Alachua County Florida Fairgrounds Events

Searching for the Alachua County fairgrounds can lead you to the wrong place. For decades the answer was the grounds at 3100 NE 39th Avenue in Gainesville, where the fall carnival fair ran. Then the county moved its youth fair and extension services west to Newberry. Today the Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show is held in early March, and it was at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center in Newberry from March 5 to 10, 2026.

Overview of the Alachua County Fairgrounds

Two Locations

The original Alachua County Fairgrounds is at 3100 NE 39th Avenue in Gainesville. The Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center is at 23100 W Newberry Road in Newberry, west of Gainesville along State Road 26. A school district notice in 2026 listed the Newberry address as the youth fair venue.

Who Runs What

In July 2018, the county commission voted to relocate the Alachua County Fair and extension services to Newberry. The county took over the Gainesville fairgrounds in 2019. It said it had ended its relationship with the Alachua County Fair Association earlier that year, citing money owed to the county, damage to a youth fair podium, and noncompliance with county animal policies. UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County supports the youth fair, and its director has described the show as an educational platform for young people interested in agriculture.

Local Significance

For years the fall fair was a community fixture, drawing roughly 25,000 to 35,000 people. The Newberry shift moved the agricultural side of things closer to the county’s farming areas and put it near the equestrian center.

Upcoming Alachua County Fair Events

The Youth Fair and Livestock Show

This is the event with the clearest 2026 record. It features 4-H and FFA projects. Expect the next one in late winter or early spring 2027, but the exact dates weren’t announced when I checked.

The Gainesville Fall Fair

The county ran a “Greater Alachua County Fair” in October and November 2019 with Belle City Amusements. Its features included dozens of rides, Circus Incredible, concerts, games, and food. I couldn’t verify any fall carnival fair for 2026 or 2027, and I couldn’t verify what the Gainesville site is used for now. That needs local confirmation.

Finding the Schedule

The youth fair has its own website, and UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County can be reached at 352-955-2402. For the carnival fair, past county notices pointed to a fair website and Facebook page.

Renting Facilities

I did not verify rental policies at either site. Contact the county or the extension office.

Fairgrounds across Florida bring communities together through agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, seasonal festivals, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Visitors exploring Alachua County Florida Fairgrounds Events can discover community celebrations and agricultural traditions while also learning about District of Columbia District of Columbia Fairgrounds Events

The County Fair Itself

Dates

Youth Fair and Livestock Show: March 5 to 10, 2026 (Newberry). Fall carnival fair: last verified October 25 to November 2, 2019 (Gainesville).

Competitions

The youth fair centers on livestock and agricultural projects by 4-H and FFA youth. I did not find a confirmed list of departments such as baking, canning, photography, or crops, so request the current premium book from the extension office.

Midway, Food, and Entertainment

The earlier Gainesville fairs had more than 40 rides, a Midnight Madness wristband priced at $20 in an older report, a beauty pageant, corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and local bands. A smoothie booth and boiled peanuts booth appeared at one fair. Those are historical details, not 2026 promises.

Admission

I found no verified admission price for the youth fair. Past fall fair admissions varied by day, with MegaPass and advance ticket discounts.

Facilities and Grounds

I could not verify barn counts, arena seating, RV camping, or parking capacity at Newberry. The Gainesville grounds had a tree-lined lot and a youth fair podium, but its current state is unclear. Ask the county about accessibility and camping.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Contact UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County at 352-955-2402 for youth entries and the premium book. For commercial booths, ask the youth fair organizers or county. I did not verify deadlines or fees.

Getting There

To reach Newberry from Gainesville, take Newberry Road (State Road 26) west to the Ag and Equestrian Center. Allow extra time on fair days. For the Gainesville grounds, use NE 39th Avenue (State Road 222). I did not verify shuttle or rideshare arrangements.

4-H and FFA

UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County coordinates the youth fair, and its director said the show lets the public see 4-H and FFA youth projects. Newberry High School’s FFA students took part in 2026. I did not find a verified club count or a full list of FFA chapters. I also did not verify the auction’s rules, so ask the extension office about registering as a buyer.

Special Events Beyond the Fair

I found no confirmed gun shows, swap meets, rodeos, or motocross events at either site. Check county calendars directly.

History

The fall fair ran for 51 years under the Alachua County Fair Association, and the association announced a move to spring 2020 after skipping a 2019 fall event. The county then took over the fairgrounds, held the Greater Alachua County Fair in fall 2019, and moved agricultural programming to Newberry. I did not verify what happened in 2020 and 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Alachua County Fair in 2026–2027?

The Youth Fair and Livestock Show ran March 5 to 10, 2026. A 2027 date wasn’t announced when I checked. A fall carnival fair for 2026 wasn’t confirmed.

Where are the Alachua County fairgrounds?

The youth fair is at 23100 W Newberry Road, Newberry. The older fairgrounds are at 3100 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville.

What time does the fair open?

Hours vary by day. Check the youth fair website.

Is there camping?

I couldn’t verify it. Ask the county.

How do I enter livestock?

Contact UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County at 352-955-2402 or your 4-H or FFA advisor.

Are dogs allowed?

I did not verify a policy. Ask the organizers.

Where do I park?

I could not verify parking arrangements. Check with the organizers.

Who do I contact to rent the grounds?

Start with the county and the extension office.

How much does it cost?

No verified price was available. Check the official site.