Duval County Florida Fairgrounds Events

For more than 70 years, Jacksonville’s county fair was a downtown event next to EverBank Stadium. That changed this year. The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, often called JaxFair, opens its 71st annual run at a new 82-acre campus on Jacksonville’s Westside, at 13601 Normandy Boulevard. Anyone who remembers the old Fairgrounds Place site will find a different layout, a new amphitheater, and a much bigger parking area. This guide covers the new grounds, the fair, the youth programs, and what still needs confirming.

One note on the name: Duval County’s fair is the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. It was formerly called the Duval County Fair, and the legal entity still carries the Duval County name. The Duval County Fairgrounds is not a separate facility, so this article covers the fair’s grounds as they now operate.

Overview of Duval County Fairgrounds

Location

The fair’s new home is at 13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32221, on the city’s Westside. The fair is moving next to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, which is part of the same planned campus. The old downtown site was at 510 Fairgrounds Place, near EverBank Stadium, and the fair association sold that property to a development company tied to the Jacksonville Jaguars owner in 2022, with the sale closing in 2025.

Acreage and layout

The old downtown site was about 15 acres, with another 15 acres leased from the city. The new campus is 82 acres. Its main features are:

• JAX Amphitheater, a 10,000-capacity outdoor concert venue.
• Duval Hall, a 40,000-square-foot indoor concert and expo space. Duval Hall A holds a stage for illusionists, comedians, and hypnotists, and Duval Hall B houses the Duval Hall Expo.
• The Agriculture Barn, which houses livestock shows, agriculture exhibits, and animals.
• The 904 Sound Stage, for free grounds entertainment.
• A midway and an outside marketplace.
• More than 5,000 parking spaces.

Governing organization

The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit, chartered by the State of Florida. It is run by a volunteer board of directors, and Bill Olson is its president and CEO. The association says more than 500 volunteers help run the fair each year. The fair also works with UF/IFAS Extension Duval County for its agriculture and 4-H programs.

How long it has operated

The fair held its first event in 1955 and drew 45,000 visitors. Its earliest years were at the former Gator Bowl, now EverBank Stadium. The association broke ground on its permanent downtown grounds in 1989, and the first fair there in 1990 drew more than 700,000 visitors. The 2026 event is the 71st annual fair.

Significance for residents

The fair is the largest fair and festival in Northeast Florida. The association estimates its economic impact on Duval County at more than $68 million a year. For many families, the 4-H and FFA livestock show is the only time they see youth livestock competitions up close.

Upcoming Events at Duval County Fairgrounds

Event types

The grounds host the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, concerts at the JAX Amphitheater, expos and markets, and some private events. Concerts at the amphitheater are sold separately from fair admission, though amphitheater tickets include general admission to the fair on the concert date.

I could not verify a full calendar of rodeos, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, swap meets, flea markets, gun shows, craft fairs, motocross, or horse shows at the new site.

Seasonal patterns

The fair runs in November. The 2026 fair is set for November 5 through 15, 2026. The association held the fair downtown each November from 1955 through 2025.

Because the fair is the main event on the grounds, I could not verify a spring or winter event calendar for the new site.

Finding the current schedule

The official source is the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair’s website, where the association posts the fair schedule, ticket information, and the 2026 map. The fair also posts updates on its social media. For livestock and 4-H events, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Duval County office at 904-255-7450 or [email protected].

Private rentals

The fair association has leased its grounds to outside groups for events in the past, and it is developing an expo hall and campgrounds at the new site. A 2022 report mentioned plans for campgrounds, parking, and RV hookups at the Equestrian Center. I could not verify current rental rates or which spaces are available for private events, so contact the fair association.

The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Itself

Name and dates

The annual event is the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair (JaxFair), held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds on Normandy Boulevard. The 2026 fair runs November 5 through 15, 2026. The 2027 dates have not been announced in the sources I reviewed.

Livestock judging categories

The Agriculture Barn hosts livestock shows and judging. I could not verify the full list of 2026 judging categories, including beef cattle, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and rabbits, so check the fair’s premium book or the extension office.

Crop, home economics, and art exhibits

Exhibit competitions include art, horticulture, science, agriculture, fibers and textiles, woodworking, and culinary arts. Duval Hall Expo features handmade pieces, blue-ribbon entries, garden displays, and craft work. Older fair coverage described a “Book of the Month” quilt judging with Duval County Public Schools and horticulture displays from the Men’s Garden Club. I could not verify this year’s specific categories for photography, floriculture, canning, or baking.

Carnival rides and midway

The 2026 midway features mechanical rides and attractions from Deggeller Attractions. The association’s 2026 materials describe more than 50 rides and attractions. For wristband pricing, the association sold a $25 Mega Pass that included fair admission and unlimited mechanical rides for one day. Early bird tickets went on sale September 1. Confirm current pricing, since early bird rates end.

Food vendors

The fair’s 2026 food list includes corn dogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs, cotton candy, candy apples, nachos, lemonade, and fried Oreos. The association describes more than 50 food vendors for 2026. Older coverage from the downtown years listed more than 120 food vendors, with items such as Amish donuts, walking tacos, and kettle corn. I could not verify which local nonprofits run food stands this year.

Entertainment

Free grounds entertainment includes concerts on the 904 Sound Stage, performances in Duval Hall A, and nightly concerts at the JAX Amphitheater, which are sold separately. The fair also features eating contests and illusionists, comedians, and hypnotists. I could not verify the 2026 concert lineup, grandstand acts, pageants, talent shows, tractor pulls, or demolition derbies.

Youth programs

The fair’s youth programs include 4-H and FFA exhibits and booths, along with the livestock program. More details follow in the 4-H section.

Admission and parking

General admission includes grounds entertainment and the Duval Hall stage, expo, and competitions. The association sold a $25 Mega Pass for one day of admission with unlimited mechanical rides, valued at up to $65. Early bird general admission went on sale September 1, 2026. I could not verify the regular gate price, children’s or senior discounts, season passes, or the parking fee for 2026. The association says each general admission ticket is good for one day.

The fair has walk-through metal detectors at every entry gate.

Fairgrounds and community event venues provide places to enjoy seasonal celebrations, local vendors, exhibitions, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors exploring Duval County Florida Fairgrounds Events can look for upcoming gatherings and regional activities while also discovering Dixie County Florida Fairgrounds Events.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings

Duval Hall A and Duval Hall B are the main indoor venues, with a stage in Duval Hall A and the Duval Hall Expo in Duval Hall B. The Duval Hall building is 40,000 square feet. The Agriculture Barn houses livestock shows and agricultural exhibits.

Livestock barns and stall rental

The Agriculture Barn is the fair’s main livestock facility. I could not verify the number of stalls, species-specific areas, or the stall rental procedure. Youth exhibitors should contact the extension office.

Grandstand and arena

The JAX Amphitheater is a 10,000-capacity outdoor concert venue, and it hosts nightly concerts during the fair. I could not verify whether the grounds have a separate grandstand or arena for livestock or rodeo events.

Commercial vendor spaces

The fair has a marketplace outside the buildings and vendor areas for food and commercial exhibitors. I could not verify booth sizes or fees.

Camping and RV

I could not verify camping or RV availability at the fairgrounds for the 2026 fair. The association has discussed campgrounds and RV hookups at the adjacent Equestrian Center, but I could not verify whether they are open.

Accessibility and amenities

I could not verify ADA parking, paved pathways, accessible restrooms, first aid stations, or ATMs. Contact the fair before your visit.

Parking capacity and overflow

The new site has more than 5,000 parking spaces, according to the association. I could not verify overflow lots or the parking fee.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendor booths

The fair has marketplace vendors and food vendors. I could not verify the booth application process, fees, or deadlines. Contact the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association’s office for vendor questions.

Competitive exhibits

Youth livestock exhibitors enter through UF/IFAS Extension Duval County. Adult and non-livestock exhibitors enter through the fair. Exhibit categories include art, horticulture, science, agriculture, fibers and textiles, woodworking, and culinary arts.

Entry deadlines and premium book

I could not verify entry deadlines or premium book availability for 2026. Request the premium book from the fair or the extension office early.

Contact information

• Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association: 13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221. Use the fair’s official website for updates and contact forms. The association’s former downtown address was 510 Fairgrounds Place.
• UF/IFAS Extension Duval County: 1010 North McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254. Phone 904-255-7450. Email [email protected]. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting to Duval County Fairgrounds

From downtown Jacksonville

The fair moved from downtown to the Westside, so drivers from downtown need to head west toward Normandy Boulevard. I could not verify the best route against a current map, so check before you leave.

From the interstate

Jacksonville is served by Interstate 95 and Interstate 10, and the Westside site is reached from the city’s major east-west roads. I could not verify the specific exit numbers, so use a navigation app that shows current road closures.

From St. Augustine and Lake City

Visitors from St. Augustine and Lake City would typically take Interstate 95 or U.S. 90 toward Jacksonville, then head to the Westside. I could not verify those routes.

Transit and shuttles

I could not verify public transit or shuttle service during fair week.

Rideshare

I could not verify rideshare drop-off points at the new site. Given the new layout, check with the fair before arriving.

4-H and FFA at Duval County Fairgrounds

The extension office’s role

UF/IFAS Extension Duval County runs the county’s 4-H youth development program. It works with the fair on the livestock program, the 4-H and FFA exhibits, and the youth livestock sale. The office held its annual open house and 4-H kickoff on August 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its office on North McDuff Avenue.

4-H clubs

I could not verify the number of 4-H clubs in Duval County. The extension office can provide the current list. The 4-H program serves youth ages 5 to 18.

FFA chapters

I could not verify which Jacksonville-area high school FFA chapters exhibit at the fair. Past fair coverage mentioned 4-H and FFA booths, but not specific schools.

Junior livestock auction

I could not verify whether Duval County holds a youth livestock auction, who may bid, or how proceeds are split. Ask the extension office and the fair association before attending.

Other youth opportunities

The Duval County Canning Center, operated through the extension office, has served residents for more than 80 years. Its tours are part of the extension open house, and it hosts programs on food preservation.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Rodeos and horse shows

I could not verify rodeos or horse shows at the new site. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center next door hosts equestrian events, but I could not confirm the current calendar.

Gun shows, swap meets, and flea markets

The fair has a marketplace, but I could not verify gun shows, swap meets, or flea markets at the grounds.

Motocross and ATV events

I could not verify motocross or ATV events at the grounds.

Seasonal festivals

I could not verify chili cook-offs, harvest festivals, or holiday events at the grounds.

Community fundraisers

The 4-H program holds open house food and drink fundraisers, and the fair has community programs. I could not verify other fundraisers at the grounds.

Concerts and touring acts

The JAX Amphitheater hosts concerts during the fair, and Duval Hall hosts concerts and expos. The association has said the new campus is designed to attract more music festivals. I could not verify the current year’s touring lineup.

History of Duval County Fairgrounds

Early roots

The fair began in 1955 with a first event that drew 45,000 visitors. Its original home was the former Gator Bowl, now EverBank Stadium.

Downtown era

The association broke ground on its downtown grounds in May 1989. The first fair there in 1990 drew more than 700,000 visitors. Over the next several decades, the fair grew into the largest fair and festival in Northeast Florida.

The Westside move

The association sold its downtown property, with the sale tied to the Jacksonville Jaguars owner’s development company. A new 82-acre site on the Westside was approved for construction in 2024, with an expo hall, amphitheater, midway, and parking. The fair moved to the new site for the 2026 event.

Notable events

Local coverage has described near-capacity crowds at the downtown fair, and reports of a few fights and arrests in past years. Officials have said security is a priority, and the fair now uses walk-through metal detectors at every entry gate.

Cancellations

I could not verify whether the fair has been canceled because of weather, economic hardship, or the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Jacksonville fair in 2026 and 2027?
The 2026 Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair runs November 5 through 15, 2026, at 13601 Normandy Boulevard. The 2027 dates have not been announced in the sources I reviewed.

What time does Duval County Fairgrounds open?
I could not verify the daily gate hours for 2026. Check the fair’s official schedule.

Is there camping at Duval County Fairgrounds?
I could not verify camping or RV availability at the new fairgrounds for 2026.

How do I enter livestock in the Jacksonville fair?
Youth enter livestock through UF/IFAS Extension Duval County. Call 904-255-7450 or email [email protected] for entry rules.

Are dogs allowed at Duval County Fairgrounds?
I could not verify the pet policy. Contact the fair before bringing an animal, since livestock areas have their own rules.

Where do I park at Duval County Fairgrounds?
The new site has more than 5,000 parking spaces. I could not verify the parking fee.

Who do I contact to rent Duval County Fairgrounds?
Contact the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association for rental questions.

How much does it cost to get into the Jacksonville fair?
The association sold a $25 Mega Pass for one day of admission with unlimited mechanical rides in 2026, and early bird general admission went on sale September 1. I could not verify the regular gate price, so check the fair’s ticket page.