The countdown is on for one of Rooks County's favorite summer traditions as the Rooks County Free Fair returns August 3-9, offering a full week of exhibits, entertainment, racing, carnival rides, music, food, and family activities.

The fair officially begins on Monday, August 3, with Open Class Fair Entries accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., along with the Tallest Corn Plant Contest from 9 a.m. to noon.

Action shifts into high gear on Tuesday, August 4, when the grandstand comes alive with the King of Kansas Flat Track Motorcycle Races beginning at 7 p.m. Grandstand gates open at 6 p.m., while families can also enjoy the popular Critter Close-up presentations at 4, 6, and 8 p.m. in the SNB Pavilion, sponsored by Polymer Technologies and Central Veterinary Services.

Wednesday offers activities for all ages, beginning with Knights of Columbus Bingo from 2 to 4 p.m. in the SNB Pavilion, followed by a free watermelon feed at 4 p.m.

Young animal lovers can take part in the Youth Pet Parade at 5:30 p.m. in the Sutor-Blauer Arena. The Pride of Texas Carnival will be open from 6 to 10 p.m., while motorcycle racing returns to the grandstand at 7 p.m. Critter Close-up presentations will again be held at 4, 6, and 8 p.m.

Thursday's schedule features the always-popular Pedal Pull beginning at 1 p.m., followed by the opening of the grandstand gates at 6 p.m. and IMCA Stock Car Racing at 7 p.m. The carnival continues from 6 to 10 p.m., and live music by Jadynce Jean will be featured in the SNB Pavilion from 8 to 10 p.m., sponsored by World Pest.

Friday keeps the excitement rolling with another night of IMCA Stock Car Racing at 7 p.m. after the grandstand gates open at 6 p.m. The Livestock Sale also begins at 6 p.m., while the carnival remains open from 6 to 10 p.m. A DJ will provide music in the SNB Pavilion from 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday's festivities begin with RC Car Races at 2 p.m.

Beer enthusiasts can enjoy the Barnyard BrewFest from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the infield, followed by a free concert by Phil Vandel from 7 to 11 p.m. The Pride of Texas Carnival will once again operate from 6 to 10 p.m.

The fair concludes on Sunday, August 9, with Open Class Exhibits available for release from 10 a.m. to noon.

Season grandstand passes are available for $50, although they are not valid at the pit gate or for the Barnyard BrewFest. Individual admission for both the King of Kansas Flat Track Motorcycle Races and IMCA Stock Car Races is $15, with children 6 and under admitted free.

Admission to the Barnyard BrewFest is $20, while the Phil Vandel concert is free.

Carnival-goers can save by purchasing presale wristband vouchers for $25 at the fair office before the event.

Wristbands purchased at the carnival ticket booth during the fair will be $30.

With something happening every day—from racing and carnival rides to live music, family activities, and community traditions—the 2026 Rooks County Free Fair promises another memorable week of fun for all ages.