Last updated August 26, 2026.
The Rowan County Fair returns September 21-26, 2026, bringing six days of carnival rides, fair food, agricultural exhibits, livestock, entertainment and original family-friendly fun to the Rowan County Fairgrounds.
Whether you’re looking forward to riding the midway, watching livestock shows, grabbing a funnel cake or experiencing a longtime Rowan County tradition, the Rowan County Fair is a fun way to welcome the fall season in Rowan County.
Rowan County Fair 2026
September 21 - 26, 2026
Monday - Friday 5 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. | Saturday 3 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
Rowan County Fairgrounds, Salisbury, N.C.
Admission:
- Adults: $6
- Children under 36 inches: Free
- Seniors ages 65+: $3
- Armbands: $35 every day
Visit the Rowan County Fair's official website to learn more.
What Can You Do at the Rowan County Fair?
The Rowan County Fair combines the classic sights, sounds and flavors of a county fair with Rowan County's agricultural traditions. Visitors can explore carnival rides, games, food vendors, exhibits, livestock and entertainment throughout the six-day event.
Photo by the Rowan County Fair on Facebook.
Some of the experiences you may find at the fair include:
Carnival Rides and Games
Head to the midway for carnival rides ranging from attractions for younger children to more thrilling rides for adventurous fairgoers. Games and prizes add even more excitement to an evening at the fair.
If you plan to ride multiple attractions, the $35 armband offers unlimited rides and is available every day of the fair.
Livestock and Agricultural Exhibits
Agriculture is at the heart of the Rowan County Fair. The fair has a long-standing reputation for its livestock and cattle shows, giving visitors an opportunity to see local agriculture up close.
You can also experience agricultural exhibits and displays highlighting the skills, hard work and traditions of Rowan County farmers, exhibitors and community members.
Fair Food Favorites
No trip to the fair is complete without fair food. Depending on the vendor lineup, you can find classic favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, barbecue, lemonade and other treats to enjoy while exploring the fairgrounds.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
The fair also features entertainment and activities throughout the week. Past fair programming has included attractions such as a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, high-flying acrobats, wrestling and livestock shows.
Check the fair's Facebook page before your visit for the latest information about performances, competitions and special activities.
Vendors, Exhibits and More
In addition to rides and livestock, the fairgrounds feature vendors, exhibits, games and other activities. Give yourself plenty of time to walk around, explore the displays and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional North Carolina county fair.
A Rowan County Tradition for More Than Seven Decades
The Rowan County Fair has been part of the community since 1951, when a group of Salisbury Jaycees saw an opportunity to create a permanent facility for the area's agricultural community while providing an educational experience for local children.
More than seven decades later, agriculture remains an important part of the fair's identity. Local farmers, exhibitors, volunteers, Jaycees and community organizations continue to help make the annual event possible.
Photo by the Rowan County Fair on Facebook.
The fair has also remained connected to the community through its fundraising efforts. Proceeds from the event help support community projects and scholarships, making the fair about more than rides and entertainment.
That history is part of what makes the Rowan County Fair a special annual tradition in Salisbury and throughout Rowan County.
Why Visit the Rowan County Fair?
If you're searching for fall things to do in Salisbury, N.C., the Rowan County Fair is an easy addition to your itinerary. It's an opportunity to:
- Experience a longtime Rowan County tradition
- Enjoy carnival rides and midway games
- See livestock and agricultural exhibits
- Try classic fair food
- Find family-friendly activities and entertainment
- Support a community event that gives back through projects and scholarships
- Spend an evening enjoying the sights and sounds of a traditional county fair
