177th Essex County Fair Returns July 29-August 2 with Top Entertainment, Agriculture and Family Fun

The Essex County Agricultural Society, Inc. invites residents and visitors alike to celebrate the 177th Essex County Fair, returning to the historic Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport from July 29 through August 2, 2026. As the second-oldest county fair in New York State and one of the few remaining fairs operated entirely by volunteers, the Essex County Fair continues its long tradition of showcasing agriculture, community spirit, family entertainment and the best of the Adirondack region.

This year’s fair will feature an exciting lineup of entertainment and grandstand attractions, including performances by October Rose, the return of country recording artist Jamie Lee Thurston, The Flying Wallendas, North Country illusionist Wyatt Hackett, local and regional artists including Ash White, Harness Racing, Farm Tractor Pulls, ATV Drag Races, Garden Tractor Pulls, Horse Pulls, Truck Pulls, and the always-popular Egglefield Demolition Derby presented by DNA Motorsports. Fairgoers will also enjoy a brand-new midway experience provided by Amusements of America, one of the nation’s premier carnival companies.

“The Essex County Fair is where agriculture, community and family fun come together,” said Dennie Westover, President of the Essex County Agricultural Society, Inc. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to Westport for five days of great entertainment, agricultural traditions and new experiences, including our partnership with Amusements of America. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we’re grateful for the support that makes this event possible year after year.”

Agriculture Remains at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of the Essex County Fair. Fairgoers will find livestock exhibitions, dairy cattle competitions, horse shows, goat and sheep demonstrations, Floral Hall exhibits, maple products, agricultural displays and educational programming presented by local farmers, exhibitors and 4-H participants. Visitors will have opportunities to experience dairy, beef, horse, goat, and small animal shows, daily agricultural demonstrations and exhibits.

Equine enthusiasts will find something happening every day of fair week. The horse program begins Wednesday with the Mini In-Hand Horse Show, followed by the Open Trail Horse Show on Thursday, the Open English Horse Show on Friday, the Western Open Horse Show on Saturday and the Gymkhana Horse Show on Sunday.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be a major part of the 2026 fair experience. Returning fan favorite October Rose will perform multiple shows throughout fair week, bringing their energetic country sound to both the South Lawn Stage and the Beer Garden. The fair will also welcome back Jamie Lee Thurston, who returns to the Essex County Fair after a crowd-pleasing performance in 2025. Joined by Gabrielle & Movin’ On, Thurston will headline a special Friday evening grandstand concert sponsored byUniFirst. A nationally touring country artist based in Nashville, Thurston is known for his energetic live performances, powerful vocals and authentic country sound that has earned him fans across the country. Music fans will also enjoy a special Friday afternoon performance by Ash White, joined by Mark Henry and Tommy Lamora on the South Lawn Stage.

Visitors can also enjoy multiple daily performances by The Flying Wallendas, one of the world’s most famous aerial performance families, along with appearances by The Moogician, PAC Wrestling, horse shows, youth activities, agricultural demonstrations and family contests throughout the week. Wyatt Hackett, a talented North Country illusionist, will be performing roaming magic during select afternoons of fair week.

New for 2026, the Essex County Fair welcomes Amusements of America, one of the nation’s leading carnival companies, bringing an expanded midway experience featuring rides, games and attractions for all ages.

Grandstand Highlights

Wednesday, July 29

Harness Racing
ATV Drag Races ($5 in addition to Fair Entry)

Thursday, July 30

Farm Tractor Pulls

Friday, July 31

Jamie Lee Thurston with Gabrielle & Movin’ On (Sponsored by UniFirst) (Tickets $12.50 – $107.50 in addition to Fair Entry)

Saturday, August 1

Garden Tractor Pulls ($5 in addition to Fair Entry)
Horse Pulls
Truck Pulls ($5 in addition to Fair Entry)

Sunday, August 2

Egglefield Demolition Derby* presented by DNA Motorsports featuring two action-packed derby sessions ($10 in addition to Fair Entry)

Family Fun for All Ages

Fair Entry Admission is just $15, which includes carnival rides, most shows and parking, making the Essex County Fair one of the best entertainment values in the North Country. Children 3 and under are admitted free.

Visitors can also enjoy daily bicycle and backpack giveaways, Bossy Bingo, 4-H exhibits and youth activities, food vendors, the Thirsty Horse Beer Garden, Floral Hall exhibits, local farm displays, maple demonstrations and family activities throughout the fairgrounds.

One of the best values available at the fair is an Essex County Agricultural Society membership. For just $30, members receive admission to all five days of the Essex County Fair while helping support one of New York State’s oldest agricultural traditions. Memberships include fair admission but do not include carnival rides.

Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, July 29 – Old Mill Auto Repair, LLC Day

4-H Horse Show
Harness Racing
Opening Ceremonies
ATV Drag Races
October Rose
The Flying Wallendas
The Moogician

Thursday, July 30 – McGee’s Towing & Recovery Day

Farm Tractor Pulls
October Rose
The Flying Wallendas
The Moogician
Open Trail Horse Show
4-H Rabbit Show

Friday, July 31 – Rice Farm and Tires, LLC Children’s Day

Jamie Lee Thurston with Gabrielle & Movin’ On
Wyatt Hackett
Ash White, Mark Henry and Tommy Lamora
PAC Wrestling
The Flying Wallendas
The Moogician

Saturday, August 1 – Elizabethtown Community Hospital Day

Garden Tractor Pulls
Horse Pulls
Truck Pulls
Wyatt Hackett
Brock Gonyea
Adult Cornhole Tournament
Silent Auction
The Flying Wallendas
The Moogician

Sunday, August 2 – Egglefield Ford Day

Egglefield Demolition Derby by DNA Motorsports
Wyatt Hackett
The Flying Wallendas
The Moogician
Gymkhana Horse Show
50/50 Drawing

All dates, times, events and programs are subject to change. Visit essexcountyfair.org for the latest information.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Essex County Agricultural Society extends its sincere appreciation to the many individuals, volunteers, businesses, organizations and community partners whose support helps make the fair possible. The Directors also thank the Essex County Board of Supervisors for their continued support of the fairgrounds and their investment in preserving one of the region’s most important agricultural and cultural institutions.

About the Essex County Fair

Operated by the Essex County Agricultural Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Essex County Fair is the second-oldest county fair in New York State. The fair is held at the historic Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, New York, which has served as a gathering place for agricultural exhibitions, competitions and community celebrations for generations.

For 177 years, the fair has promoted agriculture, education, youth development and community engagement while providing affordable family entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The organization remains a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, dedicated to preserving agricultural traditions, educating future generations and strengthening community connections while making new memories throughout Essex County and the Adirondack region.

For schedules, vendor/exhibitor information, memberships, sponsorship opportunities and updates, visit www.essexcountyfair.org orinfo@essexcountyfair.org