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07-28-26 Fair, Fun & Freedom! 2026 Douglas County Fair Celebrates America's 250th Birthday (Photo) - 07/28/26

Fair, Fun & Freedom!

2026 Douglas County Fair Celebrates America's 250th Birthday

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – As the long days of summer bring warm August nights, there's one tradition Douglas County families have looked forward to for generations—the annual Douglas County Fair. The familiar scents of fresh kettle corn, sizzling barbecue, honey butter on warm fried bread, hand-dipped corn dogs, and sweet cotton candy once again fill the air, while laughter echoes from the midway, and the lowing of cattle, bleating of sheep and goats, and chatter of barnyard animals create the unmistakable soundtrack of fair week. And, of course, no fair would be complete without the toe-tapping tunes, street performers, vendor booths, and live music performances that fill the air and bring the fairgrounds to life.

 

This year, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Fair Director Ciera Keith, and the Douglas County Fair Board invite everyone to celebrate an extra-special fair as we honor America's 250th Birthday with the theme "Fair, Fun & Freedom!"  Often called the "Best County Fair on Earth," the 2026 Douglas County Fair promises four unforgettable days filled with hometown traditions, patriotic pride, family fun, outstanding entertainment, and the agricultural heritage that has defined Douglas County for generations.  The 2026 Douglas County Fair takes place Wednesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.  The Douglas County Fair is open daily: Main Gate: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm; Carnival Gate: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; and Exhibit Buildings:11:00 am – 10:00 pm.  Get the latest information about the 2026 Douglas County Fair here or download and print the 2026 Douglas County Fair Schedule here or make the most of your Fair experience by downloading the easy-to-use Douglas County Fair Apps on your smart phone or mobile device using Apple App Store or Google Play.

 

What’s Happening this Year! Whether this is your very first visit or you've attended the fair every summer for decades, you'll discover something new around every corner. Across the fairgrounds, the sounds and sights of animals, fiddles, bass guitars, fire, hoola hoops, carnival rides, and barking dogs can be heard with engaging attractions including Dock Dogs; Master Gardeners Exhibits and Demonstrations; Model Railroad Exhibit; BINGO; Garden Park Stage entertainment with fire dancer Jodie Smalley, comedy stuntman Matt Barker, local bands, senior talent show and diaper derby; and roaming artists Sterling the Bubblesmith, Arty the Circus Drummer, and Lessa the Hula Hooper – all FREE with your fair gate admission.  Then there is the fantastic midway with thrilling rides featuring a giant Ferris wheel, carnival games and kiddie cars, Rainer Amusement Carnival keeps the fun rocking down the midway for young and old alike.  Advance carnival ride bracelets are available until Tuesday, August 4.  Let’s not forget the delicious fair food! From classic hot dogs to fried bread, churros, jumbo curly fries, BBQ, deep-fried Twinkies, grilled cheese, ice cream, and caramel apples - you’ll find all your fair favorites (and a few surprises) waiting for you in the food court and all around the fair.  Don’t forget to check out the nightlife.  When the sun goes down behind the mountains you can experience a cool patchwork of glowing lights, music, and sounds.

 

As Always - FREE Entertainment Included with Fair Admission: One of the biggest traditions of the Douglas County Fair continues this year as all Headline Entertainment is FREE with gate admission.  Don’t forget that reserved concert seating and the all-new VIP Pit Area for the 2026 Douglas County Fair Headline Entertainment are still on sale. Don’t miss your chance to experience this year’s incredible entertainment lineup! Be sure to visit the website for all the details at www.douglasfairgrounds.com/p/fair.  This year’s action-packed fair will offer headline entertainment including Wednesday: Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding at 7:30 pm; Thursday: Country music fans will enjoy an unforgettable performance by Aaron Lewis at 7:30 pm; Friday: Turn up the energy with nostalgic rap icon Tone Loc at 8:00 pm, and Saturday: Closing out the fair is chart-topping country star Niko Moon at 8:00 pm.

 

Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom: This year's patriotic theme recognizes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrates the values of freedom, perseverance, hard work, and community that continue to shape Douglas County.  Visitors will experience patriotic decorations, special displays, and opportunities throughout the fair to celebrate America's Semi quincentennial while honoring the agricultural traditions and rural heritage that have made the Douglas County Fair a community gathering place for more than a century.

 

The Heart of the Fair: Our Youth: While concerts, carnival rides, and fair food attract thousands of visitors each year, the true heart of the Douglas County Fair has always been its youth.  Douglas County is home to one of Oregon's strongest 4-H and FFA programs, with hundreds of young people dedicating months of hard work preparing livestock, exhibits, and projects that will be showcased throughout fair week.  These students learn responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship, public speaking, financial management, and countless life skills while caring for their animals and completing projects that represent the very best of our agricultural community.  One of the week's most anticipated events is the Junior Livestock Auction, held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 4:00 pm in the Beef Ring.  Come be part of the excitement as businesses and community members from throughout Douglas County invest in the next generation by supporting the hard work and dedication of local youth.  Every purchase made at the auction helps young exhibitors continue their agricultural education while developing valuable life skills that will benefit them for years to come.

 

A Tradition More Than 160 Years in the Making: Douglas County's fair tradition dates back to 1860, when an agricultural fair was first held in Oakland.  Throughout the decades, county residents have gathered to celebrate farming, ranching, craftsmanship, education, and community. After the Douglas County Fairgrounds property was purchased in 1944, the first official Douglas County Fair was held in 1945.  Today, that same spirit continues as generations of families return each August to reconnect with friends, celebrate local agriculture, support youth, and create lasting memories.

 

Open Class Exhibits Showcase Local Talent: The Douglas County Fair is also home to one of Oregon's finest Open Class competitions.  Adult exhibitors from throughout the county showcase outstanding livestock, photography, fine arts, woodworking, crafts, quilts, gardening, baked goods, preserved foods, flowers, and countless other creative talents.  These exhibits celebrate the remarkable skills, creativity, and craftsmanship found throughout Douglas County and remain one of the fair's most popular attractions.  Open Class entries and judging starts Saturday, August 1, 2026.

 

Say Hello to Dougy:  No visit to the Douglas County Fair would be complete without waving hello to Dougy at the main entrance.  He has been the fairgrounds' beloved logger mascot since 1965.  For more than six decades, Dougy has welcomed generations of fairgoers and remains one of Douglas County's most recognizable and cherished traditions.

 

There's Truly Something for Everyone: Whether you're cheering on a favorite 4-H exhibitor, enjoying a headline concert, riding the Ferris wheel, watching livestock competitions, sampling your favorite fair foods, exploring exhibits, or simply making memories with family and friends, the Douglas County Fair offers something for every age.  As Douglas County celebrates America's 250th Birthday, there is no better place to experience the values that make our community special—hard work, agriculture, family, freedom, and hometown pride.  Join us August 5-8 as we celebrate "Fair, Fun & Freedom!"  Because at the Douglas County Fair, one thing has never changed...Fair time is family time. Fair time is fun time. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Douglas County Fair!

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

 

Attached Media Files: 2026DCFairGraphic.png,

07-28-26 Fair, Fun & Freedom! 2026 Douglas County Fair Celebrates America's 250th Birthday (Photo) - 07/28/26

Fair, Fun & Freedom!

2026 Douglas County Fair Celebrates America's 250th Birthday

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – As the long days of summer bring warm August nights, there's one tradition Douglas County families have looked forward to for generations—the annual Douglas County Fair. The familiar scents of fresh kettle corn, sizzling barbecue, honey butter on warm fried bread, hand-dipped corn dogs, and sweet cotton candy once again fill the air, while laughter echoes from the midway, and the lowing of cattle, bleating of sheep and goats, and chatter of barnyard animals create the unmistakable soundtrack of fair week. And, of course, no fair would be complete without the toe-tapping tunes, street performers, vendor booths, and live music performances that fill the air and bring the fairgrounds to life.

 

This year, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Fair Director Ciera Keith, and the Douglas County Fair Board invite everyone to celebrate an extra-special fair as we honor America's 250th Birthday with the theme "Fair, Fun & Freedom!"  Often called the "Best County Fair on Earth," the 2026 Douglas County Fair promises four unforgettable days filled with hometown traditions, patriotic pride, family fun, outstanding entertainment, and the agricultural heritage that has defined Douglas County for generations.  The 2026 Douglas County Fair takes place Wednesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.  The Douglas County Fair is open daily: Main Gate: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm; Carnival Gate: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; and Exhibit Buildings:11:00 am – 10:00 pm.  Get the latest information about the 2026 Douglas County Fair here or download and print the 2026 Douglas County Fair Schedule here or make the most of your Fair experience by downloading the easy-to-use Douglas County Fair Apps on your smart phone or mobile device using Apple App Store or Google Play.

 

What’s Happening this Year! Whether this is your very first visit or you've attended the fair every summer for decades, you'll discover something new around every corner. Across the fairgrounds, the sounds and sights of animals, fiddles, bass guitars, fire, hoola hoops, carnival rides, and barking dogs can be heard with engaging attractions including Dock Dogs; Master Gardeners Exhibits and Demonstrations; Model Railroad Exhibit; BINGO; Garden Park Stage entertainment with fire dancer Jodie Smalley, comedy stuntman Matt Barker, local bands, senior talent show and diaper derby; and roaming artists Sterling the Bubblesmith, Arty the Circus Drummer, and Lessa the Hula Hooper – all FREE with your fair gate admission.  Then there is the fantastic midway with thrilling rides featuring a giant Ferris wheel, carnival games and kiddie cars, Rainer Amusement Carnival keeps the fun rocking down the midway for young and old alike.  Advance carnival ride bracelets are available until Tuesday, August 4.  Let’s not forget the delicious fair food! From classic hot dogs to fried bread, churros, jumbo curly fries, BBQ, deep-fried Twinkies, grilled cheese, ice cream, and caramel apples - you’ll find all your fair favorites (and a few surprises) waiting for you in the food court and all around the fair.  Don’t forget to check out the nightlife.  When the sun goes down behind the mountains you can experience a cool patchwork of glowing lights, music, and sounds.

 

As Always - FREE Entertainment Included with Fair Admission: One of the biggest traditions of the Douglas County Fair continues this year as all Headline Entertainment is FREE with gate admission.  Don’t forget that reserved concert seating and the all-new VIP Pit Area for the 2026 Douglas County Fair Headline Entertainment are still on sale. Don’t miss your chance to experience this year’s incredible entertainment lineup! Be sure to visit the website for all the details at www.douglasfairgrounds.com/p/fair.  This year’s action-packed fair will offer headline entertainment including Wednesday: Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding at 7:30 pm; Thursday: Country music fans will enjoy an unforgettable performance by Aaron Lewis at 7:30 pm; Friday: Turn up the energy with nostalgic rap icon Tone Loc at 8:00 pm, and Saturday: Closing out the fair is chart-topping country star Niko Moon at 8:00 pm.

 

Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom: This year's patriotic theme recognizes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrates the values of freedom, perseverance, hard work, and community that continue to shape Douglas County.  Visitors will experience patriotic decorations, special displays, and opportunities throughout the fair to celebrate America's Semi quincentennial while honoring the agricultural traditions and rural heritage that have made the Douglas County Fair a community gathering place for more than a century.

 

The Heart of the Fair: Our Youth: While concerts, carnival rides, and fair food attract thousands of visitors each year, the true heart of the Douglas County Fair has always been its youth.  Douglas County is home to one of Oregon's strongest 4-H and FFA programs, with hundreds of young people dedicating months of hard work preparing livestock, exhibits, and projects that will be showcased throughout fair week.  These students learn responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship, public speaking, financial management, and countless life skills while caring for their animals and completing projects that represent the very best of our agricultural community.  One of the week's most anticipated events is the Junior Livestock Auction, held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 4:00 pm in the Beef Ring.  Come be part of the excitement as businesses and community members from throughout Douglas County invest in the next generation by supporting the hard work and dedication of local youth.  Every purchase made at the auction helps young exhibitors continue their agricultural education while developing valuable life skills that will benefit them for years to come.

 

A Tradition More Than 160 Years in the Making: Douglas County's fair tradition dates back to 1860, when an agricultural fair was first held in Oakland.  Throughout the decades, county residents have gathered to celebrate farming, ranching, craftsmanship, education, and community. After the Douglas County Fairgrounds property was purchased in 1944, the first official Douglas County Fair was held in 1945.  Today, that same spirit continues as generations of families return each August to reconnect with friends, celebrate local agriculture, support youth, and create lasting memories.

 

Open Class Exhibits Showcase Local Talent: The Douglas County Fair is also home to one of Oregon's finest Open Class competitions.  Adult exhibitors from throughout the county showcase outstanding livestock, photography, fine arts, woodworking, crafts, quilts, gardening, baked goods, preserved foods, flowers, and countless other creative talents.  These exhibits celebrate the remarkable skills, creativity, and craftsmanship found throughout Douglas County and remain one of the fair's most popular attractions.  Open Class entries and judging starts Saturday, August 1, 2026.

 

Say Hello to Dougy:  No visit to the Douglas County Fair would be complete without waving hello to Dougy at the main entrance.  He has been the fairgrounds' beloved logger mascot since 1965.  For more than six decades, Dougy has welcomed generations of fairgoers and remains one of Douglas County's most recognizable and cherished traditions.

 

There's Truly Something for Everyone: Whether you're cheering on a favorite 4-H exhibitor, enjoying a headline concert, riding the Ferris wheel, watching livestock competitions, sampling your favorite fair foods, exploring exhibits, or simply making memories with family and friends, the Douglas County Fair offers something for every age.  As Douglas County celebrates America's 250th Birthday, there is no better place to experience the values that make our community special—hard work, agriculture, family, freedom, and hometown pride.  Join us August 5-8 as we celebrate "Fair, Fun & Freedom!"  Because at the Douglas County Fair, one thing has never changed...Fair time is family time. Fair time is fun time. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Douglas County Fair!

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

 

Attached Media Files: 2026DCFairGraphic.png,