LAWRENCEBURG, TN — One of Southern Middle Tennessee’s biggest annual traditions is drawing closer as preparations continue for the 2026 Middle Tennessee District Fair, set for September 24 through October 3 at Lawrenceburg Rotary Park. The fair’s official social media accounts have confirmed preparations are underway for this year’s event at the longtime Lawrenceburg venue.
The countdown is becoming more visible this week with the Middle Tennessee District Fair office now officially open for the season. The office will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., giving fairgoers an opportunity to obtain information, schedules and other materials ahead of opening day. Fair organizers are also encouraging the public to follow the Middle Tennessee District Fair Facebook page for announcements and updates as September approaches.
This year’s schedule packs ten days of midway rides, agricultural competitions, live music, motorsports, special admission days and family entertainment into the annual event, along with several activities that begin before the fair officially opens.
Fair Activities Begin Before Opening Day
Competition will actually begin nearly a week before the midway lights come on.
Entries for individual agricultural exhibits, home economics, art and photography will be accepted Friday, September 18, from 2 until 6 p.m., with additional entries accepted Saturday, September 19, from 8 a.m. until noon. Exhibit judging will begin at 1 p.m. that Saturday.
The annual Fairest of the Fair pageants will also take place before opening day at the Crockett Theater. Little Miss Fairest of the Fair is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, September 19, followed by Junior Miss at 5 p.m. and Miss Fairest of the Fair at 7 p.m. Tiny Tot Fairest of the Fair and Tiny Miss Fairest of the Fair will be held Sunday, September 20, at 2 and 4 p.m., respectively.
Free Admission Highlights Opening Day
The fair officially opens Thursday, September 24, with Parkes Lumber Company Opening Day. Admission and parking will be free for the evening.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., followed by the opening of the Wade Shows midway at 5 p.m. A Jeep Show & Shine is scheduled from 6 until 7:45 p.m.
Wade Shows will provide the midway throughout the fair, bringing the traditional collection of carnival rides, games and attractions to Rotary Park. Another family attraction, Sea Lion Splash, is scheduled to offer daily performances throughout the fair’s September 24-October 3 run.
Chris Cagle Headlines September 25
Country music will take center stage on the fair’s first Friday night.
Gates open at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 25, with entries for potted and hanging plants, ham and value-added products, along with the Giant Vegetable Weigh-Off, accepted from 2 until 5 p.m. The midway and commercial exhibit buildings open at 5 p.m., followed by the agriculture building at 6 p.m.
The night’s featured attraction will be country music artist Chris Cagle in concert at 7 p.m. Exhibit buildings will close at 10 p.m.
Monster Trucks Take Over Saturday Night
Saturday, September 26, will begin early with a full slate of livestock, agriculture and exhibit activities. The Rabbit Show begins at 8 a.m., followed by cut flower, ham, value-added product and baking entries at 9 a.m. The Poultry Show starts at 10 a.m., which is also when the gates and commercial exhibit buildings open. The Wade Shows midway begins operating at 11 a.m.
Saturday evening shifts into high gear with Monster Trucks at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Middle Tennessee District Fair Free Concert Series at 7 p.m.
Veterans Honored Sunday
Sunday, September 27, will be Veterans Day at the fair, with active-duty and retired military personnel admitted for $2.
Gates, exhibit buildings and the midway will open at 1 p.m., and the Middle Tennessee District Fair Junior Horse Show also begins at 1 p.m.
Junk Cars, Livestock Shows and Live Music
The pace picks back up Monday, September 28.
Gates and exhibit buildings open at 10 a.m. The Sheep Show and midway begin at 5 p.m., followed by the Junk Car Jump ’n Run for cars and wagons at 6:30 p.m. The fair’s free concert series begins at 7 p.m., featuring Society American Nosherie.
On Tuesday, September 29, the Open and Junior Dairy Show starts at 5 p.m., with the Open Dairy Goat Show following. The midway also opens at 5 p.m. An open Junk Car Jump ’n Run begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by another free concert featuring Society American Nosherie at 7 p.m.
Pro Wrestling Comes to the Fair September 30
Professional wrestling will be one of the featured attractions on Wednesday, September 30.
Gates and exhibit buildings open at 10 a.m., the Junior Meat Goat Show begins at 5 p.m., and Wade Shows opens the midway at 5 p.m. Pro Wrestling is scheduled for 7 p.m., alongside another night of the fair’s free concert series.
Senior Citizens’ Day and Demolition Derby
Thursday, October 1, has been designated Senior Citizens’ Day, with admission reduced to $2 through 2 p.m.
Gates and exhibit buildings open at 10 a.m., while a free lunch and entertainment for senior citizens will be offered from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Beef Cattle Show and midway begin at 5 p.m.
One of the fair’s traditional grandstand attractions follows that evening when the Demolition Derby begins at 6:30 p.m. The free concert series begins at 7 p.m.
School Day Returns October 2
Students will take over the fairgrounds Friday, October 2, for the annual School Day.
All students and Lawrence County School System teachers will be admitted free until 3:30 p.m. Gates and exhibit buildings open at 10 a.m., with School Day athletic events and the annual Spelling Bee also beginning at 10 a.m. Wade Shows opens the midway earlier than on most weekdays, at 11 a.m., and the School Day Giveaway is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
The Beef Cattle Show starts at 5 p.m., followed by a Truck and Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m. and the free concert series at 7 p.m.
Truck and Tractor Pull Helps Close Out the Fair
The final day of the 2026 fair will be Saturday, October 3.
Gates and exhibit buildings open at 10 a.m., with the Wade Shows midway opening at 11 a.m. The Junior Beef Heifer Show begins at 3 p.m.
The Truck and Tractor Pull returns at 6:30 p.m., with the final installment of the Middle Tennessee District Fair Free Concert Series scheduled for 7 p.m.
Exhibitors will return Sunday, October 4, for removal of exhibits following the conclusion of the fair.
Admission and Season Passes
Regular admission for the 2026 Middle Tennessee District Fair is $10 for adults, while children ages 9 and younger are admitted free.
An Early Bird Season Pass is $45 if purchased before opening day on September 24. After that, season passes are $50. Each season pass allows its holder two entries per day.
Special admission promotions include free admission on Parkes Lumber Company Opening Day, $2 admission for active and retired military personnel on Veterans Day, $2 admission for Senior Citizens’ Day until 2 p.m., and free admission for students and Lawrence County School System teachers with school identification during School Day through 3:30 p.m.
With agricultural traditions still at the heart of the event and a schedule that also includes carnival rides, concerts, monster trucks, professional wrestling, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, pageants and special community days, the 2026 Middle Tennessee District Fair will once again offer something different nearly every day of its ten-day run.
Additional information, updates and schedule details are available through the Middle Tennessee District Fair’s official website at MTDFair.org and through the fair’s official Facebook page as preparations continue for opening day.
