Ellis County Kansas Fairgrounds Events

The Ellis County Fairgrounds are located at 1344 Fairground Road, Hays, Kansas 67601. Hays, the county seat of Ellis County, serves as the center of the area’s annual fair activities. The grounds bring together agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, rodeo entertainment, youth programs, and events organized by the Ellis County Fair Association.

The annual Ellis County Fair is a major opportunity for local families to see the results of months of work by young exhibitors. Livestock projects, 4-H displays, and competitive exhibits connect the region’s agricultural traditions with practical learning for children and teenagers.

The fairgrounds also serve a purpose beyond fair week. The association makes buildings and selected outdoor facilities available for private gatherings and organized events, helping keep the venue in use throughout the year.

Location and management

The Ellis County Fair Association oversees the annual fair and coordinates activities with volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, and the Cottonwood Extension District’s Ellis County 4-H program. The association also manages fair-related arrangements and facility rentals.

The grounds include livestock exhibition areas, a rodeo arena, commercial vendor space, and multipurpose buildings. A complete, verified acreage figure and a comprehensive inventory of every permanent structure are not publicly established in the available information, so visitors should contact the fairgrounds office for detailed site-layout questions.

Upcoming Events at Ellis County Fairgrounds

The most important annual event is the Ellis County Fair, held in July. Other activities may include livestock project events, rodeo competitions, commercial displays, youth contests, and private functions booked through the fair association.

Livestock shows and youth agricultural projects are an important part of the Ellis County fair tradition.

Finding current event information

The best place to begin when planning a visit is the current Ellis County Fair schedule maintained by the county and its fair organizers. The Cottonwood Extension District provides information about 4-H entries, judging, deadlines, and livestock requirements.

Schedules can change between years, particularly for grandstand entertainment, rodeo performances, admission arrangements, and special attractions. Visitors should confirm the date and starting time of an individual event before travelling to Hays.

Events outside fair week

The fair association rents selected facilities for events such as family reunions, meetings, receptions, and weddings. The rodeo arena can also be rented under separate arrangements.

The grounds have hosted specialized motorsport and rodeo entertainment as part of the annual fair. However, visitors should not assume that unrelated events such as gun shows, flea markets, swap meets, or motocross competitions take place regularly unless they appear on a current schedule.

The Ellis County Fair

Typical fair season: July

The Ellis County Fair takes place in July. In 2026, the published schedule listed the main fair activities across July 12–17, with featured public entertainment during the week. The fair association’s event announcement also identified July 14–17 as the main entertainment dates. These dates relate to the completed 2026 season and should not be treated as the schedule for 2027.

The 2026 theme was “Let the Good Times Roll.” For the next edition, visitors should look for an official announcement from the fair association rather than relying on previous years’ dates.

Livestock shows and competitive exhibits

Agricultural competition is central to the fair. Youth exhibitors prepare animals and other projects before arriving for scheduled check-in, judging, and public exhibition.

The program includes livestock-related activities and indoor competitive exhibits. Depending on the year’s fairbook, categories may include beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, crops, horticulture, floriculture, food preparation, clothing, and other home or creative projects.

Participants should consult the current 4-H and open-class fairbooks for the exact divisions, eligibility rules, check-in times, and judging requirements. Categories should not be assumed to appear every year.

Rodeo, motorsports, and family entertainment

The 2026 entertainment program featured professional rodeo performances, children’s mutton busting, a Moto Rodeo, an ATV Big Air Tour, and racing at RPM Speedway as part of the wider fair program. The schedule also promoted family activities and an inflatable carnival attraction.

Rodeo performances and arena entertainment bring spectators to the Ellis County fairgrounds during July.

These attractions vary by year. Anyone attending for a particular performance should confirm whether it is held at the fairgrounds or another participating venue, as some activities may take place elsewhere in the Hays area.

Explore Ellis County Kansas Fairgrounds Events for information about county fairs livestock shows agricultural displays and vendor opportunities. Visitors can also discover Elk County Kansas Fairgrounds Events for more local fair details.

Food, admission, and parking

Food vendors and youth-club food stands contribute to the fair atmosphere. Visitors can expect food concessions when scheduled, but the precise vendor lineup and menus depend on the year.

For the 2026 fair, published information listed a seven-event pass for $40, single-night admission for $20, and free admission for children aged five and under. Those figures are historical 2026 prices, not confirmed rates for the next fair. Parking fees, senior discounts, and other admission policies should be checked against the applicable year’s information.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and livestock areas support agricultural projects and other scheduled fair activities.

Exhibition buildings and meeting spaces

The fairgrounds have two principal multipurpose buildings:

• Schenk Building: approximately 6,600 square feet.
• Unrein Family Building: approximately 7,500 square feet.

Both buildings have restroom facilities, kitchens, and meeting space. They connect through Deutschefest Hall, which can accommodate approximately 80 people in a meeting arrangement. When the two buildings are used together, the venue can accommodate a large gathering with seating and tables arranged around the stage area.

These spaces are suitable for certain receptions, meetings, reunions, and other private functions, subject to rental rules and availability.

Livestock areas and rodeo arena

Livestock facilities support scheduled animal exhibitions, while the rodeo arena accommodates arena-based competitions and entertainment. Stall arrangements, animal check-in procedures, and access rules are set for individual events.

The fairgrounds state that they do not board horses. Exhibitors should arrange their animals’ care and accommodation according to the relevant event rules rather than assuming that year-round boarding is available.

Accessibility, parking, and visitor amenities

Visitors should check the current event information for accessible parking locations, entrance arrangements, restroom access, and any temporary restrictions around livestock areas or the arena. A verified sitewide parking capacity and a complete list of ADA facilities are not established in the information available here.

During busy fair evenings, arriving early can make it easier to find parking and reach the correct event area. Ask the fair office about overflow parking, accessible routes, and drop-off arrangements if you need specific assistance.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendors and food sellers

The Ellis County Fair Association accepts applications for commercial exhibits and food vendors through contracts issued for the annual fair. Commercial booths are intended for businesses and exhibitors wishing to display products or services during scheduled fair evenings.

The 2026 commercial vendor contract specified booth spaces of approximately 10 by 10 feet, with a listed charge of $50 per booth. Vendors were required to provide a Kansas sales tax identification number, liability insurance documentation, and information about their displays. These are historical terms and should be reconfirmed before applying for a future fair.

Food vendors have separate application requirements. Applicants should provide their proposed menu, equipment and electrical needs, trailer dimensions, and other requested details.

Competitive exhibits and entry deadlines

People entering 4-H and open-class competitions should review the appropriate fairbook before preparing their projects. The 2026 program used FairEntry for advance registration. Livestock and fashion-related paperwork had an earlier deadline than several other entries, and the general entry deadline was July 6, 2026.

Deadlines change from year to year. Exhibitors should confirm the current year’s dates, tagging requirements, insurance forms, stall arrangements, and judging schedule with the Cottonwood Extension District.

Getting to Ellis County Fairgrounds

Driving from Hays and nearby communities

The fairgrounds are on Fairground Road in Hays, making them accessible to residents travelling from within Ellis County and nearby north-central Kansas communities.

Visitors coming from downtown Hays should follow local directions toward Fairground Road and check their event’s designated entrance. Drivers from farther away can use the regional highway network serving Hays before following local roads to the venue.

Travellers from nearby communities such as Ellis, Victoria, and Russell should allow additional time for parking on major fair evenings. Check the exact destination before setting out, especially when attending a special event that may be held at a separate venue.

Public transportation and rideshare

A dedicated fair-week shuttle service or a specific public transportation schedule has not been confirmed. Visitors should arrange their own transportation unless organizers announce a service for the event they plan to attend.

Rideshare passengers should agree on a convenient pickup point with their driver and follow temporary traffic instructions issued by event staff. Crowds around arena entrances may make immediate curbside pickup difficult after major performances.

4-H and FFA at Ellis County Fairgrounds

The Cottonwood Extension District’s Ellis County 4-H program helps coordinate youth participation, educational activities, project entries, and livestock competitions. The annual fair provides a public setting where young people can demonstrate skills developed through months of preparation.

Projects may involve animal care, recordkeeping, food preparation, clothing, photography, horticulture, and other practical subjects. The current fairbook identifies the categories offered and the requirements for each division.

Local agricultural education programs and FFA members may also contribute to the county’s broader agricultural community. However, participation by a particular FFA chapter should be confirmed for each year’s program rather than assumed.

The junior livestock auction

The Ellis County 4-H Livestock Auction gives buyers an opportunity to support young exhibitors by purchasing animals they have raised and cared for as part of their projects. Grand champion and reserve champion food projects may also be included in the sale.

The 2026 auction was scheduled for Friday, July 17, at 6 p.m., with buyer registration and a meal beginning at 5 p.m. Those times are specific to the 2026 event.

Prospective buyers should review the current sale information for registration requirements, payment procedures, eligible projects, and arrangements for animals after purchase. The auction is both a fundraising opportunity for exhibitors and a practical lesson in agriculture, responsibility, and business.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The grounds’ multipurpose buildings and rodeo arena allow the Ellis County Fair Association to host activities beyond the main county fair.

Potential bookings include private celebrations, business meetings, wedding receptions, family reunions, and organized gatherings. Arena rentals are handled separately from indoor building rentals.

Rodeo and motorsport attractions have also featured in the fair’s public entertainment program. The 2026 schedule included a Moto Rodeo and ATV Big Air Tour, while RPM Speedway hosted racing associated with the fair’s wider program. These are examples of recent programming, not a guarantee of annual appearances.

Visitors looking for craft markets, flea markets, gun shows, seasonal festivals, or touring concerts should check the current calendar before making plans. Such activities should not be described as recurring events without confirmation from the organizers.

History of Ellis County Fairgrounds

The Ellis County Fair reflects the agricultural traditions of the Hays area and the surrounding north-central Kansas region. Its continued emphasis on livestock, youth projects, competitive exhibits, and community entertainment links modern fair activities with the longstanding role of agricultural fairs in rural life.

The Ellis County Fair Association, volunteers, local supporters, and the extension program help maintain this tradition. The fair also gives young exhibitors a public opportunity to present projects developed through 4-H and other educational activities.

A definitive founding year for the current fairgrounds, a complete record of attendance figures, and a documented list of historic cancellations have not been established in the information available for this article. Those details should be confirmed through local historical records or the fair association rather than supplied as estimates.

Recent improvements and administrative decisions show that the site continues to evolve. In 2026, county officials considered updated signage for the grounds, including identification of meeting spaces. Such changes help visitors navigate a venue used for both fair activities and private events.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Ellis County Fair in 2027?

The 2027 Ellis County Fair Association fundraising information identifies the fair as scheduled for July 13–16, 2027, under the theme “Kickin’ It Old School.” Visitors should confirm the final event schedule and individual performance dates before travelling.

What time do the Ellis County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times depend on the event. Livestock check-in, indoor exhibits, commercial vendors, and evening entertainment may each follow different schedules. Consult the current fair program for the hours that apply to your visit.

Is camping available at Ellis County Fairgrounds?

A general public camping policy and confirmed RV hookup availability have not been established here. Contact the fairgrounds office before bringing a camper or arranging an overnight stay.

How do I enter livestock in the Ellis County County Fair?

Contact the Cottonwood Extension District’s Ellis County 4-H office and review the current livestock rules. Participants may need to complete online entries, animal identification, required paperwork, and deadlines before the fair begins.

Are dogs allowed at Ellis County Fairgrounds?

A comprehensive public pet policy has not been confirmed. Before bringing a dog, ask the organizers about restrictions, service-animal arrangements, and rules for areas containing livestock.

Where do I park at Ellis County Fairgrounds?

Visitors should follow event signage and instructions from parking staff. For accessible parking, overflow arrangements, or designated drop-off areas, contact the organizers before arrival.

Who do I contact to rent Ellis County Fairgrounds?

For building and grounds rental enquiries, contact the fairgrounds managers at 785-628-8820. The published rental information also lists Melinda Fross as a contact for building arrangements. Rodeo arena rentals have separate procedures.

How much does admission to the Ellis County Fair cost?

Admission varies by year and event. In 2026, the published prices included a $40 pass for seven events and $20 single-night admission, with children aged five and under admitted free. Confirm the prices for the year you intend to attend.

Where is Ellis County Fairgrounds located?

The address is 1344 Fairground Road, Hays, KS 67601. Hays is the county seat of Ellis County and the host city for the annual county fair.

Can I rent a building for a wedding or family reunion?

Yes. The association advertises rental options for the Schenk Building, Unrein Family Building, and connecting Deutschefest Hall. Availability, fees, capacity arrangements, and booking conditions should be confirmed with the grounds managers.

Where can I find 4-H and open-class entry information?

The Cottonwood Extension District’s Ellis County 4-H program provides the annual fairbooks and entry guidance. Check the current year’s requirements for registration deadlines, exhibit categories, livestock paperwork, and judging schedules.