Whether you go for the animals, the incredible live music, or the unforgettable treats, the fair is a wonderful reminder of the simple joys in life. At its core, the fair is a celebration of our local agriculture and communities. Families can stroll through the barns to view livestock and agricultural exhibits, see the incredible hard work of neighborhood 4-H and FFA youth, dance around to live music, head to the stage to see young ladies participate in the annual Schuylkill County Fair Royalty Program, enjoy tasty food, and just overall enjoy some wholesome family time.
If you're planning your trip to the fair this summer, let me help! Check out this quick overview of all the important details to get started.
Where is the Schuylkill County Fair located?
The Schuylkill County Fairgrounds are located at 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17979.
When is the Schuylkill County Fair happening in 2026?
This year's fair is taking place from July 27th through August 1st. Here's a quick look at the breakdown of when the gate opens each day and the daily themes and offers!
Saturday and Sunday July 25-26th: Entry and judging days! No general admission.
Monday, July 27th: Pulling Day, gates open at 4 PM
Find the schedule of events here.
Tuesday, July 28th: Kids Day, gates open at 11 AM
Find the schedule of events here.
Wednesday, July 29th: Schuylkill County Day, gates open at 4 PM
Find the schedule of events here.
Thursday, July 30th: Senior Appreciation Day, gates open at 11 AM
Find the schedule of events here.
Friday, July 31st: Military & First Responders Day*, gates open at 4 PM
Find the schedule of events here.
Saturday, August 1st: Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom, Family and PA Fairs, gates open at 11 AM
Find the schedule of events here.
Family Fun That Fits Your Budget
One of the best parts of the Schuylkill County Fair is its affordability, making it accessible fun for all local families.
General admission is just $5.00 per person, with children ages 10 and under completely free.
*Veterans, active military, and first responders also get free admission on Friday, July 31st, with I.D. proof.
Parking? Free.
And while most of the fun is included, the activities that do cost extra are affordable, too!
Admission to tractor pulls are $15 on Monday and Tuesday and $10 on Wednesday - and includes admission to the fair.
Carnival rides open in the afternoon (1 PM on Tuesday, 4 PM the rest of the week) and cost $25 for an all-day ride band.
You can also buy ticket books at $50 for a sheet of 55, $20 for a sheet of 20, and individual tickets for $1.50.
Plenty of Daily Entertainment for Kids of All Ages
Once inside the gates, your family will find a lineup of classic fair attractions.
- Muttville Comix: This crowd-favorite daily show features Johnny Peers and his pups performing hilarious slapstick comedy and tricks.
- Interactive Talks: Enjoy nature talks daily at 6 PM.
- Tractor Parades: Daily tractor parades set off each afternoon.
- Nightly Concerts: Find live music on the main stage at 7 PM and 9 PM. The 2026 lineup features something for everyone, including the New Individuals, 6 Times 9, The Uptown Band, Jimmy Holmes as Elvis, Dave Bray USA, and Country Live.
But that's just a quick look at some of the big events. There are also ag exhibits, baby goat snuggling, pony rides, carnival rides and games, and so much more to explore together as a family!
Mom Tips
I spent opening day at the fair- and now I have the insider intel to make your visit go as smoothly as possible. Here are my top 5 tips to make the most of the fair.
1. Check the schedule before going! There's a wide variety of events happening each day. Check out the daily schedules, linked above, and make a loose plan so you don't miss out on something your family will really love!
2. Know what costs extra. General admission is only $5 for fairgoers over the age of 10 and that includes free parking and MOST activities. Truck and tractor pulls require an extra ticket that can be purchased at the fair and carnival rides and games will also cost you extra. There are also a few activities set up by vendors that have a small fee to participate. For example: You want to pet the baby goats? Free. Want to feed them a cup of food or even get on in there and snuggle them? That'll cost you a couple bucks. (Worth it.)
3. Bring cash. Some of the paid opportunities only take cash and some of the food trucks and stands will accept card, but charge an extra fee for it. It's best to bring some good ole paper money to the fair.
4. Dress appropriately. Check the weather before you go! It's summer. It's hot. It might be rainy. The day may also start at 80 degrees but end up at 60 by the time you leave. Make sure you dress yourselves and the kids with all-day comfort in mind. Oh, and wear good shoes. You'll spend your time walking around so you'll want something comfy- and you'll probably want closed toes, especially if you're going to check out the animal barns.
5. Take the time to chat. The people involved with the fair are truly passionate about what they do. From the volunteers to the 4-H kids, everyone I came across was happy to chat, share stories, and answer questions. You never know what you might learn when you take a moment to connect with others!
For real-time updates, detailed schedules, and peeks behind the scenes, be sure to visit the official Schuylkill County Fair website or follow the Schuylkill County Fair Facebook page. I'll see you on the midway!
