St. Francis County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events

The St. Francis County Fairgrounds in Forrest City, Arkansas, hosts one of the county’s main annual community events: the St. Francis County Fair. Held in October, the fair brings together livestock exhibitors, school groups, local organizations, commercial vendors, families, and visitors from across the Arkansas Delta. Its mix of agricultural competitions, creative exhibits, carnival rides, pageants, food, and arena events reflects the area’s farming heritage and community life.

The fair takes place at the Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds south of Forrest City, near Arkansas Highway 1 and within convenient reach of Interstate 40. The annual program changes from year to year, so anyone planning to attend should check the current daily schedule rather than assume every attraction runs throughout fair week.

The 2026 St. Francis County Fair is scheduled for October 17–24, 2026. This year’s program includes a new beef heifer show, barrel racing, a color run, family bingo, children’s activities, agricultural exhibits, and a carnival midway. The 2027 dates and program have not yet been confirmed.

Overview of St. Francis County Fairgrounds

Location and address

The Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds are located south of Forrest City, Arkansas, in St. Francis County. The fairgrounds are associated with Arkansas Highway 1 South, Forrest City, AR 72335. A complete, verified street-number address is not consistently published, so visitors should use the fairgrounds’ name and Highway 1 South as location references when checking navigation directions.

Forrest City is the county’s principal city and the main reference point for visitors coming from Hughes, Palestine, Madison, Wheatley, Widener, and surrounding Delta communities. Interstate 40 provides a major regional route for travelers arriving from Memphis to the east or the Little Rock area to the west.

Organization and community role

The St. Francis County Fair Board organizes the annual fair. The St. Francis County Cooperative Extension Service supports agricultural education and youth development, including 4-H activities that complement the fair’s livestock and educational program.

The fairgrounds provide a setting for more than rides and evening entertainment. The livestock building gives animal exhibitors a place to present their work, while the main exhibit building accommodates creative entries and commercial, educational, and community booths. The fair is also a meeting place for local clubs, schools, civic groups, and families who return each fall.

A verified public figure for the property’s acreage, total building count, or seating capacity is not readily established. Visitors who need measurements, facility specifications, or rental information should contact the fair board directly.

Upcoming Events at St. Francis County Fairgrounds

St. Francis County Fair 2026

The 2026 fair runs from Saturday, October 17, through Saturday, October 24. The current program includes several new attractions and changes to familiar activities.

Key events announced for this year’s fair include:

• A beef heifer show in the livestock building.
• Barrel racing in the outdoor arena.
• Carnival rides and midway attractions.
• Pageants scheduled for Saturday morning.
• Family bingo hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Forrest City.
• School visits and children’s activities.
• A giant pumpkin weigh-in, pedal tractor races, and sack races.
• A one-mile fun run and a 5K color run on October 24.
• Agricultural, art, photography, and household-arts exhibits.

The midway is scheduled to open Wednesday, October 21. Carnival armbands were announced at $25 each for this year’s fair, with purchases available on the midway. Check event-day announcements for any changes.

Daily activities and seasonal pattern

The fair follows an autumn schedule rather than a summer fair-week pattern. Exhibit drop-off, animal registration, judging, carnival hours, and family entertainment take place on different days.

For October 20, the announced schedule includes barbecue plates from the Kountry Kitchen and family bingo at 6 p.m. in the Kountry Kitchen. On Wednesday, October 21, children’s activities and school field trips are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., with additional activities planned for the evening.

The Saturday, October 24, program includes pageants beginning at 10 a.m. and a color run, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and races starting at 8 a.m. Because individual events can change with weather or operational needs, confirm times before traveling.

Other events and facility rentals

The Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds have also hosted rodeo events. The City of Forrest City announced the Crowley’s Ridge Saddle Club Charity PRCA Rodeo for September 18–19, 2026, at the fairgrounds, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The grounds may be suitable for other community activities, but availability for private rentals, fundraisers, meetings, or outside competitions should be confirmed with the fair board. Gun shows, flea markets, swap meets, motocross events, and private celebrations should not be assumed to be regularly scheduled without a current announcement.

The St. Francis County Fair

Livestock and agricultural exhibits

Agriculture remains central to the St. Francis County Fair. The 2026 program includes a new beef heifer show, with animals raised in St. Francis County. Exhibitors were scheduled to bring their heifers for registration and veterinary checks on October 17, ahead of the show on October 18.

The fair also features agricultural exhibits and youth activities. The precise livestock species, class divisions, judging procedures, and eligibility rules vary by year’s program. Families interested in beef cattle or other livestock should obtain current entry information before transporting animals to the grounds.

Arts, photography, and home exhibits

The main exhibit building is an important part of the fair. In 2026, organizers updated its layout to create more open display space. Competitive entries such as art and photography are being placed toward the front, while commercial, educational, and campaign booths are located toward the back.

Announced exhibit categories include canned foods, sewing, arts and crafts, household arts, knitting, crochet, and apiary exhibits. Entry times differ by category and day. Exhibitors should follow the published schedule for drop-off, judging, and pickup rather than arrive expecting entries to be accepted at any time.

Visitors interested in St. Francis County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events can also explore community gatherings through Sharp County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover local heritage, enjoy seasonal activities, and experience community celebrations throughout Arkansas.

Carnival, food, and entertainment

The 2026 fair features a new carnival operator from Hot Springs, Arkansas. The midway is scheduled to open October 21, with armbands announced at $25 each. The number of rides and games, ride restrictions, and operating hours may vary.

The fair’s Kountry Kitchen serves lunch plates beginning at 11 a.m. during the announced service period. Barbecue plates are scheduled for October 20–24 at $14 each. These prices are specific to the published 2026 program and should not be carried forward to future years.

Family bingo, pageants, children’s competitions, school activities, agricultural exhibits, and arena events add to the midway program. The fair is not simply a carnival: visitors can plan a visit around exhibits, livestock, community food service, or a particular performance.

Admission and parking

The current information confirms a $25 carnival armband price, but this is not the same as general fair admission. A complete, verified 2026 gate-admission and parking-fee schedule is not established here. Ask the organizers whether the chosen event requires separate admission and whether special ticketing applies.

Allow extra time when arriving for popular evening activities. Follow signs and directions from event staff for parking and drop-off, particularly if traveling with children or bringing a large vehicle.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibit building, livestock building, and arena

The fairgrounds include a main exhibit building, a livestock building, and an outdoor arena used for activities such as barrel racing. The exhibit building accommodates judged entries as well as commercial and educational booths. The livestock building supports animal competitions, including the 2026 beef heifer show.

The fair also uses open areas for the carnival, children’s activities, and the color run. The 2026 one-mile course stays on the fairgrounds, while the 5K route extends to the Forrest City Sports Complex and returns.

Current details on the number of permanent structures, arena seating capacity, livestock stall rentals, electrical hookups, and building dimensions should be requested from the fair board.

Accessibility, camping, and amenities

A complete current list of accessible parking, paved paths, accessible restrooms, first-aid facilities, ATMs, and overflow parking locations is not confirmed in the available public information. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the organizers in advance to ask about the best entrance, parking arrangements, and routes between exhibit areas.

On-site camping and RV hookups have not been verified. Travelers who need overnight facilities should arrange accommodation separately unless the fair board confirms that camping is available for a specific event.

October weather in the Arkansas Delta can change quickly. Check the forecast before attending outdoor activities and monitor announcements for delays or schedule changes.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial booths

The fair provides space for commercial, educational, and community booths in the main exhibit building. The 2026 schedule includes booth setup beginning Sunday, October 18.

Businesses and organizations interested in a future fair should contact the St. Francis County Fair Board to ask about applications, booth sizes, rental fees, electricity, insurance, setup times, and restrictions on merchandise or services. A past schedule or booth location should not be treated as a guarantee of availability in the next fair.

Competitive exhibits and livestock entries

Competitive exhibitors should request the current premium book or entry instructions. The 2026 exhibit schedule lists categories such as art, photography, canned foods, sewing, crafts, household arts, knitting, crochet, and apiary exhibits. The exact entry windows differ by category.

Livestock exhibitors should confirm animal eligibility, health documentation, registration times, class divisions, and judging requirements. The 2026 beef heifer competition had specific age divisions and a $40 entry fee per animal. That fee applies to the announced 2026 show only; future livestock fees may differ.

For horse events, verify health requirements before arrival. The 2026 barrel-racing announcement required a negative Coggins test and provided a contact for preregistration. Participants should check the current event notice for the correct contact and documentation.

Getting to St. Francis County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The fairgrounds are south of Forrest City along the Highway 1 South corridor. From Forrest City, use current navigation directions toward Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds and follow any temporary fair signs or staff instructions.

Travelers arriving from Memphis or Little Rock can use Interstate 40 toward Forrest City, then follow local directions to Highway 1 South and the fairgrounds. Visitors coming from Palestine, Hughes, or other St. Francis County communities should check their route before departure because the best approach depends on their starting point and event-day traffic.

Public transportation and rideshare

A dedicated public-transit service or fair-week shuttle has not been confirmed. Rideshare availability may be limited, especially after evening performances. If arranging a pickup, agree on a clear meeting point with the driver and confirm that the vehicle can access the designated area.

4-H and FFA at St. Francis County Fairgrounds

Extension and youth participation

The University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service’s St. Francis County office supports agricultural education and 4-H youth development. Its office is located at 313 South Izard Street, Suite 14, Forrest City, AR 72335. The published telephone number is 870-261-1730.

The extension office can help families learn about local 4-H activities and identify the right contact for agricultural projects. A current count of active 4-H clubs and a definitive list of participating FFA chapters have not been verified, so families should ask the extension office or their school program for current details.

Junior livestock and auctions

Livestock projects teach young exhibitors animal care, responsibility, recordkeeping, and presentation skills. The fair gives young people an opportunity to share that work with judges and the public.

A current junior livestock auction schedule and sale procedure should be confirmed with fair organizers. Before planning to bid, families and local businesses should ask whether an auction is scheduled, which species are included, who may participate, how bidding works, and how payment and proceeds are handled.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The fairgrounds host more than the October county fair. The Crowley’s Ridge Saddle Club Charity PRCA Rodeo was scheduled at Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds on September 18–19, 2026. This event demonstrates the grounds’ role as a venue for regional rodeo entertainment outside the main fair week.

The 2026 county fair also introduces barrel racing and a color run, alongside returning family activities. Other events such as flea markets, gun shows, swap meets, demolition derbies, and touring concerts should be treated as unconfirmed unless they appear on an official event announcement.

Organizations interested in holding a fundraiser or public event should contact the fair board to discuss availability, insurance, parking, permitted activities, and cleanup responsibilities.

History of St. Francis County Fairgrounds

The St. Francis County Fair has a long-standing place in the community life of Forrest City and the surrounding Arkansas Delta. Its combination of livestock, agricultural exhibits, pageants, food, and family entertainment reflects the region’s agricultural economy and the role county fairs play in connecting rural residents.

The Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds have also adapted to changing event needs. In 2026, organizers announced improvements to the main exhibit building, including a redesigned layout intended to make displays and booths easier to navigate. The fair program has expanded this year with a beef heifer show, barrel racing, and a color run, while retaining familiar activities such as family bingo and children’s competitions.

A verified founding year for the fairgrounds, a full historical timeline, attendance records, and a documented list of past cancellations are not established here. Claims about record crowds, famous visitors, or cancellations should be checked against local newspaper archives or fair-board records before being presented as fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the St. Francis County Fair in 2026?

The 2026 St. Francis County Fair is scheduled for October 17–24 at the Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds south of Forrest City, Arkansas.

When will the St. Francis County Fair take place in 2027?

The 2027 dates have not been confirmed. Check the St. Francis County Fair Board’s announcements as the next fair season approaches.

What time do the St. Francis County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times depend on the activity. In 2026, the carnival midway is scheduled to open Wednesday, October 21. Other activities, exhibit drop-offs, and arena events have separate times.

How much does it cost to get into the St. Francis County Fair?

A complete general-admission price has not been confirmed here. The 2026 carnival armbands were announced at $25, while barbecue plates from the Kountry Kitchen were listed at $14 each.

Are there livestock shows at the St. Francis County Fair?

Yes. The fair includes agricultural and livestock activities. The 2026 program introduced a beef heifer show, with animal registration and veterinary checks before the competition.

How do I enter livestock in the St. Francis County Fair?

Contact the fair organizers for current entry forms, deadlines, eligibility requirements, veterinary documentation, and check-in times. For agricultural and youth-program guidance, contact the St. Francis County Extension office at 870-261-1730.

Are dogs allowed at the fairgrounds?

A current policy for household pets has not been confirmed. Ask the organizers before bringing a dog. Livestock-entry rules and service-animal requirements may differ from the rules for pets.

Is camping available at St. Francis County Fairgrounds?

On-site camping and RV hookups have not been verified. Contact the fair board before planning to stay overnight at the property.

Where do visitors park?

Follow event-day signs and directions from fair staff. If attending a busy arena event or visiting with someone who has mobility needs, confirm parking and drop-off arrangements before arrival.

Who do I contact to rent the fairgrounds?

Contact the St. Francis County Fair Board to ask about rental availability, building access, fees, insurance, and event restrictions. Do not assume the arena or exhibit building is available for private events.

Where can I find upcoming St. Francis County fair events?

Check announcements from the St. Francis County Fair Board, the local event calendar, and the St. Francis County Cooperative Extension Service for agricultural and 4-H information.