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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 138th Gillespie County Fair, the oldest continuous county fair in Texas. It will take place Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.
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 28. 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 27
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 28
Gates open at 1 p.m.; carnival and midway open at 5 p.m.
Saturday, August 29
Gates open at 11 a.m.; carnival and midway open at 1 p.m.
Sunday, August 30
Gates open at 11 a.m.; carnival and midway open from 1– 6 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:
2026 Details Coming Soon
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 at 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.
Resources to Plan a Future Visit
Newsletter
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Reasons to Visit
For years, Fredericksburg has been a favorite weekend destination of Texans, but these days the Texas Hill Country is one of the best places to visit during the week as well.