Summer 2025: It’s Going to Be a Kansas Fair-a-Dise!

Tell the boss you’re taking some PTO, throw the kids in the car, and get ready to hit the road for an irresistible lineup of county fairs and carnivals in Kansas!  

Word on the street is that almost every county is hosting one, but we’ll let you be the judge by checking out this schedule from K-State Extension.

Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (WKREDA) has to admit, our mouths are watering for the Hudson Cream Bakefest at the Stafford County Fair. And if we’re being honest, we’re already hooked for the Barn Quilt Contest at the Edwards County Fair.

Whether you prefer a smaller county fair or want to join the crowd surge at the state fair in September, summer is shaping up to be a real fair-a-dise for you and your favorite people. What a great opportunity to showcase what Kansas community is all about!

Ok, That’s Fair! 

Chances are pretty good that you’ll see your county fair listed on the schedule from K-State, but here are also some of the largest draws for 2025:

Finney County Fair: July 19-27
Big Family Fun for Everyone is the guarantee for this year’s event! The PRCA Rodeo’s bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing, and open team roping will have everyone gettin’ Western. Antique tractors that have been restored to their former glory will be rumbling during the Tractor Pull. And forget about that early bedtime! Get ready to rock during the Kick-Off Concert featuring two red-dirt legends: Aaron Watson as well as Jason Boland & The Stragglers. Did we mention there’s a community carnival and livestock competitions? Too good to miss!

Dodge City Days: July 25 - August 3
Women of the West is the theme for 2025, with an event schedule that’s loaded with everything from the buckin’ of the PRCA Xtreme Bull Riding Competition to the National Beef Smokin’ Saddles Official BBQ Contest. Ready to flex? Sign up for the Dodge City Days Barbell Bash. Miss the good ol’ days? Grab tickets for Rick Springfield’s “I Want My 80’s” Tour, where Paul Young, Wang Chung and John Waite will bring you back to the days of cassette tapes and dedication lines. An Arts & Crafts Show, Classic Car Show, and Kidsfest are also on the calendar.

Kansas State Fair: September 5-14
Hard to believe it all began back in 1873 in Reno County, with a humble fair held in a small, wooden livery stable located behind the only bank in Hutchinson. "It was in all respects a complete, and to many, a surprising success,” commented an anonymous attendee. Little did he know it would morph into one of the state’s most beloved events, proving too good to resist for a draw of over 350,000 people every year.

A demolition derby, pro wrestling match, and a star studded stage that will see the likes of The Fray with Plain White T’s, Ludacris, and the 15th annual Hairball (who can resist rocking out to the most iconic hair metal bands in history?) are just some of the gotta-see-it events this year.

For the full list of county and state fairs and carnivals taking place throughout Kansas during the summer and early fall, click here!