For families who know the carnival midway will be a big part of their Waller County Fair & Rodeo experience, the 2026 Carnival Super Pass offers a way to return for multiple nights without buying a new ride wristband each time.

The Waller County Fair runs September 24 through October 3, 2026, at the Waller County Fairgrounds, 21988 FM 359 in Hempstead. The $100 advance Super Pass includes gate admission for all nine days of the fair, along with unlimited carnival rides during the designated carnival period. The price increases to $120 at the gate. 

For parents weighing whether the pass makes sense, the biggest factor is simple: how often the family plans to ride.

Carnival Hours Run September 30 Through October 3

According to information shared by the Waller County Fair, the carnival schedule is:

• Wednesday, September 30: 6 to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, October 1: 6 to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 2: 5 p.m. to midnight
• Saturday, October 3: 4 p.m. to midnight

That gives families four evenings to work in everything from midway rides to fair food, livestock activities, rodeo events and live entertainment.

The official ticketing page confirms that the Super Pass includes admission for all nine days of the fair and unlimited carnival rides during normal carnival hours. Fair officials are also offering a $50 advance Season Pass, which includes admission throughout the fair but does not include unlimited carnival rides. 

A Waller County Tradition With a Youth-Focused Mission

The carnival may be one of the most visible parts of fair week, but the Waller County Fair has a broader purpose rooted in local youth.

The Waller County Fair Association, a nonprofit volunteer organization dating back to 1945, says its mission is to promote a wholesome and productive lifestyle for young people while supporting academic and vocational scholarship opportunities. Over the decades, the fair has grown to include livestock programs, entertainment, community facilities and other activities centered around Waller County families.

That mix of tradition and entertainment is part of what keeps the fair on many local families’ calendars each fall.

More Than Carnival Rides on the 2026 Fair Schedule

Visitors planning to stay after the rides can also find several concerts during the closing stretch of the fair.

Tracy Byrd is scheduled to perform October 1, with Rockland Road opening. The Logan Ryan Band performs October 2 with Payton Howie, and Tyler Halverson closes out October 3 with Brylie Renee opening.

The full Waller County Fair runs through October 3, giving residents several opportunities to attend even if the carnival is only one part of their plans.

How to Get a Waller County Fair Carnival Super Pass

Advance Carnival Super Passes are $100 and are available through the Waller County Fair’s official ticket seller. Fair Queen contestants are also selling tickets, according to the fair’s promotional information.

Online tickets are available through Outhouse Tickets’ Waller County Fair 2026 ticket page.

Residents can also visit the Waller County Fair Association website for schedules, admission information and additional fair details.

For families already picturing an evening of Ferris wheel views, midway lights and “just one more ride,” planning ahead could make fair week a little easier — especially for those hoping to come back more than once.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local event updates, family activities and community news from across the area.

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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