"Neon Nights & Carnival Lights" At The Clatsop County Fair (Photo) - 07/10/26

Carnival returns, ride wristbands on sale, VIP concert tickets available, and fair preparations are in full swing

ASTORIA, OR — The countdown is on for the 2026 Clatsop County Fair, returning July 22– 25 to the Clatsop County Fair & Expo Center with this year's theme, "Neon Nights & Carnival Lights."

This year's fair brings back a longtime favorite with the return of the carnival for the first time since 2021. Rainier Amusements will fill the fairgrounds with classic rides, midway games, and family fun throughout the four-day event.

"We're excited to welcome the carnival back to the Clatsop County Fair," said Kyle Sharpsteen, Manager of the Clatsop County Fair & Expo Center. "The rides and games create another reason for families to come together while also discovering everything else the fair has to offer—from livestock shows and agricultural exhibits to youth competitions, local vendors, great food, and live entertainment."

Whether you're coming for the rides, the music, the animals, or the food, there's something for everyone at this year's fair.

Carnival Returns

For the first time since 2021, carnival rides are returning to the Clatsop County Fair.

Rainier Amusements will bring classic rides, midway games, and favorite fair treats to the fairgrounds throughout all four days. Families can also enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and the Kids Zone featuring a corn pit, inflatables, bounce houses, and games.

Visitors can save by purchasing unlimited ride wristbands in advance for $35. Wristbands purchased during the fair will cost $45. Fair admission is sold separately.

Fair Concert & Entertainment

The fair concert returns on Friday, July 24, featuring country music artist Kameron Marlowe with special guests The Kruse Brothers. Concert tickets include admission to the fair for the day.

Concert ticket options include:

• General Admission — $30 ($35 beginning July 17)
• Reserved Front-of-Stage Section — $45
• Limited VIP Tickets — $125 (plus fees and taxes)

A limited number of VIP concert tickets remain available to the public while supplies last. Each VIP ticket includes:

• Catered BBQ dinner by Haggy's Live Fire BBQ
• Access to the VIP Bar
• Dedicated VIP entrance
• Exclusive VIP viewing area
• Fair admission on Friday, July 24

Throughout the week, visitors can also enjoy the Extreme Lumberjack Show, strolling entertainment featuring a balloon artist, magician, and ventriloquist, local musicians and performers on the Main Stage.

The always popular Community Talent Show is back. The talent show winner will advance to represent Clatsop County in the Oregon State Fair Talent Search. Following the talent show, stay for free community bingo with prizes.

Celebrating Agriculture and Youth

The fair continues its long tradition of showcasing the accomplishments of local 4-H and FFA members through livestock shows, educational exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions. Visitors can meet youth exhibitors and learn about projects involving livestock, dogs, horses, archery, arts, photography, woodworking, gardening, textiles, and much more.

This year's fair also introduces Everyday Ag, a new educational exhibit highlighting the industries and traditions that have shaped Clatsop County. Interactive displays will explore seafood, timber, cranberries, dairy, cattle, Christmas trees, hatcheries, hazelnuts, holly, mink, and other agricultural industries important to our region.

The County is especially grateful for the partnership of local FFA members and Oregon Women in Timber for helping launch this new program, which is expected to continue growing in future years.

The fair will also host the Clatsop County Junior Livestock Market Auction, Master Gardener demonstration garden, Civil War living history demonstrations, and the Rascal Rodeo, an adaptive rodeo providing individuals with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience rodeo events.

Competitions & Family Fun

The Clatsop County Fair offers something for every age, including:

• United Way Watermelon Eating Contest
• Flower arranging
• Ice cream eating
• Scarecrow decorating
• Sasquatch calling
• Chili cookoff
• Family calling contest
• Fair photo contest

Additional attractions include the community car show, Airsoft Shoot House, community exhibits, food vendors, retail vendors, artisans, nonprofit booths, and family activities throughout the fairgrounds.

Residents are also encouraged to enter their own projects and compete for ribbons and prizes in a variety of community competitions.

Community Support

The Clatsop County Fair continues to grow thanks to tremendous support from local businesses and organizations.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of community support we've received this year," said Sharpsteen. "That support has allowed us to continue expanding the quality and variety of experiences we can offer while staying true to the fair's agricultural mission."

The Clatsop County Fair is made possible through the support of many generous sponsors. The following highlights a selection of organizations providing significant support for the 2026 Fair:

Grand Champion Sponsors

• WCT Marine and Construction, Inc.
• Columbia Steel and Welding Supply

Additional Featured Sponsors

• TLC, a Division of Fibre Federal Credit Union
• Tillamook County Creamery Association
• Pacific Power
• Clatsop Community College
• Columbia Memorial Hospital
• LINE-X of Clatsop County
• Quackenbush Builders Inc.

The Clatsop County Fair & Expo is grateful for the support of many additional sponsors and community partners whose contributions help make the fair possible. A complete list of 2026 fair sponsors and sponsor recognition is available on our website.

Plan Your Visit

Ride wristbands, fair admission, concert tickets, VIP tickets, vendor applications, and a full schedule of events are available at: www.ClatsopCoFair.com

The 2026 Clatsop County Fair takes place July 22–25 at the Clatsop County Fair & Expo Center in Astoria.

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