids Day
Wednesday, Sept. 30, also features Kids Day. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., children 18 and younger can get a three-credit discount on rides according to the fairs website.
Entertainment that day includes JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, live music on the Old Fort Days Stage and a performance by The Rocketman Valencia on the midway. The PRCA Xtreme Bulls event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Harper Stadium and is free with paid gate admission. Check the fair’s 2026 schedule for event times and admission deals.
The schedule also features live music in the Hugh Hardin Arena on select nights, including Conjunto Agua Azul on Sept. 25 and Konzentido de Afid Ferrer on Oct. 2, both free with paid gate admission.
Family Night is Monday, Sept. 28, with $5 gate admission. The fair also lists unlimited ride armband days and discounted ride days on select dates. Visit the official ticket page for current prices and purchase information.
What to Know Before You Go
Dates: Friday, Sept. 25–Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026Location: Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith Family Night: Monday, Sept. 28. Gate admission is $5, and unlimited ride armbands are $27 when purchased in person that day.Discount Ride Days: Tuesday, Sept. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 1, with a three-credit discount on rides.Dollar Day and Kids Day: Wednesday, Sept. 30. Gate admission is $1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids 18 and younger can get a three-credit ride discount from 10 a.m. to 7 p.mUnlimited Ride Armband Days: Sept. 25–28, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. Check the fair’s ticket page for hours and advance purchase details.KISR Night: Friday, Oct. 2, from 4–7 p.m.Parking: Kay Rodgers Park says more than 1,000 parking spaces are available within walking distance of the grounds. Accessible parking is available first come, first served; ask a parking attendant for directions. The fair’s website does not list a general parking fee, so check the park’s maps and parking page for details.Schedule and map: Visit the fair’s event schedule and fair map before you go. Weather on the go: You can download the 40/29 News app to keep up with changing weather conditions. Google Play | Apple or Very Local
About River Valley Regional Foodbank: They currently are serving over 90,000 individuals each month. The Foodbank travels over 700 miles weekly rescuing food from local and national retailers. If people are interested in giving in other ways, we are accepting volunteers Monday through Friday, with scheduling options available.
You can donate anytime to the River Valley Regional Foodbank by going to their website.
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