For generations of Waller County families, fall has meant livestock barns filled with young exhibitors, cowboys entering the rodeo arena, carnival lights glowing after dark and neighbors gathering to celebrate the community’s agricultural roots.

Those traditions will continue when the 2026 Waller County Fair & Rodeo returns from Thursday, Sept. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Waller County Fairgrounds, located at 21988 FM 359 in Hempstead.

The annual fair will bring together professional and youth rodeo competitions, livestock and creative living exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, community activities and several events designed especially for children and older adults.

More Than a Fair: Supporting Waller County Youth Since 1945

While the rodeo, carnival and entertainment draw thousands of visitors, the event’s larger purpose remains centered on local young people.

Established in 1945, the Waller County Fair Association is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting productive lifestyles and creating academic and vocational opportunities for youth. Through livestock programs, competitions, scholarships and hands-on learning experiences, the organization works to encourage integrity, accountability, teamwork, sportsmanship and personal responsibility.

That mission can be seen throughout the fairgrounds as young participants prepare animals for the show ring, complete agricultural projects, compete in rodeo events and present creative living entries. Volunteers, families, sponsors and buyers also play an important role in helping those exhibitors build confidence and develop practical skills.

Rodeo Events Begin Opening Weekend

The fair’s opening weekend will feature three nights of Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Finals action.

The CPRA Finals are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24; Friday, Sept. 25; and Saturday, Sept. 26, with the Cowgirl Cavalry appearing in the rodeo arena shortly before each performance.

The rodeo schedule continues during the second week with an invitational tie-down roping competition featuring top PRCA competitors on Sept. 29, followed by Pete Carr Pro Rodeo performances Oct. 1, 2 and 3.

Young competitors will also have their turn in the arena. Mutton bustin’ is scheduled for Sept. 26, while the Waller County Calf Scramble will take place during the Oct. 2 rodeo performance.

Parade, Kids Funday and Fair Court Announcements

Saturday, Sept. 26, will be one of the fair’s busiest family days.

The Waller County Fair Parade will begin at 10 a.m. in downtown Hempstead, followed by the announcement of Little Mr. and Miss Waller County at noon and Kids Funday at the Fair from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Waller County Fair Queen and Court will be announced later that afternoon, adding another longstanding tradition to the opening Saturday schedule.

Livestock Shows Highlight Months of Work

Livestock activities will continue throughout the fair, with young exhibitors showing rabbits, goats, lambs, swine, poultry, heifers, steers and other projects.

For many participants, these competitions represent months of early mornings, careful feeding, recordkeeping and preparation. The livestock program culminates with the Junior Livestock and Exhibit Auction at noon Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by the Walk of Champions.

The auction gives community members and businesses an opportunity to recognize exhibitors’ work while directly supporting youth agricultural programs and future educational goals.

Fairgoers can also visit the Creative Living exhibits, which showcase entries ranging from baked goods and decorated confections to handmade and nonperishable projects.

Carnival Rides and Live Entertainment

The carnival is scheduled to open Wednesday, Sept. 30, and continue through the fair’s final Saturday.

Carnival hours listed on the fair schedule include:

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

Live music and entertainment will also be presented throughout the grounds, including performances at the Wagon Wheel.

Country artist Easton Corbin is scheduled to close out the final night with a live performance at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in the Pavilion.

Activities for Multiple Generations

The fair schedule includes several events intended to bring different generations together.

A Senior Citizen Health Fair is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 29, followed by a Senior Citizen Brunch at 11 a.m.

Barnyard Buddies, an educational activity scheduled for Sept. 30, will offer another opportunity for children to learn about agriculture and animals in a fair setting.

Waller County Fair Ticket Prices

General admission day passes are listed at:

• Adults ages 13 and older: $15
• Children ages 6 to 12: $5
• Children age 5 and younger: Free
• Adults age 60 and older: $5 at the gate

On Saturdays after 4 p.m., admission for adults and seniors is $25.

A season pass is available for $50 in advance or $60 at the gate and includes admission throughout the fair, including rodeos, dances, the carnival and animal shows.

The Super Pass costs $100 in advance or $120 at the gate. It includes admission for all nine days, along with unlimited carnival rides on Wednesday and Saturday during regular carnival hours.

Visitors should review the official fair website before attending because schedules, entertainment announcements and event times may change. The association notes that dates and times listed for contestants, participants and volunteers are provided for reference, with committee rules serving as the official source for those groups.

From the opening rodeo to the final livestock auction and concert, the Waller County Fair & Rodeo remains a place where agricultural traditions, family entertainment and community support come together—with local youth at the heart of it all.

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.