Russell County Alabama Fairgrounds Events

People searching for “Russell County fairgrounds” in Alabama will find less than they expect. I found no dedicated county fairgrounds with a published address, fair board, or exhibitor program. The county’s best-known fair-style event is the Labor Day Fair in Seale, held at the old courthouse.

This matters because Russell County covers 639 square miles, and US Highways 80 and 431 are its major transportation routes. Visitors who search for a big grandstand-and-barn fair are likely to end up at the wrong place, or in the Kentucky county with the same name.

The Russell County Labor Day Fair in Seale

What it is

According to one event listing, the Russell County Annual Labor Day Fair takes place at the Old Russell County Courthouse at 5 Jackson Street. The same listing gives the 2026 date as September 7, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern. That date has passed, so the next one would presumably fall on Labor Day Monday, September 6, 2027.

The listing describes antique cars, a vendor market, live music, and food trucks. It says past food has included smoked turkey legs, fried alligator, and barbecue sandwiches. It also says the event is free, and it quotes the county commission chairman describing the free admission as the draw.

Why Seale

Seale has a real place in the county’s history. Seale and Phenix City were dual county seats from 1926 until 1934, and the old courthouse there now serves as a natural history museum. Seale sits on US Highway 431, roughly 10 miles north of Phenix City and 20 miles east of Auburn.

Livestock Shows, Carnival Rides, and Vendor Booths

I found nothing to confirm a county livestock show, a carnival midway, or a commercial vendor application process in Russell County. The Labor Day Fair listing mentions a vendor market, but it gives no application details. Anyone wanting a booth should contact the Russell County Commission directly.

4-H and Youth Programs

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System office runs youth and agriculture programming in the county. Its 2022-23 annual report lists summer camp, in-school clubs, a rabbit project, a Farmer Fair, and backyard poultry programs. That is the best starting point for anyone asking about junior exhibitors. The report doesn’t mention a junior livestock auction, so don’t assume one exists.

Russell County Extension Office: 508 14th Street, Phenix City, AL 36867; (334) 298-6845; hours 8:30-12:30 and 1:00-5:00 Eastern. The office is across the street from the courthouse. For visitors coming from Opelika, enter Phenix City on US-280 and 431, then follow Old Opelika Road to Crawford Road and on to 14th Street.

Getting There

• To Seale: Take US-431. The listing puts it about 10 miles north of Phenix City.
• To Phenix City (county seat): The city is on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River, across from Columbus, Georgia.
• Time zone: Phenix City observes Eastern Time on a de facto basis, unlike the rest of Alabama, which uses Central. Seale’s event times are listed in Eastern. Double-check this if you’re driving in from the Auburn side.

Visitors interested in Russell County Alabama Fairgrounds Events can also explore the local fairs and community activities featured through Randolph County Alabama Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to enjoy agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, seasonal festivals, family-friendly entertainment, and gatherings that celebrate local traditions. By exploring events in Russell and Randolph counties, families and travelers can discover more of Alabama’s community culture, plan enjoyable weekend outings, and stay connected with upcoming fairs and celebrations across the state.

Other Events in the County

For racing fans, East Alabama Motor Speedway in Phenix City runs stock-car racing on Saturday nights from March to October. That is a track, not a fairgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Russell County Fair in 2027? The Labor Day Fair in Seale has been listed for Labor Day Monday, and the 2027 date should be September 6. Confirm with the county commission.

Is there a Russell County Fairgrounds in Alabama? I could not find a dedicated one. The main fair-style event is held at the Old Russell County Courthouse in Seale.

How much does the Labor Day Fair cost? The listing describes it as free.

Is there camping? Nothing I found indicates camping at the Seale site.

How do I enter livestock? No county livestock show turned up. Call the Extension office at (334) 298-6845.

Where do I park? No parking details were published for the Seale fair. Ask the county commission.

Who do I contact to rent facilities? I found no fairgrounds rental office. Start with the Russell County Commission.

Is this the same as Russell County Fair in Kentucky? No. The Kentucky fair, in Russell Springs, has a Jaycees-run fair with a floral hall and livestock shows. It is a different county and state.