Make Memories Together: A Family Guide to the 2026 Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo
By Jane McDonald
There’s something special about taking children to the fair. It’s the excitement of seeing the rides light up, watching their faces when they see the animals, cheering them on as they try something new, enjoying a favorite fair treat and hearing, “Can we do that again?”
At the 2026 Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo, families can experience all of that and more when the fair returns to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington September 10–12. This year’s theme, “Stars and Stripes over Carnival Lights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary while bringing together agriculture, traditions, entertainment and family fun.
For families who have been coming for years, that tradition can become something children look forward to carrying on themselves.
Mary Repair, a mother of three and Rockbridge County 4-H Poultry Club Leader, knows that feeling firsthand:
“Our fair is a family tradition. I grew up coming to this fair and now I have the privilege of bringing my children. Watching my kids participate in all of the fair activities is something I look forward to each year. Whether it’s the livestock shows, the rides, the Critter Scramble or the Redneck Olympics, my kids can’t wait to be involved and do everything the fair has to offer.”
That may be the best way to think about a family trip to the fair: you don't have to do everything. You just have to find the things your family loves.
A Saturday Made for Families
Saturday offers a full day of activities, making it easy to build your own family fair-day itinerary.
Start with the Farm Toy/Vendor Show, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and the Farmer’s Market, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., in the Reel Arena/East Complex. Then it's time for some action.
Family Favorites to Put on Your Schedule
- 9:00 AM–2:00 PM — Farm Toy/Vendor Show
- 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Farmer’s Market
- 12:00–11:00 PM — Midway Open
- 1:30 PM — Pedal Pull
- 2:30 PM — Redneck/Barnyard Olympics
- 4:00 PM — Critter Scramble
- 4:00–8:00 PM — Fair Farm
- 6:00 PM — Cow Milking & Sheep Shearing Demonstrations
- 6:30–10:30 PM — “We Love the 80s” Night with Amulet
The Pedal Pull gives young fairgoers a chance to get in on the action, while the Redneck/Barnyard Olympics features a variety of games, like hillbilly horseshoes, sack races, bale toss, pie eating, egg-and-spoon races, and a water balloon toss. It’s fun for all ages! And when your family is ready to keep the fun going into the evening, stick around for “We Love the 80s” Night with Amulet from 6:30–10:30 p.m. It’s a great way to wrap up a full day at the fair with live music and entertainment for the whole family.
Don't Miss the Animals
The Fair Farm gives children an opportunity to see animals up close, while cow milking and sheep shearing demonstrations offer a glimpse into the work and skills involved in agriculture.
The 4-H/FFA livestock shows are another great opportunity for children to see young people caring for animals and putting months of work into something they are proud to present.
Step Into the Wild West
The Cowboy/Cowgirl Circus is another family favorite.
Cowboy Danny Grant will perform select shows Thursday through Saturday in the Reel Arena/East Complex, featuring trick roping, comedy and audience participation. Performance times will be posted at the fair and on the Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Cowgirl Lindsay Grant will roam the fairgrounds aboard her one-of-a-kind “CATTLEAC,” sharing her roping skills and bringing western fun to fairgoers wherever she goes.
Go Underground at the Fair
For a hands-on learning experience, visit the Headwaters Soil & Water Conservation District’s Underground Classroom on Friday or Saturday.
This unique, 22-foot, handicap-accessible mobile classroom lets kids explore the world beneath their feet, including soil-dwelling creatures, plant roots and healthy soils, water conservation, and the connection between healthy soil and our farms, forests and communities.
Bring the Library to the Fair
On Friday from 1–5 p.m., the Rockbridge Regional Library Bookmobile will be onsite. Families can stop by, explore the mobile library and add a little reading and discovery to their fair day.
It’s one more opportunity for kids to play, explore and learn while enjoying the fair.
Plan Ahead for the Midway
No family fair day would be complete without the midway.
The midway opens Thursday and Friday from 4–10 p.m. and Saturday from noon–11 p.m. Armbands are $25, giving families plenty of opportunity to enjoy the rides throughout their visit.
Family-Friendly Tips
Strollers are welcome, but keep in mind that the main fairgrounds are gravel, so be prepared for the terrain.
Need a bathroom break? Each building on the fairgrounds has access to bathroom facilities.
The fair map can also help families find the midway, food vendors, Expo/Farmer’s Market/Toy Show, entertainment, livestock areas and Fair Farm.
Make It Your Family's Tradition
The best part of a fair day isn't checking every activity off the schedule. It's finding the things your family will remember.
Maybe it's your child's first ride. Maybe it's watching a cow being milked, competing in the Pedal Pull, meeting a cowboy, exploring the Underground Classroom or stopping by the Bookmobile.
Maybe, years from now, your children will be the ones saying, “I used to come to this fair when I was little.”
That's how traditions grow.
Bring the kids, make a day of it, and leave a little room for the unexpected. The 2026 Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo is ready to make some family memories.