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This September, Oklahoma City’s Fair Park returns to a familiar rhythm: livestock barns, midway thrills, new food inventions and a slate of headline shows packed into an 11-day run. If you’re planning a visit to the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair, here’s what matters now — from schedules and savings to accessibility services that can make the experience smoother for families and visitors with special needs.
Plan your visit
Dates and basic info are useful first: the fair runs from Sept. 17–27, 2026 at OKC Fair Park. The main grounds are at 3001 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City; for questions call (405) 948-6700.
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- Opening hours: gates and public areas open most days at 10 a.m.; some barn gates open as early as 8 a.m. for livestock and equine events.
- Exhibit halls: generally 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday.
- Outdoor vendors: typically 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sun–Thu and extended hours on weekend evenings.
- Carnival/midway: opens at 11 a.m. on Mondays and weekends, and at 1 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; ride closing times are set by management.
Quick logistics to note
Most attractions — including carnival rides, grandstand shows and many food vendors — charge separately from gate admission, so build that into your budget. Paid parking is available at select lots (card only) while other lots remain free.
What’s onstage and on the midway
The fair blends longstanding traditions with new acts and family-focused productions. Expect the full spectrum: midway rides for toddlers up to adrenaline-heavy coasters; county fair staples such as 4-H and FFA livestock competitions; and a variety of performing acts across multiple stages.
Highlights for 2026 include:
- Disney on Ice (Sept. 17–20) at the OG&E Coliseum — several performances daily; purchasing a show ticket includes fair gate admission.
- Piccolo Zoppé Circus with acrobats, clowns and animal acts at Centennial Plaza.
- New productions such as Jurassic Bark Live! — a theatrical pairing of dinosaur puppetry and rescue-dog demonstrations — and new All-Star Pro wrestling on the Gordon Cooper Lawn.
- Grandstand rodeo-style events including UBF freestyle bullfighting and PBR Challenger Series bull riding for fans seeking a louder, rowdier atmosphere.
- Local goods at the Made in Oklahoma Store inside the Bennett Event Center.
Why this matters for families
A single day can be overwhelming; plan by interest. Younger children may prefer the animals and gentler rides, while teens or adults might schedule evening grandstand events. Many show tickets include gate admission, which can simplify budgeting.
Discounts and themed days
There are several dates with reduced admission or special offers — useful for families trying to stretch a budget or for visitors who qualify for discounts.
- Sept. 17 — Thrifty Thursday: discounted entry and $25 ride-all-day armbands (advance prices vary).
- Sept. 20 — Sensory-Friendly Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; lower-noise, lower-light hours for guests who benefit from reduced stimulation.
- Sept. 21 — Military Monday: free outside-gate admission for active-duty, veteran and retired military and their spouses (ID required).
- Sept. 22 — Taste of the Fair Tuesday: $4 gate admission and selected $4 food items.
- Sept. 23 — Senior Day: free admission for guests 55+ and a complimentary accessibility shuttle from the Hurricane Harbor lot.
- Sept. 24 — Thrifty Thursday & College Day: reduced entry and special college ID pricing.
Tickets and cost
Buying tickets before opening day can reduce the gate price. Current published rates are:
- Advance: Adults $12; children 6–11 $7.50; digital season pass $40.
- At the gate: Adults $17; children 6–11 $10; children 5 and under free.
Remember: carnival wristbands, grandstand shows and most food items are extra.
Food and drink
Food is part of the fair’s draw — expect classic indulgences (fried desserts, turkey legs, corn dogs) alongside new menu items introduced each year. Vendors also offer nonalcoholic options like fresh lemonade and boba, and adult beverages such as craft beer and frozen cocktails in designated areas.
Accessibility and family services
The fair has expanded practical supports to welcome visitors with mobility or sensory needs.
- Momentum Refresh — an accessible restroom trailer on The Circle, staffed during regular exhibit hours.
- Calming areas at the Arts Annex, the Momentum Refresh trailer and near Gate 9 for guests needing a quieter space.
- Adult changing stations in the OG&E Coliseum, Bennett Event Center lobby and Bandshell restrooms.
- Sensory-Friendly Time and an Accessibility Expo (Sept. 20, noon–5 p.m.) in the Modern Living Building.
- Mobility rentals available on-site: wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers and wagons (walk-up or reserve in advance).
- ADA parking close to most gates and accessible seating for Coliseum shows (contact the box office for arrangements).
Families should also note the youth policy: anyone under 18 must be accompanied after 5 p.m. by a parent, guardian or a chaperone aged 25 or older; IDs may be requested.
Local media presence
News 9 will be on-site during select dates with a booth inside Gate 1 — a chance to meet reporters and pick up promotional items. Scheduled days the team will be present include Sept. 17, 19, 20, 23, 26 and 27.
Bottom line: the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair combines traditional fairground elements with newer entertainment and improved accessibility features. Plan tickets and parking ahead, pick a discount day if it helps your budget, and map out the parts of the fair that best suit your group — whether that’s animal barns for the kids, evening grandstand events for thrill-seekers, or quieter daytime hours for visitors who need them most.
