Pulaski County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events

The Pulaski County Fair is a community entertainment event serving residents of Pulaski County and the greater Little Rock metropolitan area. Held at Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the modern fair brings together carnival rides, midway games, food vendors, family activities, live entertainment, and opportunities for local businesses and exhibitors to reach the public.

Although the event is commonly associated with the term Pulaski County Fairgrounds, its current venue is Riverfront Park rather than a permanent agricultural fairground with dedicated livestock barns and exhibition buildings. Understanding this distinction helps visitors find the right location, plan their trip, and know what types of activities to expect.

The fair offers a different experience from the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock. The Pulaski County event emphasizes midway entertainment, family recreation, food, and community participation, while the state fair has a broader agricultural and livestock-show tradition.

This guide explains where the Pulaski County Fair takes place, how its schedule works, what visitors can expect, how vendors can participate, and what to know before attending a future edition.

Where Is the Pulaski County Fair Located?

The modern Pulaski County Fair takes place at Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas, along the Arkansas River near the downtown area.

Fair location: Riverfront Park, 120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.

Riverfront Park provides an outdoor setting close to the riverfront, downtown destinations, and the surrounding metropolitan area. Its location makes the fair accessible to residents of North Little Rock, Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Maumelle, and other communities across central Arkansas.

Because Riverfront Park is a public park rather than a dedicated permanent fairground, the fair’s layout and available facilities depend on the event’s temporary arrangements. Carnival attractions, vendor spaces, food concessions, and activity areas may be installed specifically for the fair.

Visitors should confirm the venue address and entrance arrangements before traveling, particularly when using navigation services or meeting friends and family at the event.

Is Riverfront Park a Permanent Fairgrounds?

No. Riverfront Park is a public outdoor park operated by the City of North Little Rock. It serves recreational and community purposes throughout the year and occasionally accommodates organized events.

During the Pulaski County Fair, portions of the park are adapted for the event. Temporary attractions and vendor areas create a fair-style environment, but visitors should not assume the property contains permanent livestock barns, auction facilities, agricultural exhibition halls, or year-round carnival equipment.

This distinction matters for anyone searching for livestock shows, agricultural competitions, indoor event space, or other facilities normally associated with a traditional county fairground.

Pulaski County Fair Schedule and Upcoming Events

The Pulaski County Fair’s dates and daily hours vary by year. The 2026 edition was scheduled for May 15 through May 24, 2026. Those dates have passed, and a confirmed schedule for the next edition should be obtained directly from the fair organizers before making plans.

Visitors should avoid relying on an old schedule as confirmation of future dates, ticket prices, ride specials, or operating hours. Fair dates can change, and individual attractions may operate on different schedules.

2026 Schedule Reference

The following information describes the published schedule for the 2026 event. It is useful as a reference, but it should not be treated as the confirmed schedule for a future year.

Day	Published 2026 Hours
Friday, May 15	5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday	Noon–11 p.m.
Monday	Closed
Tuesday through Thursday	5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Final Sunday, May 24	Noon–9 p.m.

The opening and closing days can have different hours from the middle of the event. Visitors should also allow for possible changes to individual ride operations, entertainment, and concessions.

What Can Visitors Expect at the Fair?

The modern Pulaski County Fair is primarily a midway and family-entertainment event. Depending on the year’s arrangements, attractions may include:

• Carnival rides for children, teenagers, and adults.
• Midway games and prize booths.
• Fair-style food and refreshments.
• Petting-zoo experiences.
• Pony and camel rides.
• Novelty merchandise and specialty vendors.
• Live entertainment and a beer garden.
• Family outings and informal community gatherings.

Not every activity is necessarily available every day. Some attractions may have separate fees, age restrictions, height requirements, or operating windows. Visitors should check the current event information before promising children a particular ride or activity.

Carnival Rides and Midway Games

Carnival rides are one of the central attractions of the fair. Depending on the operator’s setup, visitors may find a mix of family rides, children’s attractions, and more adventurous rides for older guests.

Midway games provide another familiar fair experience. Guests can try games of skill or chance for prizes, although costs can add up quickly when attending with a family.

Ride availability and pricing are separate from general admission in the published 2026 arrangement. Buying an admission ticket should not be assumed to include unlimited rides.

Parents should check posted ride restrictions and supervise younger children around ride entrances, crowded midway areas, and game booths.

Food, Refreshments, and Fair Concessions

Food is an important part of the traditional fair atmosphere. Temporary concession stands may offer familiar fair favorites, snacks, meals, sweets, and drinks.

Specific menus, vendors, and prices can vary from year to year. Visitors with food allergies or dietary restrictions should ask individual vendors about ingredients and preparation practices rather than assuming a particular item is suitable.

Families planning a full evening at the fair should budget for food separately from admission and rides.

Visitors interested in Pulaski County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events can also explore local gatherings through Prairie County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events. Both locations offer opportunities to discover community traditions, enjoy seasonal activities, and experience regional celebrations across Arkansas.

Family Activities and Animal Attractions

The 2026 event information included attractions such as a petting zoo and animal rides. These activities can provide a different experience from the rides and games found elsewhere on the midway.

Availability should be confirmed for future editions. Animal attractions may have separate charges, operating hours, or rules about touching and feeding animals.

Adults should supervise children closely around animals and follow instructions from attraction staff.

Live Entertainment and Community Atmosphere

Live entertainment and social gathering areas can add variety to the fair experience. The published 2026 event information included live music and a beer garden.

Entertainment schedules are subject to change, so visitors who want to see a particular performer or activity should verify the daily program. Families should also review any age restrictions or designated areas associated with specific entertainment offerings.

Pulaski County Fair Admission and Ride Prices

The fair’s published 2026 pricing separated general gate admission from carnival ride wristbands. Future prices may change, and the figures below are historical reference information rather than a guarantee of current or upcoming costs.

2026 Admission Reference

Item	Published 2026 Price
General gate admission	$5
Children age 10 and under	Free
Ride wristband on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday	$25
Ride wristband on Saturday or Sunday	$30
Early-bird ride wristband offer	$22
Tuesday special	$2 promotions were advertised

The Tuesday promotion and early-bird offer were specific to the 2026 event. Their terms should not be assumed to carry over to another year.

Before attending, visitors should confirm whether tickets are available online, whether gate admission is payable on arrival, which payment methods are accepted, and whether wristbands cover all rides or exclude certain attractions.

Budgeting for a Family Visit

Admission is only one part of the total cost of a fair outing. Families may also need to budget for ride wristbands, individual games, food, drinks, souvenirs, parking, and other attractions.

A practical way to plan is to decide in advance which activities matter most. Some families may prefer to pay for rides, while others may focus on food, games, entertainment, or simply walking around the fair.

Visitors should also check whether any promotional pricing applies only on selected days or during a specific purchase period.

Weather and Refund Considerations

The published fair information for 2026 stated that the event would operate rain or shine and that admission was not refundable because of weather. Visitors should review the terms published for the year they plan to attend, as ticket conditions and cancellation procedures can change.

Because the venue is outdoors, suitable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and preparation for heat or rain can make a substantial difference to the experience.

Facilities at the Pulaski County Fair Venue

Riverfront Park is a public outdoor setting, not a purpose-built fair complex. The facilities available during the event therefore depend on the park’s existing amenities and the fair organizer’s temporary arrangements.

Outdoor Event Space

The park’s open areas allow organizers to establish temporary fair attractions and vendor spaces. The event layout may change between editions depending on the number of rides, concession stands, exhibitors, and entertainment areas.

Visitors who need a specific facility should confirm its availability before arriving rather than assuming that a typical permanent fairground feature will be present.

Parking and Transportation

Riverfront Park is near downtown North Little Rock and the Arkansas River. Visitors may reach the area by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transportation, depending on available services and schedules.

Parking conditions can change during special events. Nearby spaces may be limited, restricted, or reserved for event operations. Allow extra time for traffic and walking, especially during busy weekend periods.

If using public transportation, check current routes and operating hours in advance. Service schedules may differ in the evening or on weekends.

Accessibility

The 2026 fair information described the event as accessible and invited visitors with specific accessibility questions to contact the organizers.

However, accessibility needs can vary. Guests who require wheelchair access, assistance with mobility, accessible parking, or information about ride restrictions should ask the organizers for details about the current year’s layout.

Outdoor surfaces, crowds, temporary structures, and the distance between attractions can affect how comfortable a visit will be for someone with limited mobility.

Restrooms and Visitor Comfort

Restroom access, seating, shaded areas, and other visitor amenities should be confirmed through the event’s current information. Because the fair uses a public park and temporary event infrastructure, available facilities may differ from those at a permanent exhibition complex.

Visitors attending with small children may want to identify restroom locations soon after arrival and establish a meeting point in case family members become separated.

Vendor Opportunities at the Pulaski County Fair

The Pulaski County Fair can provide an opportunity for vendors and exhibitors to introduce products, sell merchandise, and connect with visitors from across the region.

Potential participants may include craft sellers, specialty retailers, novelty vendors, and other businesses whose offerings suit a family-oriented public event. Food vendors and other concession operators may be subject to separate requirements.

Participation depends on the organizer’s application process, available space, approval, and the rules in effect for that year’s event.

How to Apply as a Vendor

Prospective vendors should request the current application and confirm the available booth types, costs, deadlines, setup requirements, and permitted merchandise before making arrangements.

The fair’s published vendor information has listed the email address [email protected] for inquiries. Vendors should verify that the address and application process remain current before sending personal or business information.

Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee acceptance. Organizers may limit the number of vendors in particular categories or require additional information before approving a space.

Vendor Setup and Operating Requirements

The 2026 vendor guidance included several practical requirements. These were specific to that event and should be reconfirmed for future editions.

• Vendors were expected to use pop-up tents where required by the event rules.
• Merchandise bearing certain logos required written permission.
• Non-food exhibitors were not permitted to sell beverages under the published guidelines.
• Vendor load-in was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on May 15, with setup to be completed at least one hour before the gates opened.
• Vendors were expected to remain open during the fair’s operating hours.
• Vendors were responsible for applicable sales-tax obligations.

The current vendor packet should take precedence over older instructions. Setup times, tent specifications, electrical access, insurance requirements, payment schedules, and operating hours can change.

Planning a Successful Vendor Booth

Vendors should prepare for an outdoor event environment. Weather protection, secure displays, appropriate lighting where permitted, inventory management, and a clear payment process can help make a booth easier to operate.

It is also useful to calculate the total cost of participation, including booth fees, supplies, staffing, transportation, lodging if needed, and taxes. Sales are not guaranteed, so businesses should evaluate the event based on their products, expected audience, and budget.

Vendors selling products for children should ensure that merchandise complies with applicable safety requirements. Food businesses should confirm the permits and health rules that apply to their specific operation.

Agriculture, Livestock Shows, 4-H, and FFA

The words county fair often bring to mind livestock exhibitions, agricultural education, 4-H projects, FFA activities, animal judging, and youth competitions. These traditions are important to many Arkansas communities, but visitors should distinguish them from the program offered at the modern Pulaski County Fair at Riverfront Park.

The published information for the 2026 Riverfront Park event emphasized carnival entertainment, games, food, vendors, and family activities. It did not establish a traditional livestock-show schedule with dedicated animal barns, livestock auctions, or a full agricultural exhibition program.

Anyone specifically seeking livestock judging, animal sales, agricultural demonstrations, or youth livestock competitions should confirm those events independently rather than assuming they are part of the Riverfront Park fair.

4-H and Agricultural Education in Pulaski County

4-H and other agricultural education programs can help young people develop practical skills through projects, demonstrations, leadership opportunities, and supervised learning.

Families interested in these programs should contact the local Cooperative Extension Service or relevant youth-program organizers for current enrollment information, project opportunities, and event calendars.

The existence of 4-H or agricultural education programs in the county does not automatically mean that those organizations have scheduled activities at the Pulaski County Fair.

FFA and Youth Participation

Future farmers and students involved in agricultural education may participate in school-based projects, leadership activities, and competitions throughout the region.

Students and families should consult their school advisers and program organizers for verified dates, eligibility requirements, and event locations. A separate agricultural show may offer opportunities that are not included in the Riverfront Park midway event.

Where to Find a Traditional Agricultural Fair Experience

Visitors whose primary interest is livestock, agricultural exhibits, or a broad program of rural competitions may also want to investigate the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock. It is a separate event held at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds and has a more established agricultural and livestock-show tradition.

The Arkansas State Fair should not be confused with the Pulaski County Fair at Riverfront Park. They have different venues, organizers, schedules, and event programs.

Special Events and Activities Near the Fair

The Pulaski County Fair is one option for a family outing in the North Little Rock area. Its riverfront location also places visitors near other downtown and riverfront destinations, although their opening hours and activities are independent of the fair.

Making a Full Day of the Visit

Visitors who arrive early or plan to stay in the area may want to explore nearby public spaces or downtown attractions before heading to the fair. Check the current operating hours of any additional destination and allow enough time to travel between locations.

The fair itself may be most enjoyable when visitors plan around the activities they care about. Families focused on carnival rides may prefer to arrive when the midway opens, while guests interested in evening entertainment may choose a later visit.

Rules for Public Park Events

Because the fair takes place in a public park, visitors should follow posted park rules and event instructions. Restrictions may apply to parking, alcohol, pets, camping, open flames, outside equipment, and access to certain areas.

Do not assume that all activities normally permitted in a public park are allowed during a large organized event. Special-event rules and temporary restrictions may take precedence.

History of the Pulaski County Fair and Fairground Traditions

Pulaski County has a long connection to central Arkansas’s civic, agricultural, and community-event traditions. However, the history of earlier county fairs should be distinguished from the history of the modern event held at Riverfront Park.

Older Pulaski County fair activities were associated with locations in Little Rock, including Forest Park and the Fair Park area near what is now War Memorial Park. Over time, event locations, organizers, and formats changed.

The modern Pulaski County Fair at North Little Rock’s Riverfront Park represents a different chapter in that history. The event was promoted as the sixth annual fair in 2026, reflecting its more recent identity as a recurring midway and family-entertainment attraction.

This distinction is important because historic fair locations do not necessarily indicate where today’s event is held. Nor does the history of agricultural fairs elsewhere in Arkansas establish that the current Riverfront Park event has livestock barns or agricultural competitions.

The Arkansas State Fair Is a Separate Institution

The Arkansas State Fair has its own history and is organized through the Arkansas Livestock Show Association. It is held at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock and has long included agricultural and livestock-related activities alongside entertainment and concessions.

Its permanent fairground facilities and agricultural traditions differ from the temporary outdoor setup used for the Pulaski County Fair at Riverfront Park.

Visitors searching for a particular type of event should check the name of the organizer and venue carefully before buying tickets or arranging transportation.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

A little preparation can make a visit to the Pulaski County Fair more comfortable and predictable.

Check the Current Dates Before Traveling

The 2026 fair ran from May 15 through May 24, but those dates do not confirm the schedule for the next edition. Look for an announcement from the organizers before booking travel or arranging a group outing.

Review Admission and Ride Costs

Confirm gate admission, age-based discounts, wristband pricing, and any special promotions. Remember that games, food, merchandise, and some attractions may cost extra.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

The event is outdoors, and visitors may spend considerable time walking or standing. Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and drinking water can help make the visit easier.

Plan for Children

Agree on a meeting point, keep young children within sight, and discuss what to do if someone becomes separated from the group. Check height and age restrictions before joining ride lines.

Confirm Accessibility Needs

Guests who need specific accommodations should contact the organizers ahead of time. Ask about accessible parking, routes through the event, restroom facilities, and ride-access arrangements.

Allow Extra Time for Parking

Busy periods may bring congestion around the riverfront. Arriving early and identifying a parking plan can reduce stress, especially on weekends.

Verify the Event Program

Do not assume that a previous year’s performer, vendor, animal attraction, ride, or promotion will return. The current schedule should be treated as the authority for that edition.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pulaski County Fair

Where is the Pulaski County Fair held?

The modern Pulaski County Fair is held at Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The 2026 fair information listed the venue at 120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114. Visitors should confirm the location details for the year they plan to attend.

When is the next Pulaski County Fair?

The 2026 edition was scheduled for May 15–24, 2026. As of October 2026, those dates have passed. A confirmed schedule for the next edition should be obtained from the organizers rather than inferred from a previous year’s dates.

How much does admission cost?

Published 2026 gate admission was $5, with children age 10 and under admitted free. Ride wristbands were priced separately. These are historical prices, not confirmed rates for a future fair.

Are carnival rides included with admission?

The published 2026 pricing separated gate admission from ride wristbands. Visitors should confirm the current ticket structure and whether particular rides require additional payment.

Does the Pulaski County Fair have livestock shows?

The published program for the 2026 Riverfront Park fair emphasized midway attractions, food, vendors, and family entertainment. It did not establish a traditional livestock-show schedule. Visitors seeking animal judging, livestock auctions, or agricultural exhibitions should verify those activities with the relevant organizers.

Can vendors apply to participate?

Vendor participation has been offered through the fair’s application process. Prospective vendors should request current information about availability, fees, deadlines, permitted products, insurance, setup, and operating requirements. The email listed in the 2026 vendor information was [email protected], but vendors should verify that the contact remains current.

Is the fair suitable for families with children?

The event is designed around public entertainment and has included rides, games, food, and animal attractions. Parents should check age and height restrictions, review the day’s program, and budget separately for admission, rides, and other activities.

Is the Pulaski County Fair the same as the Arkansas State Fair?

No. The Pulaski County Fair at Riverfront Park in North Little Rock is a separate event from the Arkansas State Fair, which takes place at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock. The two events have different venues, schedules, and programs.

Does the fair operate in bad weather?

The published 2026 information stated that the fair operated rain or shine and that weather did not qualify for an admission refund. Visitors should review the current year’s weather and refund policies before attending.

Is Riverfront Park a permanent fairground?

No. Riverfront Park is a public park used for recreation and organized events. The fair uses temporary event arrangements rather than operating from a dedicated permanent agricultural fairground.