MEADVILLE — The 2026 Crawford County Fair opens Saturday, August 22, with eight days of agricultural exhibits, livestock activities, entertainment, live music and grandstand events at the fairgrounds on Dickson Road.
One of the biggest changes to this year’s schedule involves Sunday’s Christian Music Night. Fair officials announced Wednesday that the Whey Jennings concert on August 23 will be free to everyone, following contributions from donors. The $5 Sunday fair admission will still apply.
Concert doors open at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The New Beginnings Praise Band will perform at 5:30 p.m., followed by Brandon Fox and Whey Jennings, who is scheduled to take the stage around 7 p.m.
Fair opens Saturday
Saturday is Donation Day, with the fair accepting cash donations at the gate rather than charging a regular admission fee. The gates open at 10 a.m. and the fair runs through 10 p.m. daily.
The midway opens Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m., with Ride-A-Rama wristbands available separately from fair admission. The rides will operate from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, and generally in afternoon and evening sessions during the remainder of the fair.
Saturday’s schedule includes the Echo Valley Fiddle Contest from noon to 4:30 p.m., a baked goods auction at 5:30 p.m., harness racing at 1 p.m. and garden tractor pulls at 6 p.m.
The Crawford County Fair Queen and Jr. Miss will also be crowned Saturday evening. The opening ceremonies, Friend of Fair Award and presentation of the Fair Queen candidates will take place at 7 p.m. in the Youth Show Arena, followed by the crowning.
Music throughout the week
Music will be featured throughout the fair, including performances on the West End Stage.
Sunday’s schedule includes Wherever Worship from 5 to 6 p.m. and Hultman and Schwartz from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday features George McNamara, Fine Rats, Companions of the Lamb and Tyler Ripper.
Among Tuesday’s performers are Picks & Hammers, Barry and Friends and Shades of Time. Wednesday features David Yeaples, Scott Silvis, Z Factor Lite and Fred Oakman & the Flood.
Thursday’s West End Stage schedule includes Aine Celtic Irish Dancers, Blue Duo, Save By Grace, Sean Carey & The Transit Band and Justified. Friday includes Bryan Phillips, Vanilla Bill, ensembles from the Concert Band of Northwest Pennsylvania and 7th Day.
The final Saturday includes performances by Anam Cara, Gregory Klink, Angelo Phillips, Just We Two and Emil & the Palookas.
The fair’s grandstand schedule also features Bull Ride Mania Rodeo Monday, a Demolition Derby Tuesday, Mini and Draft Horse Pulls Wednesday, Country Music Night featuring Joe Nichols Thursday, Truck and Tractor Pulls Friday, and two Demolition Derby shows Saturday, August 29.
Admission and fair information
Regular admission is $5 on Sunday and $10 Monday through Saturday, with children age 6 and under admitted free with an adult. Senior citizens, veterans and active military personnel with valid identification also receive free admission Tuesday. Weekly passes are available for $30.
The fairgrounds are located at 13291 Dickson Road in Meadville. The Home Show and exhibit buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Crawford County Fair dates to 1852, when the first fair was held in Conneautville. The current fairgrounds in West Mead Township were established beginning in 1945.
A complete 2026 schedule and additional information are available at CrawfordCountyFairPA.com.
Discover more from UC Today Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
