By HDMedia
For HDMedia
Fairlea — The 101st Annual State Fair of West Virginia got rolling on Thursday and promises eight more days of fun for its 2026 rendition.
The fair continues every day through Aug. 22, in Fairlea, Greenbrier County. Gates open each day at 8 a.m., with carnival rides operating daily from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The 101st annual event brings carnival rides, nationally recognized entertainment, agricultural competitions, family-friendly attractions, delicious fair food and the traditions that have made the State Fair of West Virginia a summer favorite for generations.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another incredible year at the State Fair of West Virginia,” Kelly Collins, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia, said in a news release. “Each year, we strive to provide something for every member of the family while celebrating the agriculture, education and community that are at the heart of our mission. We can’t wait to share this year’s entertainment, exhibits, competitions and traditions with our guests.”
Guests can enjoy daily attractions including the Flores Circus Thrill Show; DockDogs; Granpa Crachet; the Oregon Trail Display; Hot Glass Academy; the Moogician; and free entertainment throughout the grounds, including performances on the Google Free Stage.
The 2026 Grandstand Concert Series:
- Saturday: Trace Adkins 30th Anniversary Tour with special guest Aaron Tippin
- Sunday: Sierra Ferrell with special guest the Brudi Brothers
- Monday: CAIN and Leanna Crawford
- Tuesday: Shenandoah
- Wednesday: Paul Wall and the Ying Yang Twins
- Thursday: Dierks Bentley
- Friday: Gavin Adcock
- Aug. 22: Stone Temple Pilots
More to explore
Keeping true to tradition, the fair will once again host a full schedule of livestock competitions, including Junior 4-H and FFA livestock shows, horse shows, agricultural exhibits, and the fan-favorite Draft Horse Pull on Friday, Aug. 21.
Visitors can also take advantage of several gate promotions throughout the week, including dollar admission day on Tuesday. Children ages 10 and younger receive free admission every day of the fair.
For a complete schedule of events, entertainment, competitions, tickets and more information about the 101st Annual State Fair of West Virginia, visit statefairofwv.com.
Photo by State Fair of W.Va | A cattle livestock show is shown in this undated contributed photo at the State Fair of West Virginia in Fairlea, Greenbrier County.
Top 10 to-dos, according to the State Fair of WV
The State Fair of West Virginia offers this list of Top 10 Things to Do at the Fair:
- FAIR FOOD: The “West Virginia Fried Food Capital” has a wide variety of foods battered and tossed in the deep fryer. Some of the vendors have been around since the 1950s — Ben Ellen donuts started in a tent in 1952. Try their cinnamon-sugar cider donuts with a Grandstand concert or your morning cup of coffee. Trudy’s Dairy World ice cream is homemade by the Hlay family and has been since the 1950s.
- CARNIVAL RIDES: Reithoffer Shows has partnered with the State Fair for decades. Enjoy family-focused fun with kiddie rides, while teens can explore rides like Tornado, Zipper and Ring of Fire.
- CONCERTS: Past Grandstand Concert performers include Johnny Cash, John Denver and Dolly Parton. This year, there will continue to be live performances every night. Each concert starts right before sunset at around 7:30 or 8 p.m.
- FREE FUN & ENTERTAINMENT: The fairgrounds will host free entertainment for all ages. You can find shade and a free seat under the Center Stage with shows throughout the day, free with paid gate admission.
- LIVESTOCK SHOWS: The livestock barns are full of pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, goats, llamas and rabbits. Each animal will compete to win the blue ribbon in the Tractor Supply Small Stock Arena, the Large Stock Arena or the Bluegrass Bowl.
- DAIRY BIRTHING CENTER: Farm Credit Dairy Birthing Center brings 20 pregnant cows each fair. Listen to the PA announcer’s updates for a chance to watch a live birth. The new calves will be available for pictures and petting.
- NEW FAIR FOOD CONTEST: This year, the 7th Annual New Fair Food Contest will be held. Vendors will compete for the title of “Best New Fair Food.” Try them all and give your vote in the fair office or online.
- HERITAGE CORNER: Farm to Food Pavilion — An opportunity for children to learn the basics of agriculture in a fun way. Find shade and unique activities for children from Pre-K to fifth grade to teach and promote agriculture.
- HORSE FUN: The Draft Horse Pull will be at 9 a.m. on Aug. 21. Teams of horses will pull a minimum of 3,000 pounds. Watch true horsepower and enjoy your favorite fair breakfast.
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