August events include a variety of fairs across the Southeast that feature livestock, farming traditions, local exhibits, midways, rodeos, live music, local food, and more.
Bergton Community Fair
August 4–8, 2026
Bergton, Virginia
Known as “the biggest little fair anywhere,” this Shenandoah Valley event celebrates its 75th year this month with rides, live music, a beauty pageant, and local exhibits. Children under 12 get in free.
Tazewell County Fair
August 5–9, 2026
Tazewell, Virginia
This longstanding rural tradition features rides, concerts, livestock exhibits, rodeos, and community events. Special performances and agricultural displays highlight Southwest Virginia’s farming heritage. Hours and ticket details will be posted on the website.
Franklin-Southampton County Fair
August 5–8, 2026
Courtland, Virginia
This rural fair features livestock shows, exhibits, talent competitions, concerts (included with admission on some nights), carnival attractions, and fair food. Multi-day and daily tickets are available, with reduced rates for children. Hours typically run afternoon into evening, with longer hours on Saturday.
Grayson County Agricultural Fair
August 7–8, 2026
Elk Creek, Virginia
This two-day rural agricultural fair at Bottomley’s Evergreen and Farms features livestock and dog shows, produce, quilting, food preservation, honey, photography, and other traditional contests. Enjoy vendors, music, and down-home fun celebrating old-time county fair traditions. Admission is free.
Clarke County Ruritan Fair
August 9–16, 2026
Berryville, Virginia
Organized by the Ruritan Club, this week-long fair at the fairgrounds includes commercial exhibits, agricultural displays, rides, entertainment, and community activities. Daily and season passes are offered. It emphasizes civic spirit and rural traditions in Virginia’s northern Shenandoah Valley. A longtime local favorite for families.
Mason County Fair
August 10–15, 2026
Point Pleasant, West Virginia
West Virginia’s largest county fair returns to the fairgrounds with livestock shows, rodeos, demolition derbies, carnival rides, fair food, and headline concerts (including country and contemporary Christian acts). Special days, pageants, and horse shows round out the schedule. Held in a rural river-county setting, it offers classic Mid-Ohio Valley agricultural and family entertainment over nearly a week. Admission and grandstand options vary.
State Fair of West Virginia
August 13–22, 2026
Lewisburg, West Virginia
This major agricultural celebration at West Virginia’s State Fairgrounds features livestock shows, craft exhibits and competitions, carnival rides, food vendors, and live music concerts. Marking a significant anniversary year, it draws families for traditional rural West Virginia experiences including midway thrills, agricultural displays, and evening entertainment. Gate tickets and packages are available.
Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair
August 13–22, 2026
Lebanon, Tennessee
Held at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, this 10-day event celebrates Tennessee agriculture and community with livestock shows, thrilling rides, live music and concerts, tractor pulls, monster trucks, pageants, forestry events, and classic fair foods. Themed around “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250,” it features youth projects and regional traditions. Hours vary by day, and gate and mega-ticket options are available.
Georgia Mountain Fair
August 14–22, 2026
Hiawassee, Georgia
This North Georgia mountain tradition at the historic fairgrounds features carnival rides opening early, arts and crafts, pioneer village exhibits, unique attractions, live music, and concerts. Main fair activities concentrate on two weekends within the broader dates. It offers a glimpse into regional history and culture alongside classic fair fun in a scenic rural setting.
9th Annual Big Bend Rodeo
August 21–22, 2026
Quincy, Florida
This two-night professional-style rodeo in rural Gadsden County at Gadsden Horseman’s Arena (2140 W. Jefferson Street) features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, bronc riding, and other classic events under the North Florida stars. Organized by the Gadsden Horsemen’s Association, it draws local talent and spectators for high-energy competition, family-friendly atmosphere, and traditional Western heritage. Gates typically open in the evening with performances starting around 7–8 p.m.
Bedford County Fair
August 21–23, 2026
Bedford, Virginia
This free-admission event at Liberty Lake Park featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, local food vendors, and educational activities. It celebrates Bedford County’s agricultural history and community heritage over three days.
Drexel Fair
August 21–29, 2026
Drexel, North Carolina
This free community fair features carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, livestock judging, grandstand entertainment, and free live music over multiple nights (closed one Sunday). Held at the Drexel Fairgrounds, the event is a highlight of summer in rural western North Carolina with a strong focus on local fun and agriculture.
Carroll County Agricultural Fair
August 26–30, 2026
Hillsville, Virginia
This multi-day fair offers carnival rides and games, live music, vendors, livestock auctions, tractor pulls, and classic fair food. Gate admission typically covers events and midway rides. The event celebrates agricultural heritage with pageants and community exhibits in a rural Appalachian setting.
Chattooga County Agricultural Fair
August 27–30, 2026
Summerville, Georgia
A rural agricultural fair with thrilling rides, great food, music, attractions, and daily livestock shows at the fairgrounds. It brings the community together with contests, concerts, and family activities celebrating local farming heritage. Held the last Thursday-through-Sunday of August, it provides classic country-fair atmosphere in northwest Georgia.
SC Pawpaw Festival
August 29, 2026
Taylors, South Carolina
Blue Oak Horticulture, 198 Fews Bridge Road,
This annual celebration of America’s largest native fruit takes place at Blue Oak Horticulture in the Blue Ridge escarpment. Visitors sample fresh pawpaw fruit and pawpaw-themed treats like ice cream, shop native plants and grafted trees, enjoy live bluegrass music, browse artisan vendors, join guided plant walks, and tour the farm and greenhouse. Admission is free, but a parking pass is required.
If you like what you’re reading and haven’t upgraded your subscription, find out why it’s worth considering by clicking the link below.
Growing up, we had a tiny county fair in the fall ... a ferris wheel, the Bullet, and carnies hawking games and carnival glass ... for the bravest of men, a hoochie coochie show. Enter under the threat of death.