For families in Bluestem, one of Waller County’s longest-running traditions is happening practically in their own backyard.

The 2026 Waller County Fair and Rodeo, running September 24 through October 3, 2026 at the Waller County Fairgrounds in Hempstead, brings together livestock exhibitors, rodeo competitors, families, musicians, volunteers and fairgoers for a celebration that has been part of Waller County life for more than 75 years. For residents of Bluestem in Brookshire, it is also an opportunity to experience the agricultural roots and community traditions of the county they call home. 

This year's lineup stretches well beyond a traditional livestock show. Professional rodeo, carnival rides, live country music, youth competitions, creative exhibits, a downtown Hempstead parade and the Junior Livestock & Exhibit Auction are all part of a schedule designed to bring multiple generations together.

A Waller County Tradition Dating Back to 1945

The Waller County Fair Association traces its mission to 1945, giving the annual fair a history that reaches back more than eight decades.

The nonprofit and volunteer-led organization exists to support young people. The Waller County Fair Association says its mission is to promote a wholesome and productive lifestyle for youth while developing character, work ethic, sportsmanship and personal responsibility. Over the years, the organization has also expanded its facilities, activities and scholarship opportunities.

That youth focus helps explain why livestock barns and competition arenas remain such an important part of the Waller County Fair and Rodeo.

Young exhibitors spend months raising animals, preparing projects and developing the skills required to compete. The fair schedule includes market goats, lambs, swine, rabbits, poultry, steers, heifers, horses and other livestock, along with showmanship contests and livestock judging. Creative Living competitions give participants another way to showcase skills through projects and exhibits. 

For spectators, those events offer a closer look at the work happening behind the scenes. For participating families, the fair can represent months of early mornings, feedings, recordkeeping and preparation finally coming together in the show ring.

Rodeo Takes Center Stage

Rodeo remains one of the biggest draws of the Waller County Fair.

The opening weekend features the CPRA Finals, with competition continuing Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. On Sept. 26, mutton bustin' gives some of the fair's youngest competitors their own moment in the arena before the evening CPRA Finals Rodeo. 

The following week brings additional western competition, including Waller County Team Roping on Sept. 28 and an invitational tie-down calf roping event featuring top PRCA competitors on Sept. 29.

Then, from Oct. 1 through Oct. 3, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo takes over the arena with three nights of PRCA rodeo action. The Waller County Calf Scramble is also scheduled during the Oct. 2 rodeo. 

For Bluestem families who have never attended a county rodeo, the experience combines competition and entertainment with something harder to replicate at a larger venue: many of the people participating, volunteering or cheering from the stands have direct ties to the surrounding communities.

Carnival Nights and Family Activities

The midway joins the fair during its final stretch, with Moore Amusements opening the carnival Sept. 30 and continuing through Oct. 3.

Carnival hours currently listed by the fair include 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 30, 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 1, 5 p.m. to midnight Oct. 2 and 4 p.m. to midnight Oct. 3. 

Families also have several daytime options.

The Waller County Fair Parade rolls through downtown Hempstead beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Later that day, the fairgrounds host a Children's Entrepreneur Market and Kids Funday at the Fair, followed by mutton bustin', the announcement of the Fair Queen and Court, rodeo competition and live entertainment.

The schedule also includes Barnyard Buddies on Sept. 30, a Senior Citizen Health Fair and brunch on Sept. 29, and Creative Living exhibits that open to visitors during the final days of the fair.

Live Music Brings Another Reason to Stay Late

Concerts and dances are another major part of the Waller County Fair experience.

The Sept. 26 entertainment lineup includes music at the Wagon Wheel followed by Mae Estes with Tyce Delk at the pavilion later that evening.

Country music veteran Tracy Byrd is scheduled to perform Oct. 1 following an opening performance by Brooklyn Road. On Oct. 2, Payton Howie and the Logan Ryan Band take the pavilion stage, while the final night on Oct. 3 includes performances by Brylie Renee and Tyler Halverson. 

Additional live music is scheduled throughout the fair at the Wagon Wheel, giving visitors the option to spend an entire afternoon and evening on the grounds rather than arriving only for the rodeo.

The Auction Shows What the Fair Is Really About

One of the most meaningful moments comes on the fair's final Saturday.

The Junior Livestock & Exhibit Auction is scheduled for noon Oct. 3 in Edmonds Hall, alongside the Walk of Champions. 

For youth exhibitors, an auction can represent the culmination of months of responsibility and hands-on learning. For buyers and supporters, it provides a direct way to invest in Waller County students and the agricultural programs that continue to shape the county.

That connection between community support and youth opportunity remains central to the Waller County Fair Association's work. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by volunteers and community members, with scholarships and youth development among its long-term priorities. 

What Bluestem Residents Should Know Before Going

The Waller County Fairgrounds are located at 21988 FM 359 in Hempstead.

General day-pass admission is listed at $15 for ages 13 and older, with special Saturday pricing after 4 p.m. Adults and seniors are listed at $25 during that period. Admission for ages 6 to 12 is $5, children 5 and younger are free, and admission for guests 60 and older is listed at $5, with certain discounted tickets available only at the gate.

Season passes and Super Passes are also available. The Super Pass includes fair admission throughout the event along with unlimited carnival rides on designated Wednesday and Saturday dates during regular carnival hours. 

Because individual competitions, livestock activities and entertainment events run at different times, families planning a trip from Bluestem may want to review the official Waller County Fair schedule before heading to Hempstead.

More Than a Night at the Fair

Waller County is growing quickly, and communities such as Bluestem are part of that change. The annual fair provides a connection between newer neighborhoods and traditions that have shaped the county for generations.

A family might arrive for the carnival. Another may come for Tracy Byrd or a night of professional rodeo. Someone else may spend the afternoon watching a young exhibitor guide an animal into the show ring.

Taken together, those experiences tell a larger story about Waller County.

The fairgrounds are not simply hosting entertainment. They are creating a place where longtime agricultural traditions, youth achievement, volunteerism and newer generations of Waller County families can meet.

For Bluestem residents looking for something local to do during the next several days, the Waller County Fair and Rodeo continues through Saturday, Oct. 3, with some of its biggest rodeo, carnival, livestock and entertainment events still ahead.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more events, community updates and things to do around Bluestem, Brookshire and Waller County.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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