Gillespie County Fair
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned county fair, and the Gillespie County Fair does it up right with a stock show, entertainment, rides, great food, and more. There’s even a fair parade down Main Street, and of course, a contest crowning the next Gillespie County Fair Queen. If you’re visiting the Texas Hill Country in August, don’t miss the 136th Gillespie County Fair, the oldest continuous county fair in Texas. In 2024 it will take place Thursday, August 22 through Sunday, August 25.
Fair Activities
There’s never a dull moment at The Gillespie County Fair. Family-friendly activities over four days include midway rides and games, agricultural and household exhibits, livestock judging, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, live music with dancing, FFA and 4-H exhibits, great food and drinks and more.
Be sure you don’t miss the Gillespie County Fair Parade on Friday, August 23. The parade starts behind the courthouse on Main Street and travels east to S. Washington St. to Edison St. in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas. It starts at 10 a.m. and it’s free. With over 200 units, this is one of the Texas Hill Country’s biggest parades. Bring your chairs and arrive early.
This year, they will host the last two days of pari-mutuel horse racing, on Saturday and Sunday.
There is also top notch live entertainment each night on the main stage, so bring your dancing shoes.
Where and When
The fair takes place at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds & Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Fair Hours:
Thursday, August 22
Gates open at 5 p.m.
Free grounds and concert admission for everyone.
(This does not include the carnival and midway, which opens at 5 p.m.)
Friday, August 23
Gates open at 1 p.m.; carnival and midway open at 5 p.m.
Saturday, August 24
Gates open at 11 a.m.; carnival and midway open at 1 p.m.
Sunday, August 25
Gates open at 11 a.m.; carnival and midway open from 1– 6 p.m.
Entertainment Schedule:
Thursday, August 22, 7 p.m. - Sin Sentido
Thursday, August 22, 9 p.m. - Eric Y Su Groupo Massore
Friday, August 23, 8 p.m. - Billy Mata
Saturday, August 24, 8:30 p.m. - Mike Ryan
Saturday, August 24, 10:15 p.m. - Easton Corbin
(Start times are approximate.)
Know Before You Go
Tickets are available on the fair website and can be purchased ahead of time.
Price varies by day and age.
Children 5 and under are free all day every day.
Friday - students (K-12) free with ID until 6 p.m., seniors 65 and up free until 6 p.m., adults (13+) $15
Saturday – children (6-12) $5, adults (13+) $20, box seat $20
Sunday – children (6-12) $5, adults (13+) $10, box seat $15
The fair offers a variety of food options, and all food and beverages must be purchased with tickets. 1 ticket = $1. Tickets can be purchased on the fairgrounds. Click here to see a list of concessions and prices.
Wine and beer are sold at the Fair, but there is a limit of two alcoholic beverages per person. Beer and wine = 5 tickets; sodas = 2 tickets; water = 1 ticket.
You may bring lawn chairs to sit in for either races or concerts.
There are no coolers allowed in the gate, and no outside food or drinks are allowed.
You may bring Yeti cups to pour drinks into.
There are no pets allowed at any fairground sponsored event. Only ADA Service animals are allowed.
