Citrus County Florida Fairgrounds Events

Every March, the Citrus County Fairgrounds on South Florida Avenue in Inverness fills up with steers, goats, and 4-H exhibit tables. The fair has run on this site for more than seven decades, and it is still organized the way it was at the start: volunteers, youth livestock, and a midway at the end of the day. This guide covers the grounds, the fair, the youth programs behind it, and the rental and off-season events that keep the fairgrounds busy the rest of the year.

Overview of Citrus County Fairgrounds

Location

The fairgrounds sit at 3600 South Florida Avenue in Inverness, Florida 34450. Local listings place the grounds about two miles south of downtown Inverness, on U.S. 41. The Citrus County Model Railroad Club operates from the Otto Allen Building on the grounds, so that building is a useful landmark for visitors.

Acreage and layout

I could not verify the total acreage. Known features include a permanent auditorium, a horse arena, a livestock complex with barns for steers, swine, and other animals, an exhibit building, and a midway area. A historic 3/8-mile racetrack is also described on the grounds, though one local source says it is now home to the Citrus County Speedway, so confirm its current use.

Governing organization

The Citrus County Fair Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs the annual fair. It is operated by 25 volunteer directors and is not affiliated with any government agency. The association hired Artie McIntyre as its new fair manager in 2026, after longtime manager Hal Porter died earlier that year. McIntyre is a past president of the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows.

The UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office coordinates the 4-H and youth livestock programs that feed into the fair.

How long it has operated

The fair traces its roots to October 1920, when it grew out of local 4-H exhibits organized by county extension agents. It was first held in Lecanto. By 1948 it had moved to the current grounds, which means the 2026 fair marked 78 years at this location. Local coverage describes the Miss Citrus County Scholarship Pageant as dating to 1930.

Why it matters to residents

The fair is one of the few places in the county where families see livestock raised by local youth. Its exhibits, from pies and quilts to steers, are still judged by local volunteers, and the proceeds fund youth scholarships.

Upcoming Events at Citrus County Fairgrounds

Event types

The grounds host the Citrus County Fair, 4-H and FFA shows, horse and goat shows, rodeos, tractor and truck shows, flea markets, and music and pageant events. Listings also show concerts and other ticketed events at the venue, though I could not verify the lineup for upcoming dates.

Rodeo events have appeared on the county 4-H calendar. The 2025 calendar lists the Citrus Stampede Rodeo on November 21 and 22 at the grounds. I could not verify a 2026 rodeo date.

Seasonal patterns

Spring is the fairgrounds’ busiest season. The 2025–2026 county 4-H calendar listed a Citrus County Horse Show in mid-March, a Citrus County Goat Show a week later, and the Citrus County Fair in late March. The Florida State Fair in Tampa is a separate event that Citrus 4-H members attend in February. A horse pull event is listed at the grounds for February 8, 2026, though that listing is from a third-party site.

Late fall has hosted rodeo events. The rest of the year, the arena hosts tractor and truck shows and other rentals.

Finding the current schedule

The fair association’s official website and its Facebook page are the best sources for fair dates and show schedules. The association’s phone line is 352-726-2993. The UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office publishes an annual 4-H calendar that lists county shows and events, and that calendar is the best place to check for youth livestock dates.

Private rentals

The Citrus County Fair Auditorium and the Livestock Arena are available for rental, according to the fair association. The flea market at the grounds is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round, except during fair week. Contact the fair association about rental rates, availability, and insurance requirements.

The Citrus County Fair Itself

Name and dates

The annual event is the Citrus County Fair, held at the Citrus County Fairgrounds every late March. The 2026 fair ran March 23 through March 29. The 2027 fair is scheduled for March 22 through March 29, 2027, according to recent local coverage.

Livestock judging categories

Livestock is central to the fair. Youth exhibitors show steers, swine, goats, and other animals in judged classes. The 2026 schedule included a youth tractor driving contest at the livestock complex. I could not verify the full list of 2026 judging categories, including beef cattle, dairy, sheep, poultry, or rabbits, so check the premium book or the 4-H calendar for this year’s classes.

Crop, home economics, and other exhibits

The fair’s exhibit program covers agriculture, horticulture, livestock, 4-H, FFA, fine arts, and Extension Homemakers. Local coverage describes exhibits featuring plants, produce, baked goods, quilts, artwork, and photography, all competing for blue ribbons. Church and civic groups also exhibit, and school exhibits are reviewed.

I could not verify specific woodworking, floriculture, canning, or baking categories for 2026.

Carnival rides and midway

The 2026 schedule listed Modern Midways as the carnival company operating the midway. The midway opened on the first Saturday with daytime and nighttime sessions. Armband pricing for that Saturday was $30 for unlimited rides, which was labeled as a daytime and a Saturday night deal. I could not verify the ride count or whether pricing is the same on other days.

Food vendors

Visitors can find fair food such as funnel cakes, smoked turkey legs, popcorn, corn dogs, candied apples, sugar waffles, and fresh ice cream. Local coverage also lists pizza, sandwiches, and complete meals as options. I could not verify which local nonprofits run food stands in 2026, though nonprofit food booths are common at the fair.

Entertainment

The 2026 schedule included strolling performers, a one-man circus, a one-man band, a dinosaur-themed act, a live game show, and a live stage show with a dog act. The auditorium hosted cooking demonstrations and performances by the Citrus Youth Educational Symphonic Orchestra and Citrus Dance Academy. Youth contests included a pie-eating contest and public speaking. Pageants include the Miss Citrus County Scholarship Pageant and youth pageants. I could not verify tractor pulls or demolition derbies for 2026.

Youth programs

The youth contests and livestock program are the heart of the fair. Details on the 4-H and FFA side are in the next section.

Admission and parking

Based on the 2026 Saturday schedule, general admission was $10 for ages 11 and older, $7 for ages 4 through 10, and free for ages 3 and under. Parking was free. Confirm current prices with the fair association, since the 2027 pricing has not been announced in the sources I reviewed. I could not verify senior discounts or season passes.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings

The grounds include an exhibit building that opens on fair days, the Otto Allen Building that houses the model railroad club, and an auditorium used for performances, cooking demonstrations, and youth contests.

Livestock barns and stall rental

The livestock complex includes barns for steers and swine, with other species housed in designated areas. A state grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is funding a $1 million renovation. The fair association said the steer barn will be upgraded to hold more youth, hogs, and steers, and the swine barn will also be upgraded. Some improvements are expected to be completed before the 2027 fair.

I could not verify stall rental fees or the procedure for reserving stalls. Ask the fair association.

Grandstand and arena

The horse arena hosts horse shows and other arena events, along with tractor and truck shows during the off-season. I could not verify seating capacity.

Commercial vendor spaces

I could not verify the layout or number of commercial vendor spaces on the grounds.

Camping and RV

I could not verify camping or RV availability at the grounds.

Accessibility and amenities

A third-party venue listing describes handicap parking near the main entrance, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices on request. That listing is not from the fair association, so verify these features directly. The fair association can also tell you whether the grounds have paved pathways, a first aid station, or ATMs.

Parking capacity and overflow

The 2026 schedule listed free parking. I could not verify parking capacity or overflow lots.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendor booths

Commercial vendors and civic groups exhibit at the fair. Contact the Citrus County Fair Association for booth applications, fees, and deadlines. I could not verify the current application process.

Competitive exhibits

Youth livestock exhibitors enter through the UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office and the county 4-H program. Adult exhibitors and non-livestock entries go through the fair association. Ask for the exhibit handbook and entry forms.

Premium book

I could not verify whether a premium book is published or when it becomes available. Ask the fair association.

Contact information

• Citrus County Fair Association: the fair association’s official website and Facebook page are the main sources. Phone 352-726-2993. The Chronicle newspaper and fair publications list the fairgrounds at 3600 South Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450.
• UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County: a 2024–2025 4-H brochure listed the office at 3650 West Sovereign Path, Suite 1. Verify that address before visiting.

Community fairs offer an inviting setting for agricultural displays, livestock competitions, local food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. People searching for Citrus County Florida Fairgrounds Events can explore seasonal celebrations and local traditions while also learning about Charlotte County Florida Fairgrounds Events.

Getting to Citrus County Fairgrounds

From the county seat and nearby towns

The fairgrounds are on U.S. 41 South in Inverness, about two miles south of downtown. Drivers from Inverness and Lecanto can take U.S. 41 south to the grounds, which are on the right side of the road.

From Interstate 75

The fair association’s directions for drivers coming from Interstate 75 say to take Exit 329, which is Highway 44. From there, head south on Highway 41, and the fairgrounds will be on the right.

From Crystal River and Homosassa

Drivers from Crystal River and Homosassa typically reach the grounds via U.S. 19 and then east to U.S. 41. I could not verify that route against a current map, so check before you leave.

Transit and shuttles

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

Rideshare

I could not verify rideshare drop-off locations at the grounds.

4-H and FFA at Citrus County Fairgrounds

The extension office’s role

UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County runs the county’s 4-H program. It coordinates enrollment, project record books, livestock clinics, and the county events that feed into the fair. The extension office publishes a yearly calendar that lists shows like the horse show, goat show, and county fair.

4-H clubs

A 2024–2025 Citrus County 4-H club brochure listed about 17 clubs. Several have a livestock focus, including clubs named for horses, shooting sports, and general livestock projects. Clubs listed included Pine Ridge Horse, Citrus County Argonauts, Citrus County Shooting Sports, Crystal River Awinitas, Eagle High, Ease’s Rough Riders, Feathered Friends, Fireheart 4-H, Floral City Team Green, Holder Wrecking Crew, Homosassa 4-H, Hot 2 Trot, Lecanto Levi’s, Red Level 4-H, Dragon Lillies, and a Dog Club. Confirm the current list with the extension office.

FFA chapters

I could not verify which local high school FFA chapters participate in the fair. Ask the extension office or the local agriculture teachers.

Youth livestock auction

I could not verify whether Citrus County holds a youth livestock auction, the rules for bidders, or how proceeds are divided. Ask the fair association and extension office before attending or planning to bid.

Youth livestock program support

The county’s 4-H association and the Citrus County Canning Center have supported 4-H members with fundraising and events. A 2024 Citrus 4-H newsletter credited the association and the canning center for contributions to the fair season. Ask the extension office how families can contribute.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Rodeos

The Citrus Stampede Rodeo appeared on the 2025 county 4-H calendar for November 21 and 22 at the grounds. I could not verify a 2026 rodeo.

Horse shows and horse pulls

The county 4-H calendar lists a Citrus County Horse Show in March. A horse pull was listed at the fairgrounds on February 8, 2026, through a third-party listing.

Gun shows, swap meets, and flea markets

The fairgrounds flea market operates Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round, except during fair week. I could not verify gun shows or swap meets 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 fairgrounds.

Community fundraisers

Community groups and 4-H clubs use the grounds for fundraisers, though I could not verify specific events for this year.

Concerts and touring acts

Concert listings show events at the venue, including dates in early 2026. I could not verify the performers or whether those events took place.

History of Citrus County Fairgrounds

Early agricultural roots

The fair began in October 1920 as local 4-H exhibits organized by county extension agents. Its first home was Lecanto. The fair’s mission has stayed close to those early roots, with livestock and youth exhibits at the center.

Move to the current grounds

By 1948 the fair had moved to South Florida Avenue, and the grounds grew to include a permanent auditorium and a horse arena. The 2026 fair marked 78 years at the current grounds.

Notable events

The Miss Citrus County Scholarship Pageant, which dates to 1930, is one of the fair’s longest-running traditions. The fair has also hosted youth pageants, including Miss Teen, Junior Miss, and a decorated diaper contest.

Recent changes

The fair association received a $1 million state grant to renovate barns, including the swine barn and steer barn. The association expects some work to be finished before the 2027 fair. The arena also hosts tractor and truck shows that help generate revenue between fairs.

Cancellations

I could not verify whether the fair was canceled during the pandemic or during economic hardship. Ask the fair association for its full history.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Citrus County Fair in 2026 and 2027?
The 2026 Citrus County Fair ran March 23 through March 29. The 2027 fair is scheduled for March 22 through March 29, 2027, according to recent coverage. Confirm dates with the fair association.

What time does Citrus County Fairgrounds open?
The 2026 Saturday schedule listed the fair opening at 11 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. Confirm current gate hours for the fair you are attending.

Is there camping at Citrus County Fairgrounds?
I could not verify camping or RV availability. Ask the fair association.

How do I enter livestock in the Citrus County Fair?
Youth enter livestock through the UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office and the county 4-H program. Contact the extension office for enrollment and entry rules.

Are dogs allowed at Citrus County Fairgrounds?
I could not verify the pet policy for the fair. A third-party venue listing said pets are not allowed except service animals, but that listing is not official. Confirm with the fair association.

Where do I park at Citrus County Fairgrounds?
Parking was free on the 2026 Saturday schedule. I could not verify parking capacity or overflow lots.

Who do I contact to rent Citrus County Fairgrounds?
The Citrus County Fair Association rents the auditorium and livestock arena. Call 352-726-2993 for rental questions.

How much does it cost to get into the Citrus County Fair?
The 2026 Saturday schedule listed general admission at $10 for ages 11 and older, $7 for ages 4 through 10, and free for ages 3 and under. Confirm current prices with the fair association.