Once an annual social ritual centered on agriculture and education, county fairs in Oklahoma have become iconic celebrations packed with mouthwatering foods and endless entertainment. Return to small-town simplicity with the rush of a thrilling carnival ride, the sweet aroma of hot kettle corn and the sound of a crowd coming together to sing a classic country tune.
Canadian County Free Fair – El RenoAn El Reno tradition since 1914, the Canadian County Free Fair is sure to take you back in time. Experience the authentic agricultural heritage of the region with entertaining and educational events like farmhand Olympics, crop judging and swine and horse shows.
After soaking up some farm and ranch history, experience a variety of fair activities like the ice cream freeze-off and a kiddie pedal tractor pull. There will be plenty of live music entertainment including a battle of the bands event and a DJ dance party on the last day of the fair.
McClain County Free Fair – PurcellGet a glimpse of farm life with the rabbit, goat, sheep, swine and cattle shows at the McClain County Free Fair in Purcell. This fair presents an abundance of agricultural celebrations as well as an assortment of old-fashioned activities. The century-old McClain County Free Fair has been getting bigger and better every year with tractor pulls for children and adults, livestock shows, pageants and more.
While the abundance of agricultural events takes center stage at this fair, another highlight is the salsa competition. Home cooks from throughout the region convene at this fair to show off their salsa making skills and the high-stakes judging is not to be missed. Bid for the winning salsas, as well as a variety of competition pies and cakes, and take home some award-winning treats. Be sure to stop by the best dressed pet contest where cats and dogs in wacky outfits generate amusement for the entire family.
Cleveland County Free Fair – NormanWatch Norman come alive every September with the celebration of local agriculture at the Cleveland County Free Fair. Packed with entertainment and excitement, this fair has been boasting something to please fair fans of every age and interest for more than 100 years. Find mouthwatering festival foods, impressive live entertainment and nonstop old-fashioned fun.
Grab a seat on the sidelines of the baby crawling contest, where you’ll see precious toddlers lured across the finish line by parents calling to them with toys and snacks. Stay entertained throughout the four-day event with an antique tractor show, youth goat roping and a celebrity cow milking contest.
Kids relish the chance to feel the fuzzy faces of farm animals at the petting zoo then climb aboard a pony for a short jaunt before hitting the midway. One of the best ways to see all the action is from the top of the Ferris wheel. Experience thrill after thrill on the carnival rides before taking a moment to savor a turkey leg or funnel cake and hum along to some live local music.
Payne County Free Fair – StillwaterOld-fashioned traditions like livestock shows and larger-than-live entertainment can be found at the Payne County Free Fair. Watch the antique tractor parade as it rolls through the grounds in celebration of Stillwater's farming history and heritage. Indulge in delicious barbecue at the Payne County Smoke Show and sweet treats at the Homemade Ice Cream Freeze-Off contest. The Pet Show & Parade will feature proud owners with their dogs, cats and other companion animals.
The Barnyard Olympics will show off a variety of agricultural skills with a twist. Even if you don’t participate, these riotous contests guarantee plenty of laughs from onlookers. Don't miss the Payne County Fair Royalty Competition, where you’ll have a chance to see the newest local royal crowned.
Carter County Free Fair – ArdmoreChow down on free watermelon at the Carter County Free Fair open ceremonies in Ardmore. Stick around for the Family Fun at the Fair event featuring quirky competitions like weenie dog races, hula hooping and bubble gum blowing followed by the stick horse rodeo. This is just the star to a weekend full of fair traditions as well as fun surprises.
Browse livestock exhibits and take the kids to make a few new friends at the petting zoo. The whole family can have fun at the Pride of Texas Carnival which offers a variety of thrilling and amusing attractions for all ages.
More Fair FunFair season won’t last forever, so take every opportunity to let loose on a carnival ride, indulge in a deep-fried treat and make lasting memories at any Oklahoma county fair. In Alva, and find top animal attractions at the Comanche County Fair. In Lawton where you can get up close and personal with pygmy goats, llamas and donkeys at the petting zoo.
