Shelby County Alabama Fairgrounds Events
Shelby County, Alabama doesn’t have a sprawling, barn-lined fairground like some rural counties. The county’s fair and large public events happen at the Shelby County Exhibition Center on Alabama Highway 70 in Columbiana, the county seat. People searching for “Shelby County fairgrounds” are almost always looking for this property. It is county-owned and listed among the facilities on the Shelby County government website.
The county lists the arena at roughly 100 by 225 feet, with seating for about 1,200. That arena is the reason the building stays busy. A dirt-floor indoor arena works for livestock shows, rodeo, horse events, and trade shows alike.
Location and address
The Exhibition Center is on AL-70 just outside Columbiana, ZIP 35051. Sources disagree on the street address. A ticketing page for the fair listed 55 Kelly Lane, and an older rodeo announcement gave 86 Argo Road. Both are plausibly in the same area, but verify the current address on the county’s Exhibition Center page, or enter “Shelby County Exhibition Center” into your map app rather than a street number.
The building has also gone by the John E. Jones Exhibition Center. Jones organized the Shelby County Fair for decades, from 1958 until his death in 2009, and the name still turns up in older news coverage.
Who runs what
The building and the fair have different owners, and people often mix them up:
- The facility belongs to Shelby County and is rented out through county government.
- The Shelby County Fair is produced by the Kiwanis Club of Columbiana, with help from the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea. It is a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers.
- The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association runs the annual rodeo.
- The Shelby County office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the home base for 4-H and the Master Gardeners.
Why this matters: the person who can tell you about fair entries is not the person who rents the building.
Why it matters locally
Shelby County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, with suburban development spreading south from Birmingham. The Exhibition Center sits in the older, more rural part of the county, and the fair has long defined itself as a way to keep that rural side visible. A Kiwanis leader said in 2015 that the fair exists to promote rural life and to remember the rural lifestyles of the past. The fair still carries that purpose.
Upcoming Events at Shelby County Fairgrounds
The events you can count on
Two annual events anchor the calendar:
- The Shelby County Fair, historically held in the fall.
- The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association Rodeo, held in late winter, typically in February.
Beyond those, the building hosts horse shows, trade and commercial events, and private rentals. The Exhibition Center’s own county page names the fair and rodeos among its regular events.
Seasonal pattern
Winter (February): The Cattlemen’s Rodeo is the big one. It runs Friday and Saturday, with a Saturday afternoon show added in recent years because the evening performances kept selling out. It includes eight standard rodeo events, including bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Competitors earn points toward the IPRA finals in Oklahoma City. Tickets have been sold through Rodeoticket.com, and the association’s Facebook page is where updates appear.
Fall (September or October): Fair week. Past fairs have run in mid-to-late September and in October. The 2021 fair ran October 19–23, and the 2015 fair ran October 5–10.
Spring and summer: The calendar here is less predictable. Horse shows and rental events fill in, and the fair’s own 4-H horse programming has used the building. I could not verify a published spring or summer schedule, so check before you plan around one.
2026–2027 dates
I could not confirm 2026 or 2027 fair dates from an official source at the time of writing, and I won’t guess. The fair keeps its own website at shelbycofairal.com. That is the place to check for the current dates, exhibitor paperwork, and horse show rules. If your visit is time-sensitive, call the county before you drive out.
Finding the current schedule
- The fair website (shelbycofairal.com) for fair dates and exhibitor forms
- The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page for rodeo dates and ticket links
- The Shelby County government Exhibition Center page for the facility itself
- Local coverage in the Shelby County Reporter, which has covered the fair and the rodeo for years
Can outside groups rent it?
Yes. The county advertises the Exhibition Center for rental and lists a rental contact on its facility page. Because the arena is large and open, it suits horse shows, livestock sales, rodeos, expos, and similar events. The county page doesn’t spell out pricing in what I could access, so request current rates and availability from the county directly.
Visitors exploring Shelby County Alabama Fairgrounds Events can also discover a variety of local gatherings and seasonal celebrations through Russell County Alabama Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to enjoy agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, community festivals, family-friendly entertainment, and activities that highlight Alabama’s local traditions. Exploring events in Shelby and Russell counties allows families and travelers to discover new experiences, plan memorable outings, and stay informed about upcoming fairs and community celebrations throughout Alabama.
The Shelby County Fair
A fair with deep roots
The first Shelby County Fair was held in Montevallo in 1911. It later moved to Columbiana. Since 1949, the Kiwanis Club of Columbiana has put it on. The 72nd annual fair in 2021 fits that count of years, with a pause or two likely along the way.
The 2005 fair that went to Alabaster
One chapter stands out. In September 2005, Columbiana’s Exhibition Center was converted into a long-term shelter for people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The Kiwanis clubs still wanted the community to have its fair, so Alabaster offered Veterans Park, and the fair went ahead there on its planned dates, September 19–24. It was a stripped-down version, with rides, games, and food but no exhibits. The fair returned to Columbiana in 2006. Organizers estimated 15,000 to 16,000 attendees that year and called it likely the largest crowd the fair had drawn.
Competitions
The fair is a traditional competitive county fair, which means real exhibits and prize money, not just a midway. Categories reported in past years include:
- Produce and horticulture
- Baked goods
- Canned and dried foods
- Arts and photography
- Sewing
- Crafts
- Junior livestock shows
In 2011, the fair reported more than $11,000 in prize money. Judges for the competitions have come from outside Shelby County to keep results impartial. Key Club members from Shelby County High School handle registration, booth setup, and money, but they don’t judge.
The livestock schedule in 2013 gives a sense of how the shows are organized. Junior dairy and goat shows opened the week on Monday, junior beef cattle followed Tuesday, junior meat goats ran Wednesday, and the junior market hog show closed things out Saturday. The exact schedule shifts by year. Pull the current one from the fair’s website.
The booths
Roughly 50 booths filled the Exhibition Center in 2015. Many are run by local clubs and organizations. The Master Gardeners, for example, have a booth most years. The Kiwanis Club judges booth displays and awards prize money by category, which gives groups a reason to put effort into theirs.
Rides and the midway
The fair has long used a traveling carnival company for rides, games, and concessions. In 2021 that was James Gang Amusements of Andalusia, Alabama. The midway has historically been set up outside on a gravel-covered lot, which matters for strollers and wheelchairs (more on that below).
Entertainment and pageants
Past fairs have featured local and regional music acts every night. Since 2015, the fair has also hosted the Miss Shelby County Fair pageant in several age divisions and a talent show. Pageant winners represent the Kiwanis Club at local events such as the Liberty Day Parade and Columbiana’s Christmas Parade. The 2021 fair added a Youth Fun Horse Show with games like egg-and-spoon, stick horse races, and flag races.
Admission and money
Prices have changed over the years, so treat these as history, not a current price list:
- Early 2010s: a single $10 ticket covered admission, parking, entertainment, and all rides. A Kiwanis organizer in 2006 said Shelby County’s fair was the only one he knew of in Alabama still charging one price for everything.
- 2021: $5 general admission with free parking, plus separate armbands for rides at $18 (Tuesday–Thursday) and $20 (Friday and Saturday). Children 3 and under were free.
- Senior discounts have appeared in past years, including reduced admission on senior night.
Check the fair website for this year’s price structure. Ask specifically about wristbands and any school coupons.
Where the money goes
Proceeds support Kiwanis service projects and local youth causes. Past recipients have included school libraries and choirs, Scout troops, the Key Club, FFA, scholarships, the Fourth Grade Water Festival, and the Shelby County Arts Council. In 2011, organizers reported giving back more than $26,000. A Kiwanis spokesman described the fair as the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Facilities and Grounds
The main building and arena
The Exhibition Center is a single large facility built around its arena. The county reports seating of about 1,200 and an arena of roughly 100 by 225 feet. The county’s photo gallery shows a front entrance, interior seating, and a floor plan, which is worth viewing if you’re planning a rental.
Barns, stalls, and outdoor space
I could not verify details on permanent livestock barns, stall counts, or stall rental procedures. If you’re bringing animals, ask the fair office (for fair week) or the county (for other events) what housing is available. Species and stall needs differ by event.
Camping and RVs
I found no verified information on camping or RV hookups at the Exhibition Center. Don’t assume any exists. Ask the county before arriving with a camper, especially for rodeo weekends or horse shows where participants travel.
Accessibility
The fair’s ticketing page has said the facility is handicap accessible with limited accessible parking. It also warned that the midway sits on gravel, which can make mobility difficult, and that some rides may not be accessible for safety reasons. Plan accordingly and call ahead if you need specific accommodations.
Parking
Parking has been free during the fair in recent years, according to 2021 coverage. Parking is on-site around the building. For the rodeo, which has sold out both nights, arrive early. A rodeo attendee reported getting good seats by showing up an hour ahead. I could not verify total parking capacity or overflow arrangements.
Amenities
Past fair coverage mentions an inside concession stand, once sponsored by the Shelby County Athletic Booster Club. I found nothing verified on ATMs or a first aid station, so don’t count on either. Bring cash for the midway and some booths.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Becoming a commercial or booth vendor
The fair offers both commercial booths and educational or nonprofit booths. The fair’s own website is where booth applications and rules are published, and the Kiwanis Club of Columbiana is the organizer to contact. Booth fees and deadlines vary, and I could not verify current terms. Apply early. Nonprofits and clubs also compete for booth prize money, so applying has a payoff beyond visibility.
Entering competitive exhibits
Past fairs have followed a rhythm: entry tags and registration open a few weeks before the fair, and exhibit drop-off happens over a day or two just before opening. In 2013, tags were available in late August, and exhibit registration ran on the Friday and Saturday before fair week. Departments have separate chairs, for example produce and baked goods, canned goods, crafts, arts and photography, and sewing. The premium book (the rulebook listing classes, rules, and prizes) is the document to look for on the fair website.
Horse show entries
The Youth Fun Horse Show’s rules, waivers, and registration were posted on the fair website in 2021. The same is a good bet in other years.
Contacting the fair
The fair publishes contact details on shelbycofairal.com. I’ve left out phone numbers from older news items because they are years old and may be disconnected. For rodeo vendors or sponsors, use the Cattlemen’s Association’s Facebook page or the sponsorship information on its rodeo ticketing page.
Getting to Shelby County Fairgrounds
Directions
The Exhibition Center sits on Alabama Highway 70 just outside Columbiana, which is the county seat. From downtown Columbiana, you’re only a few minutes away. From Birmingham, Alabaster, Pelham, and the I-65 corridor, expect to head south and east toward Columbiana and then follow AL-70. A GPS or map app is the safest tool, given the address discrepancy noted above.
Public transit and rideshare
I found no public transit or fair shuttle in the sources I reviewed, and Shelby County is largely car-dependent. Rideshare availability around Columbiana can be thin, particularly late in the evening after a rodeo or the last night of the fair. If you plan to rely on it, arrange your ride home in advance.
4-H and FFA at Shelby County Fairgrounds
Extension and 4-H
In Alabama, 4-H is run through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The county’s extension office is the best contact for 4-H project rules, livestock tag deadlines, and eligibility. The Shelby County 4-H Barn Brats, a horse-focused group, have presented horse shows at the fair. I could not confirm how many 4-H clubs operate in the county, so I won’t give a number.
FFA
FFA chapters from Shelby County schools take part in the fair, and FFA is regularly named among the groups that benefit from fair and rodeo proceeds. The Cattlemen’s Association says it supports FFA and 4-H youth, and it gives scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the county.
Junior livestock auction
I could not find verified details on a junior livestock auction at the Shelby County Fair, including whether one is held, when, or how bidding works. Families with a market animal should ask the extension office or the fair’s livestock chair for the current rules, tag deadlines, and sale procedures rather than assume anything from other counties.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The Cattlemen’s Rodeo
The rodeo is Shelby County’s second major draw. The association says it has run since the late 1980s, and the 37th annual event took place in February 2024. It has drawn professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country, along with a rodeo clown, food, and commercial vendors. The Saturday afternoon performance includes a special needs rodeo, a gentler program with a meal, a petting zoo, and sensory-friendly events. Proceeds fund scholarships and support for 4-H and FFA.
Columbiana also hosts a Cowboy Day around the same time, sometimes the same weekend, with activities in town.
Horse shows
The fair includes horse events, and the arena suits others. Check the fair website and the extension office for events outside fair week.
Other uses
County facilities like this one commonly host private events, expos, and fundraisers. I could not verify a current list of gun shows, flea markets, or motocross events at the Exhibition Center, so I won’t claim them. If you’re looking for one of those, ask the county what’s on the books.
History of Shelby County Fairgrounds
The county fair predates the Exhibition Center. The first Shelby County Fair was held in Montevallo in 1911. By 1949, the Kiwanis Club of Columbiana had taken over, with the Chelsea club joining later. John E. Jones led the organizing effort from 1958 until 2009, and the building carried his name.
Admission pricing tells part of the story. The fair was $8 in the mid-2000s, $10 by 2009, and $12 by 2015, always with rides and entertainment included. By 2021 it had shifted to a lower gate price with separate ride armbands.
Notable moments:
- 2005: The fair moved to Alabaster so the Exhibition Center could shelter Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
- 2006: The fair returned to Columbiana after building improvements and drew an estimated record crowd.
- 2011: Centennial celebration, measured from the 1911 Montevallo fair.
- 2021: The theme “Welcome back! On with the show!” signaled a return after a disrupted year. I could not verify the details of 2020, so check with the Kiwanis Club if you need specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Shelby County Fair in 2026–2027?
The fair has historically run in September or October at the Exhibition Center in Columbiana. I couldn’t verify 2026 or 2027 dates. Check shelbycofairal.com for the current schedule.
What time does the fair open?
Past fairs opened the gates in the early evening on weekdays (5:30 p.m. in 2012 and 2013) and around 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the midway opening shortly after. Hours change, so confirm for the current year.
How much does it cost to get in?
In 2021, admission was $5 with free parking, and children 3 and under were free. Ride armbands cost extra ($18 Tuesday–Thursday, $20 Friday and Saturday). Earlier years used a single all-inclusive ticket. Check the fair website for current pricing.
Is there camping at the Exhibition Center?
I couldn’t verify any camping or RV hookups. Contact Shelby County before bringing a camper.
How do I enter livestock or exhibits?
Contact the fair through shelbycofairal.com for the premium book, entry forms, and deadlines. For 4-H livestock, also ask the Shelby County extension office. Past years opened entry tags and exhibit registration about two to three weeks before the fair.
Are dogs allowed?
I found no published pet policy. Call ahead. Most fairs with animal exhibits restrict non-exhibition pets, and service animals are generally handled separately.
Where do I park?
Parking is on-site around the Exhibition Center, and it was free during the 2021 fair. For the rodeo, arrive early because shows have sold out.
Who do I contact to rent the Exhibition Center?
Rentals go through Shelby County. The county’s Exhibition Center page (shelbyal.com) lists the rental contact.
When is the Shelby County Rodeo?
The Cattlemen’s Association has held it in late February, on a Friday and Saturday, with a Saturday afternoon show added in recent years. Tickets have been sold through Rodeoticket.com.
Who runs the Shelby County Fair?
The Kiwanis Club of Columbiana, with help from the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea. It is a volunteer-run nonprofit, and proceeds go to local youth programs and schools.
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