Sussex County Delaware Fairgrounds Events

If you searched for the Sussex County fairgrounds, you probably noticed there isn’t a separate county fair with its own gate, barns, and grandstand. Sussex is Delaware’s largest county, with Georgetown as its seat, but its fair is shared. Sussex families, 4-H members, and FFA students exhibit, compete, and attend at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, about 45 minutes north of Georgetown.

This page covers where Sussex residents go for fair events, how the Harrington fair works, and how to take part.

Overview of the Fairgrounds Serving Sussex County

Location and Setting

The Delaware State Fairgrounds sit on Holloway Street in Harrington, DE 19952, in southern Kent County. Harrington is just across the Sussex line, which is why the fair has always drawn heavily from both counties. The grounds cover more than 300 acres, and Harrington Raceway & Casino shares the property.

Governing Organization

The fair is run by Delaware State Fair, Inc., a nonprofit. Its stated mission is to promote agriculture, education, and community involvement. Staff and volunteers run the operation. It is not a county or extension-office event, although extension and 4-H programs feed exhibitors into it.

Why Sussex Residents Care

Sussex is the center of Delmarva’s poultry industry, and Georgetown is home to a large Perdue Farms processing plant. Many Sussex youth raise sheep, pigs, goats, and beef animals alongside that farming base. For them, the Harrington fair is the main stage, because there is no Sussex-only show to substitute for it.

Upcoming Events

The Main Event: Delaware State Fair

The 2026 fair ran July 23 to August 1. According to news reports, it drew more than 330,000 people, a record. The fair has announced its next dates: July 22 through July 31, 2027. Treat those as the planning dates and confirm closer to the time, since fair hours can also change because of weather or crowds.

Other Events at the Grounds

Besides fair week, the grounds host a concert series during the fair. The 2026 lineup included “Weird Al” Yankovic, Bailey Zimmerman, and for KING & COUNTRY, plus a demolition derby on Friday, July 24. Harrington Raceway also runs harness racing on the property. For the rest of the year, I couldn’t verify a full calendar of non-fair events, so check the fair’s website or call the main office.

Finding the Current Schedule

The fair’s official website is the authoritative source. The main office number listed on venue pages is (302) 398-3269, and ticket information is (302) 398-7062. Confirm both before relying on them.

The Fair Itself

Dates and Hours

Delaware State Fair 2027: July 22 to July 31 (announced). Daily hours vary by year, so check the fair’s FAQ before you go.

Competitions and Livestock

Each year more than 350 youth exhibitors choose a sheep, pig, goat, or beef animal to show. Judges pick the best for the Junior Livestock Auction. I did not find a verified full list of the non-livestock departments (baking, canning, photography, crops), so ask the fair office for the current premium book.

Midway and Entertainment

A carnival midway and grandstand entertainment are part of the fair. I could not verify the carnival company or the ride count, so I’m not naming either.

Agricultural fairs and community gatherings help preserve Delaware’s rural heritage while supporting farmers, exhibitors, small businesses, and local families. Visitors interested in Sussex County Delaware Fairgrounds Events can explore fair schedules, livestock shows, vendor opportunities, and seasonal celebrations while also checking out New Castle County Delaware Fairgrounds Events for additional ideas about community festivals and agricultural entertainment.

Admission and Parking

Children 5 and under get free gate admission. A five-day adult pass is sold at a discount. In 2026, Food Lion Hunger Relief Day (July 27) gave one free admission for five non-perishable items, and Armed Forces Day (July 29) gave free admission to active and retired military with ID. Parking is free unless you buy VIP parking. Exact 2027 prices were not available when I checked.

Safety Screening

All patrons are screened with walk-through metal detectors at the public gates (Main Gate, Gate 2, Gate 3, and Gate 7). Youth under 16 with a valid concessionaire, youth livestock, 4-H, or FFA credential may enter without a supervising adult.

Facilities and Grounds

The grounds are large enough for livestock barns, exhibit space, a grandstand, and the raceway. Venue listings report multiple parking lots, designated handicap parking near the entrance, shuttle service from remote lots, wheelchair-accessible venues, companion seating in the grandstands, and multiple ATMs, several near the main gate. The fair’s rules and regulations cover camping, so look there for current policies. I could not verify the number of barns, grandstand capacity, or RV hookups, so those need local confirmation.

Commonly listed rules: no outside food or beverages, no weapons, no professional camera equipment, and no pets except service animals. Confirm these each year, since policies change.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial Vendors and Concessions

Vendor applications go through the fair office, and each year’s rules are in the posted regulations. Ask early, because fair applications are typically due well before the event.

Competitive Entries

The annual Rules and Regulations document and the premium book list classes, entry procedures, and deadlines. I did not confirm 2027 deadlines, so contact the fair office in early spring.

Getting to the Fairgrounds

From Georgetown, take US 113 north toward Milford, then continue north to the Harrington area; the route is roughly 40 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. From Seaford, US 13 north leads straight to Harrington. From Dover, US 13 south is about a 20 to 25 minute drive. Verify route and any construction, because I did not confirm every detail, and the fair posts traffic guidance each year. I could not confirm public transit or rideshare drop-off arrangements, so ask the fair office.

4-H and FFA

4-H and FFA are central to the fair. Youth livestock exhibitors come from across Delaware, including Sussex County. The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension runs 4-H in Delaware; its Sussex office is in the Georgetown area, but confirm the current address and contact before you visit. I did not find a verified count of Sussex 4-H clubs or participating FFA chapters, so check with the extension office or your school’s ag teacher.

Junior Livestock Auction

The auction rewards winning exhibitors with bids from community leaders, businesses, and supporters. Exhibitors receive a consignor statement after accounting, showing purchases and any added contributions. Ask the fair office about registering as a buyer.

Special Events Beyond the Fair

Within Sussex itself, the county seat hosts events like Return Day, held two days after each November election, and Festival Hispano. These are separate from the fair. Harrington also holds Harrington Heritage Day downtown each year. I could not find a verified list of gun shows, swap meets, or rodeos at the Harrington grounds, so I’m not claiming any.

History

The fair began in 1919–1920. Local residents held meetings in 1919, and the Kent and Sussex County Fair Association was organized on January 12, 1920. The first fair was held that July. In 1962 it was renamed the Delaware State Fair. German prisoners were housed on the grounds during World War II, and regular harness racing began there in 1946. The fair’s early years were at Elsmere before it moved to Harrington. A state historical marker stands at the grounds.

The fair did not run from 1942 to 1945. I did not verify whether the 2020 fair was canceled or how the community responded, so that needs local confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Sussex County fair in 2026–2027?

Sussex has no separate county fair. The Delaware State Fair in Harrington ran July 23 to August 1, 2026, and its next dates are July 22 to 31, 2027.

Where are the Sussex County fairgrounds?

There aren’t any. The fairgrounds serving Sussex are at Holloway Street, Harrington, in Kent County.

What time does the fair open?

Hours vary by day and year, and they may change due to weather or crowds. Check the fair’s FAQ.

Is there camping?

Camping is covered in the fair’s rules and regulations. Check the current document for rules and availability.

How do I enter livestock?

Junior livestock exhibitors show sheep, pigs, goats, or beef animals. Contact your 4-H or FFA advisor and the fair office for entry procedures and deadlines.

Are dogs allowed?

Venue information lists no pets, with service animals permitted. Confirm with the fair.

Where do I park?

Parking is free unless you buy VIP parking, and there are multiple lots, handicap parking near the entrance, and shuttles from remote lots.

How much does it cost?

Children 5 and under are free, and the fair offers a five-day adult pass. Exact 2027 prices were not available, so check before you go.

Who do I contact?

The main office number listed is (302) 398-3269. Verify it first.