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The Oklahoma State Fair will return to Oklahoma City Sept. 17–27, 2026, with an expanded program that mixes rodeo-style spectacles, family shows and a slate of events marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Organizers say the lineup aims to broaden the fair’s appeal to tourists, local artists and youth exhibitors alike.
Fresh programming and headline acts
Among the additions are arena events that shift the fair further into live-action entertainment. The OG&E Coliseum will host Ultimate Bullfighters on Sept. 24, followed by the Wildcatters vs. The World bull riding series on Sept. 25–26.
Daily attractions will spread across multiple stages and green spaces, including the YO HO HO! Hypnosis Show, Jurassic Bark Live and All Star Pro Wrestling on the Gordon Cooper Lawn.
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The fair will also feature the America 250 Wheel, a 230-foot observation wheel billed as the world’s largest portable structure of its kind — a new skyline marker for the fairgrounds and a likely draw for visitors seeking elevated views of the city and the midway.
Route 66 at 100: programming and activations
Celebrations for the centennial of Route 66 are woven through the schedule rather than confined to a single day, reflecting the route’s cultural and economic importance to Oklahoma.
The Bennett Event Center will host a Route 66 Family Fun Zone daily, offering a virtual road-trip experience, travel resources and themed mini golf. Special dates to note include Film Friday on Sept. 18 and a Route 66 Centennial Salute & Parade on Sept. 19.
- Sept. 18 — Film Friday
- Sept. 19 — Route 66 Centennial Salute & Parade
- Sept. 20 — Family Fun Day
- Sept. 24 — WoW Fest
Competitions, creative arts and livestock
The fair is adding several competitive categories intended to attract hobbyists and traditional exhibitors. New creative arts contests include titles like Stitch in Time and Mother Road Masterpieces, alongside themed events such as Cinn-OH Man! Rolls and a Route 66-inspired Christmas ornament contest.
On the livestock side, organizers have scheduled a Rabbit Show and the Oklahoma Horizon Horse Show, expanding opportunities for 4-H and FFA participants to showcase animals and horsemanship.
What this means for visitors and the region
By blending large-scale spectacle with locally focused programming, the fair is positioning itself to capture both regional tourists drawn by the Route 66 centennial and community members interested in competitions and family activities.
Economic impact could be significant: special events and high-attendance headliners typically increase hotel stays, restaurant business and vendor sales during the fair’s ten-day run. For artists and youth exhibitors, new contests mean more chances to gain recognition and prizes.
- When: Sept. 17–27, 2026
- Where: Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City
- Highlights: Ultimate Bullfighters (Sept. 24); Wildcatters vs. The World bull riding (Sept. 25–26); America 250 Wheel (230 ft); Route 66 centennial events throughout the fair
- New competitions: creative arts categories and additional livestock shows
Tickets, schedules and participating vendors will be released by the fair’s organizers as the event approaches; the program signals a push to make the 2026 fair both a community showcase and a regional attraction tied to a major Route 66 milestone.
