Martin County Florida Fairgrounds Events

Martin County, Florida, has a long-running county fair tradition centered on Stuart and the surrounding Treasure Coast communities. The Martin County Fairgrounds, located on Southeast Dixie Highway, hosts the annual Martin County Fair as well as other public events, exhibitions, and private gatherings throughout the year.

The fair combines carnival rides, food stands, live entertainment, livestock competitions, youth projects, and exhibits that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage. It is also a fundraising operation that supports local education, youth achievement, and community organizations.

Unlike some county fairgrounds, this property is independently operated by the nonprofit Martin County Fair Association rather than being run directly by the county government. That distinction matters when visitors need to ask about facility rentals, vendor applications, event schedules, or agricultural competitions.

Overview of Martin County Fairgrounds

Location and address

The Martin County Fairgrounds is located at:

2616 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, Florida 34996

The grounds sit along Southeast Dixie Highway, across from Witham Field, Stuart’s airport, and south of Monterey Road. The location makes the fair accessible from Stuart and nearby communities including Jensen Beach, Palm City, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown.

The property includes exhibition buildings and an open midway area used for carnival attractions and outdoor activities. Published venue information describes two air-conditioned buildings measuring approximately 3,800 and 5,700 square feet, four additional non-air-conditioned buildings of approximately 3,800 square feet each, and a seven-acre grassy midway.

Who operates the fairgrounds?

The Martin County Fair Association, Inc., is a private nonprofit organization. It operates the grounds independently of county and state government and uses fair activities and facility rentals to support its community mission.

The association organizes the annual Martin County Fair and manages bookings for other events. Visitors should contact the fair office for rental terms, exhibitor arrangements, and event-specific policies rather than assuming that Martin County government departments manage the property.

Upcoming Events at Martin County Fairgrounds

2026–2027 event calendar

The fairgrounds host more than the annual February fair. The venue’s event calendar includes agricultural activities, plant sales, livestock exhibitor workdays, market livestock sales, home shows, orchid shows, gun shows, and pageants.

The following dates are particularly useful for planning:

• February 12–21, 2027: The advertised dates for the 2027 Martin County Fair.
• 2027 Miss Martin County Fair Pageant: Listed on the fairgrounds event calendar; check the organizer’s current schedule for the date and entry requirements.
• Plant sales and livestock exhibitor activities: These appear among the venue’s scheduled events, but individual dates and registration details should be confirmed.
• Home Show, Orchid Show, and Gun Show: These are listed event categories at the grounds; check the calendar for the next confirmed edition.

Seasonal activities and facility rentals

February is the main fair season, when the midway, exhibition spaces, food vendors, and agricultural activities come together for the annual event. Other events are scheduled throughout the year according to organizer bookings.

The fairgrounds are available for selected outside events, including antique shows, gun shows, parties, banquets, youth-group activities, nonprofit functions, and other gatherings. The available building or outdoor space depends on the event’s size and setup.

The fair office is the best place to confirm whether a particular event is open to the public, requires advance registration, or is restricted to participants.

The Martin County Fair: Dates, Attractions, and Admission

2027 Martin County Fair: February 12–21, 2027

The next advertised Martin County Fair is scheduled for February 12 through February 21, 2027. The ten-day fair traditionally brings together a traveling carnival midway, live entertainment, livestock shows, home arts exhibits, food vendors, and family activities.

The exact daily hours, concert lineup, ride specials, and admission arrangements should be checked against the 2027 schedule before visiting. The 2026 prices should not be assumed to apply to the 2027 fair.

Livestock shows and competitive exhibits

Agricultural programming is a central part of the Martin County Fair. Livestock activities give young exhibitors an opportunity to present animals, demonstrate their preparation and care, and participate in judging.

The fair also features home arts and other competitive exhibits. Depending on the year’s official program, these may include crafts, needlework, baking, creative projects, and other work entered under the fair’s exhibit rules.

Participants should check the current exhibitor handbook or premium book for accepted categories, entry deadlines, judging requirements, and awards. Specific livestock species and classes can vary by year’s program.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The midway is a major attraction, with traveling carnival rides, games, and family entertainment. The 2026 fair advertised a 110-foot Ferris wheel alongside other attractions. The ride lineup for 2027 must be confirmed separately.

Food vendors typically serve familiar fair favorites such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, burgers, fried snacks, and refreshing drinks. Individual vendors and menus change between fairs.

Past programs have also included live music, specialty performances, animal presentations, and stage entertainment. Visitors should review the current schedule to determine which performances are included with general admission and which require separate tickets.

Admission and parking

At the 2026 fair, published admission rates were $15 for ages 13 and older, $10 for children ages 6–12, and $5 for visitors aged 55 and older, veterans, and first responders with valid identification. Children five and younger entered free, and parking was free.

These are 2026 prices, not confirmed 2027 prices. The fair association publishes admission information and any ride wristband offers for each edition.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and outdoor space

The Martin County Fairgrounds has several buildings suited to exhibits, meetings, shows, and private functions. The two air-conditioned buildings provide indoor space for activities that benefit from climate control, while the four additional non-air-conditioned buildings accommodate other uses according to availability.

The seven-acre grassy midway provides room for outdoor attractions and fair activities. Layouts change during the annual fair to accommodate rides, vendor booths, pedestrian routes, and event operations.

Livestock and agricultural facilities

Livestock shows and youth agricultural activities form part of the annual fair program. Exhibitor access, animal unloading, stall assignments, and animal-care requirements are governed by the relevant competition rules.

People bringing animals should obtain written instructions about arrival times, health documentation, permitted vehicles, and stall availability. The fairgrounds’ general facility description does not establish that every building is permanently assigned to a particular animal species.

Parking and accessibility

The fair association advertises free parking during the annual fair. Parking areas open before the fair itself, and free tram service has been provided to carry visitors from parking areas toward the entrance.

Large crowds can make arrival and departure slower, particularly on weekends and during headline performances. Visitors should remember their parking area and follow the event staff’s traffic instructions.

For accessibility details, including accessible parking, restrooms, and entry arrangements, contact the fair office before attending. The availability of specific facilities may vary with the event layout.

The fairgrounds are not a general-purpose campground advertised for ordinary overnight visitors. Vendor applications for the 2026 fair listed limited campsite arrangements for approved participants, but those terms should not be treated as a public camping policy for 2027.

Community fairs and seasonal events bring residents together through local exhibits, agricultural displays, food vendors, and family entertainment. People interested in Martin County Florida Fairgrounds Events can discover upcoming activities and community celebrations while also exploring Marion County Florida Fairgrounds Events.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a commercial booth

The Martin County Fair Association accepts applications for commercial and food vendors during its annual fair. Applicants should contact the fair office to request the relevant application, current fees, booth dimensions, insurance requirements, and setup instructions.

The 2026 food-vendor application listed a commercial space rate of $75 per front foot, with a ten-foot minimum, and described additional charges for certain services and hookups. Those are historical application terms, not a confirmed rate for the 2027 fair.

Food vendors should pay particular attention to equipment and tent rules. The 2026 application prohibited pop-up and easy-up tents because of potentially high winds at the grounds. Vendors should review the current contract rather than relying on an older form.

Entering competitive exhibits

Livestock exhibitors and people entering home arts or other judged categories should obtain the current fair handbook. It identifies eligible classes, submission deadlines, judging procedures, and any fees.

For questions about vendor applications, exhibits, or rentals, the fair office can be reached at 772-220-3247. Its published contact email is [email protected].

Getting to Martin County Fairgrounds

Driving directions from nearby communities

The fairgrounds are on SE Dixie Highway in Stuart, across from Witham Field.

• From downtown Stuart: Travel toward Southeast Dixie Highway and follow signs for the fairgrounds near Witham Field.
• From Jensen Beach: Travel toward Stuart using the main local routes connecting to the US Highway 1 corridor, then follow directions to SE Dixie Highway.
• From Palm City: Cross toward Stuart and continue to the SE Dixie Highway location.
• From Hobe Sound: Follow US Highway 1 north toward Stuart, then use local roads to reach the fairgrounds.
• From Indiantown: Follow the main road connections toward Stuart and navigate to the fairground address.

Allow additional travel time during the February fair, especially when entering from busy local roads or arriving for evening entertainment.

Public transportation and rideshare

Visitors should check current Martin County public transit services for routes and stops serving the SE Dixie Highway area. Dedicated fair shuttles should not be assumed to operate every year.

Rideshare passengers should use the drop-off location designated by fair staff. During busy periods, a clearly agreed pickup point away from the main entrance can help avoid confusion when leaving.

4-H, FFA, and Youth Agriculture

The Martin County Fair provides a public setting for youth agricultural education through livestock competitions and related exhibits. Participants learn animal husbandry, preparation, presentation, responsibility, and the value of agricultural projects.

Youth livestock sales and participation

The fair calendar includes livestock exhibitor workdays and market livestock sales. These activities are separate from general visitor admission and have their own requirements for exhibitors, animals, and buyers.

Young people interested in participating should ask about local 4-H clubs, school FFA programs, project eligibility, animal registration, and deadlines. The current fair program should also clarify whether a particular class leads to a sale, award, or other form of recognition.

A public buyer’s opportunity does not automatically mean that every animal shown is available for purchase. Prospective buyers should obtain the rules and schedule for the relevant sale before attending.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The grounds are used for a variety of events outside February’s main fair. The published calendar has included plant sales, orchid shows, home shows, gun shows, and pageants.

The association also makes its facilities available for selected private functions, nonprofit gatherings, youth-group activities, and other organized events. Indoor building sizes allow organizers to consider different event formats, subject to booking conditions and availability.

Visitors looking for a specific show should confirm its date and admission policy directly with the event organizer. A listing on the fairgrounds calendar does not necessarily mean the event is operated by the fair association itself.

History of Martin County Fairgrounds

The Martin County Fair has been a longstanding community event on Florida’s Treasure Coast. The 2026 edition was advertised as the 67th annual fair, reflecting a tradition that has grown alongside Stuart and the surrounding communities.

The Martin County Fair Association operates the grounds as an independent nonprofit, with a mission that includes supporting education, South Florida agriculture, and youth achievement. The association also reports that proceeds and activities help support local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.

Over time, the fair has developed from an agricultural gathering into a larger event featuring carnival rides, concerts, livestock competitions, home arts, food vendors, and family entertainment. Its current location on SE Dixie Highway accommodates both the annual fair and smaller events throughout the year.

The grounds’ continued use for exhibitions, shows, and community functions helps preserve the fair’s role beyond its main February season. Specific historical attendance records, past cancellations, and major site-development milestones should be confirmed through the association’s historical materials rather than inferred from annual event listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Martin County Fair in Florida in 2027?

The 2027 Martin County Fair is advertised for February 12–21, 2027, in Stuart, Florida. Visitors should check the current event calendar for daily hours, entertainment, and admission details.

What time do the Martin County Fairgrounds open?

Opening hours depend on the event. During the annual fair, gates generally open at different times on weekdays and weekends. Check the daily schedule before travelling.

Where are the Martin County Fairgrounds located?

The fairgrounds are at 2616 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, Florida 34996, across from Witham Field.

How much does it cost to enter the Martin County Fair?

The 2026 fair charged $15 for visitors aged 13 and older, $10 for ages 6–12, and $5 for seniors aged 55 and older, veterans, and first responders with valid identification. Children five and younger entered free. The 2027 prices have not been confirmed here.

Is parking free at Martin County Fairgrounds?

Yes, the fair association advertised free parking for the annual fair. Tram service has also been provided between parking areas and the entrance.

How do I become a vendor at the Martin County Fair?

Contact the Martin County Fair Association at 772-220-3247 or request the relevant application by emailing [email protected]. Confirm current fees, insurance, equipment rules, and application deadlines.

How do I enter livestock in the Martin County Fair?

Obtain the current exhibitor handbook and follow its registration deadlines, animal requirements, and judging rules. Youth exhibitors should also ask about eligible 4-H and FFA participation.

Are dogs allowed at Martin County Fairgrounds?

The venue’s published visitor information specifies service dogs only. Check the current event policy before bringing any animal.

Can I rent Martin County Fairgrounds for a private event?

Yes. The fair association makes facilities available for selected parties, banquets, shows, youth-group activities, and nonprofit events. Contact the fair office to confirm availability, pricing, and permitted uses.

Is camping available at Martin County Fairgrounds?

Limited campsite arrangements appeared on the 2026 vendor application, but these were subject to approval and availability. Visitors should not assume general public camping is available; ask the fair office about current arrangements.

What other events take place at Martin County Fairgrounds?

The calendar has included plant sales, livestock activities, home shows, orchid shows, gun shows, pageants, and other gatherings. Dates and admission requirements vary by event.