WASHINGTON, Pa. — The Washington County Agricultural Fair returns Saturday, Aug. 15, for eight days of livestock competitions, carnival rides, motorsports, live music and agricultural traditions at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Dating back to 1798, the Washington County Agricultural Fair is Pennsylvania’s oldest fair. More than 60,000 people attend the eight-day event annually, which features nearly 2,000 animals, approximately 2,600 agricultural exhibits and thousands of youth exhibits.
This year’s entertainment schedule includes two rodeo performances Sunday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday will feature Pro Stock Tractors and Hot Semis, followed by motocross Tuesday.
Wednesday’s schedule includes Senior High Bands and the School Bus Demolition Derby. Monster trucks take over the fairgrounds Thursday evening, followed by another demolition derby Friday and Street Stock Trucks on the final night of the fair Saturday, Aug. 22.
Agriculture remains a major part of the event, with competitions and shows involving cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and other livestock throughout the week. The fair also features agricultural exhibits ranging from hay and grain to fruits and nuts.
Visitors will notice several improvements around the fairgrounds this year. Projects include new and renovated restrooms, new fencing along the racetrack, improvements to the 4-H Hall and new flagpoles at the Memorial Plaza. Planning is also underway for larger future projects, including an Equestrian Center and historic barn renovations.
The fair also has a significant economic footprint beyond its eight-day run. According to information released by the fair, a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture study estimated the 2024 fair generated nearly $23 million in economic impact and supported more than 200 jobs. The fairgrounds hosted another 365 events and rentals throughout the year, bringing total annual attendance to more than 136,000.
Community and corporate sponsorships help support both the fair and improvements to the grounds. Organizers announced continued partnerships with several regional businesses and organizations for 2026, while Range Resources is covering admission and entry fees for participating 4-H and FFA members.
Daily admission is $15 and includes carnival rides, while parking is free. Special admission days include $5 admission for seniors on Monday, veterans on Tuesday and children 12 and younger on Thursday.
The 2026 Washington County Agricultural Fair runs Aug. 15 through Aug. 22 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, Pennsylvania.
