Heart of the Ozarks Fair dates set

The Heart of the Ozarks Fair returns to West Plains next month, bringing a full week of carnival
rides, livestock shows and grandstand entertainment.
The fair will be held June 1 through 6, at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds on North U.S. 63,
according to West Plains Tourism Manager Melissa Wharton.
Fair Schedule
Monday, June 1: Admission is free for the opening day of the fair. The schedule begins at 8 a.m.
with the Junior Market Steer, Goat, Lamb and Swine Show, followed by the Rabbit and Poultry
Show at 9 a.m. Judging for home economics, fine arts, photography, and fruits and vegetables
will also take place through the day.
Tuesday, June 2: Admission remains free on Tuesday. The Replacement Nanny, Gilt and Ewe
shows begin at 10 a.m., followed by Junior Flower Show judging at 1 p.m. The annual livestock
auction begins at 6 p.m. The carnival will be open from 6 to 11 p.m., with individual rides priced
at $2 each.
Wednesday, June 3: Gate admission is $5 for adults and free for children ages 6 to 12. The
Harper and Expo buildings will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. A gospel concert featuring Final
Authority and the Lesters begins at 6 p.m. at the Expo Building; attendees are encouraged to
bring lawn chairs. The carnival will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. for its first Armband Night, with

armbands available for $25.
Thursday, June 4: Events begin with Open Flower Show judging at 1 p.m. The grandstand will
host an ATV Rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. The Harper and Expo buildings remain open from 5 to 9
p.m. The carnival continues Armband Night from 6 to 11 p.m. Gate admission is $10 for adults,
$5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 6 years of age.
Friday, June 5: The Junior and Open Cattle Show and the Bucket Calf Show begin at 9 a.m.
Grandstand entertainment features a truck and tractor pull presented by SMTTPA at 8 p.m. The
Harper and Expo buildings will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and the carnival will host Armband
Night from 6 to 11 p.m. Gate admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12.
Saturday, June 6: The final day of the fair begins with the Rabbit and Poultry Show at 9 a.m. The
Harper and Expo buildings will have extended hours from 3 to 9 p.m. A demolition derby
presented by Southern Crunch Promotions begins at 7 p.m. at the grandstands. The carnival
concludes with a final Armband Night from 6 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for
children ages 6 to 12.
For show entries and rules, the 2026 Fairbook is available for download at
heartoftheozarksfair.net. Residents can also follow the Heart of the Ozarks Fair on Facebook for
event updates.