MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair returns to Hutchinson for 10 days of concerts, carnival rides, livestock competitions, food and family activities beginning Friday.
The 2026 fair runs Sept. 11 through Sept. 20 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Poplar St. Friday’s opening ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Heartland Credit Union Pavilion.
Gate admission hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. opening day, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 12-19 and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20. Most exhibit buildings will generally be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. after opening day, although hours vary by building and date.
The fair’s traditional mix of agriculture, education and entertainment will include 4-H and FFA activities, livestock and equine shows, professional and youth art, food contests, floriculture, clothing and textile exhibits and the Market Wheat Show.
The Kansas Star Casino Grandstand lineup opens Friday night with country singer Trace Adkins, joined by Phil Vandel and Delisa Dawn. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
BigXthaPlug and Stella Lefty will perform Saturday, followed by Jo Dee Messina and Adam Doleac on Sunday.
Other grandstand events include the demolition derby Monday; classic-rock tribute band Hairball Tuesday; Danny Gokey, Colton Dixon and WallerCo Wednesday; comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Thursday; Russell Dickerson and Atlus Sept. 18; and From Ashes to New, Saliva and Saving Abel Sept. 19.
Channel 2K Live, featuring music associated with popular television programs and movies from the 2000s, will close the grandstand schedule at 4 p.m. Sept. 20.
Most concert tickets include gate admission. Admission is not included with tickets to the demolition derby. The fair warns visitors that Etix and the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office are the only authorized sellers of grandstand tickets. View the complete grandstand schedule.
Saturday will also feature two major political debates at the Heartland Credit Union Pavilion. Republican gubernatorial nominee Ty Masterson and Democratic nominee Cindy Holscher will debate at 10:30 a.m. Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Adam Hamilton and Republican Sen. Roger Marshall will meet at 1:30 p.m. Fair admission is required to attend.
Additional special events include Sunflower Seniors Got Talent from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Legislative Showmanship at 1 p.m. Saturday in Prairie Pavilion and the Youth Pedal Pull Championships at 1 p.m. Sunday. More than 500 children are expected to participate in the pedal pull.
The Midway will introduce the X Drive as its new ride for 2026. Carnival hours begin at 3 p.m. Friday and vary throughout the fair. Unlimited-ride wristbands may be used on seven selected days: Sept. 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20.
The fair is using refillable FunTagg cards instead of paper ride tickets. A card containing 65 tickets costs $32 at Midway kiosks during the fair. Additional tickets may be added at those kiosks. View Midway hours and information.
Regular gate admission beginning Friday is $10 for adults ages 13 to 59 and $6 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
Military admission is $4 for service members, veterans and as many as five family members. A military identification card or proof of veteran status is required.
Monday is Dillons Dollar Day. Gate admission will be $1, or free with a Dillons Plus Card, with one free admission allowed per person.
Visitors may bring their own food, wagons and coolers containing nonalcoholic beverages. Pets are prohibited during the fair except for service animals and animals approved for exhibitions or competitions. Mobility equipment and strollers may be rented near Gates 5 and 9.
Daily schedules, ticket information and event updates are available at KansasStateFair.gov.