Yavapai County Arizona Fairgrounds Events

Yavapai County does not have a standalone fairground with its own gate and sign. The Yavapai County Fair is held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, the home of Prescott Frontier Days and the World’s Oldest Rodeo. When people search for “Yavapai County Fairgrounds,” this is the place they are looking for.

That arrangement affects almost everything: who to call, where to park, which events share the calendar, and which organization handles what. This guide sorts that out and covers the fair, the grounds, the youth livestock program and the practical details.

Overview of Yavapai County Fairgrounds

Location and address

The Yavapai County Fair takes place at 840 Rodeo Drive, Prescott, Arizona 86305. Some listings show 848 or 850 Rodeo Drive, and a few third-party sites wrongly place the grounds in Prescott Valley. The Prescott address is correct. Prescott is also the county seat of Yavapai County, so the fairgrounds are in the same town as the courthouse.

Who runs what

Two organizations are involved.

• Yavapai Fair Foundation: a nonprofit that organizes the Yavapai County Fair. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 1271, Chino Valley, AZ 86323. The general manager is listed as Rosalee Darby, and the fair office phone is 928-899-6056.
• Prescott Frontier Days, Inc.: presents the World’s Oldest Rodeo at the grounds and handles facility rentals. Its main office is 928-445-3103, and tickets are 928-445-4320.

The City of Prescott also has a role in the property. I found city planning documents describing the rodeo grounds’ buildings and a rodeo master plan. Ask the fair office about who owns what if that matters for your purposes.

How old it is

The fair began in 1913 as the Northern Arizona State Fair and has continued as one of the longest-running fairs in the state. The rodeo has been held at the grounds since 1888, which is why the site carries so much local weight. The Yavapai County Fair’s edition numbers vary by source. A 2024 article called it the 111th, and a 2026 listing called it the 113th. If you need an exact count, ask the foundation.

Why it matters locally

Yavapai County is ranch, mining and mountain-town country. The grounds tie together the rodeo tradition, the 4-H and FFA youth livestock programs, and the exhibit halls where people enter canned goods, photography and garden produce. The Youth Livestock Auction brings local businesses together to buy kids’ market animals.

Upcoming Events at Yavapai County Fairgrounds

What is happening now

The big 2026 events are over. The World’s Oldest Rodeo ran from June 29 through July 5, the Prescott Team Barrel Race was on August 22, and the Yavapai County Fair ran September 10-13. Since I could not find a full 2027 calendar, the best bet is the pattern below.

Seasonal pattern

• Summer: the World’s Oldest Rodeo around the Fourth of July, plus barrel races and community events such as National Night Out in August
• Early fall: the Yavapai County Fair in early-to-mid September
• Rest of the year: high school rodeo, Arizona Junior Rodeo Association events, Senior Pro Rodeo, Olsen’s Equifest, the Legacy Ranch Horse Sale, circuses, carnivals, concerts, holiday parties and private events

Finding the schedule

The Yavapai Fair Foundation’s website covers the fair. Prescott Frontier Days keeps the calendar for rodeo and other grounds events. The fair is also listed on the City of Prescott’s special events page.

Renting space

Prescott Frontier Days rents out several spaces:

• Grandstand and arena: over 4,000 seats including arena seating, with bar and food areas on the mezzanine
• Mackin Building: the most popular rental, with tables, chairs, a bar, a non-cooking kitchen and indoor restrooms, plus access to the Mackin Deck
• Freeman Building: a rock building from 1936, about 3,200 square feet, rated for up to 215 people
• Outdoor areas: used for weddings and ceremonies

Rentals include weddings, quinceañeras, birthday parties, celebrations of life, holiday parties and rodeos.

Visitors interested in Yavapai County Arizona Fairgrounds Events can also explore local activities through Santa Cruz County Arizona Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover regional heritage, enjoy community celebrations, and plan memorable outings while exploring Arizona’s diverse communities.

The Yavapai County Fair

Dates

The fair runs four days, Thursday through Sunday. The 2026 fair was September 10-13, the 2025 fair was September 4-7, and the 2024 fair was September 5-8. The foundation’s site says “second weekend in September” while the dates have varied, so the 2027 dates are not certain. The foundation typically publishes them well ahead. Check before planning travel.

Hours

In 2026:

• Thursday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The carnival opened later in the day, at 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Competitions and exhibits

Open class entries include agriculture, floriculture, canned goods, photography, arts and crafts, baked goods, rabbits, horses, alpacas and home brews. The premium book sets the rules:

• Exhibits must be completed during the fair year.
• Anything previously shown at the Yavapai Fair is disqualified, except livestock.
• Agriculture, horticulture and floriculture entries must be grown by the exhibitor, and floriculture and horticulture entries must be grown in Yavapai County.
• Youth means 18 or younger on the first day of the fair.
• Unclaimed exhibits after 7 p.m. Sunday are disposed of.

Carnival and midway

The fair has a carnival with rides and games. For 2026, one listing noted a “Buddy Day” deal: buy one wristband and get a second at half price, bought at the carnival. I did not find a ride count.

Entertainment

The 2026 fair was themed “Stars, Stripes & County Fair Nights,” with these highlights:

• Thursday: bull riding, and a concert by Chancey Williams
• Friday: Family Fun Night with greased pig races, and a Hispanic Night concert
• Saturday and Sunday: GCPRA rodeo
• Saturday: tribute bands including Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Journey tributes

Past fairs have also featured mutton busting and a catch-a-chicken event.

Admission

Prices for 2026 vary by source. One listing shows adults $12, children $6 and seniors $8, with kids free on opening Thursday and on Sunday. Other listings show $6 to $10. Treat these as unconfirmed and check the foundation’s site. Online entries for exhibitors come with one free admission.

Facilities and Grounds

Layout

The grounds include the main arena with bucking chutes, livestock pens and lights for night events, a covered arena, a north grandstand with premium seating, a concourse with ADA access, and restroom buildings. The city documents also mention a multipurpose pavilion and barns. I did not find an official acreage figure or a stall count, so I am leaving them out.

Camping and RV

The fair has offered RV spaces by reservation through an RV tab on its website. Spaces are limited, first come first served, and reserved by invoice. That detail came from an older 4-H newsletter, so confirm that the program still runs. I found no information on RV camping for other events.

Accessibility and amenities

The grandstand concourse is designed for ADA access. For parking, paths and restrooms during the fair, call the fair office. I could not confirm first aid or ATM locations.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Food and commercial vendors

The foundation’s website has vendor information. I could not find the 2027 deadlines. Food vendors also need a Yavapai County special event license through Community Health Services, which charges a $55 late fee if the application is not submitted 21 days before the event.

Entering exhibits

For open class, the premium book is on the foundation’s website, and online entry is available. Entries are also accepted at the fair office from August 1 until the deadline, except livestock. Youth livestock goes through the youth livestock program.

Contact

• Phone: 928-899-6056
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: P.O. Box 1271, Chino Valley, AZ 86323

Getting to Yavapai County Fairgrounds

Prescott is about 90 minutes north of Phoenix. The usual route is Interstate 17 north to Highway 69 and then into Prescott. From Prescott Valley, take Highway 69 west. From Chino Valley, take Highway 89 south. Use the address 840 Rodeo Drive in your GPS. I did not find a public shuttle for fair week, so plan to drive. Parking details change from year to year, so ask the fair office.

4-H and FFA at Yavapai County Fairgrounds

Extension

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has a Yavapai County office with a 4-H program that keeps a planning calendar. A 4-H/FFA Expo has run alongside the fair, with indoor exhibit entries due in August. I could not find a current count of Yavapai County 4-H clubs or a list of participating FFA chapters, so I am not naming any.

Youth Livestock Auction

The Youth Livestock Auction is on Saturday at 5 p.m. of fair week. In 2026 it was September 12. Buyers and donors can register online. There is also a silent auction supported by local businesses. Proceeds go to the youth exhibitors for their projects. The foundation’s website posts results, including top-ten animals and average prices. Check the rules for buyer registration if you plan to bid.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

• World’s Oldest Rodeo: held around the Fourth of July since 1888
• Barrel races: such as the Prescott Team Barrel Race
• Horse events: Olsen’s Equifest and the Legacy Ranch Horse Sale
• Rodeos: high school, Junior Rodeo Association and Senior Pro Rodeo
• Community events: National Night Out and circus and concert appearances

I did not find gun shows, swap meets or motocross at this location.

History of Yavapai County Fairgrounds

The fair began in 1913 as the Northern Arizona State Fair. The rodeo has run on these grounds since 1888, and the Freeman Building dates to 1936. I did not find reliable records on attendance records, cancellations or major changes to the grounds. Some listings claim attendance of 55,000 to 60,000, which I could not confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Yavapai County Fair in 2027?

The 2027 dates were not announced as of October 2026. The fair is held over four days in early September, and the 2026 fair was September 10-13.

What time does the Yavapai County Fair open?

The gates opened at 9 a.m. each day in 2026. Closing was 10 p.m., or 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Is there camping at Yavapai County Fairgrounds?

The fair has offered limited RV spaces by reservation. Check the fair’s website.

How do I enter livestock in the Yavapai County Fair?

Youth exhibitors enter through the Yavapai Youth Livestock program, working with their 4-H or FFA leader. Check the premium book for rules.

Are dogs allowed at Yavapai County Fairgrounds?

I did not find a published pet policy. Ask the fair office.

Where do I park at Yavapai County Fairgrounds?

Parking is at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds at 840 Rodeo Drive. Fee and overflow details were not published.

Who do I contact to rent Yavapai County Fairgrounds?

Prescott Frontier Days handles rentals. Call 928-445-3103.

How much does it cost to get into the Yavapai County Fair?

One listing shows adults $12, children $6 and seniors $8 for 2026, and others show lower prices. Confirm on the fair’s website.

Is the fair at the same place as the World’s Oldest Rodeo?

Yes. Both are at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, but they are run by different organizations.