Three Nights, Three Ways to Have Fun at the 2026 Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo
When the Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo arrives September 10–12, there’s more to entertainment than getting on a ride and grabbing a fair favorite. Across three days, the fairgrounds will come alive with live music, competition, western entertainment, animals, contests, food and plenty of opportunities to enjoy an evening together.
The best part? Each night has its own personality.
Whether you're looking for a little friendly competition, live local music, a night of dancing, or something entertaining for the whole family, there’s a reason to spend more than one night at the fair.
For longtime fair attendee and live music supporter John Linkenhoker, the entertainment is an important part of the fair experience: “There is nothing like enjoying the warm comfy hometown atmosphere of the county fair while listening to great live music with friends!!”
Planning to enjoy the music? Feel free to bring your own folding chair. Some bleacher seating will be provided, but bringing a chair means you can settle in and enjoy the show comfortably.
Thursday: Buck Wild at the Fair
Thursday night kicks off with a little adrenaline.
The Mechanical Bull Riding Competition takes place from 7–9 p.m. in Barn 7, “The Big Lonely.” Registration begins at 6 p.m., with a $15 entry fee for riders age 12 and older. Before the competition, Open Bull Riding gives fairgoers a chance to try the bull from 6–7 p.m. for $5.
And this isn't just about staying on the bull. Awards will recognize the longest ride, most stylish dismount, most entertaining rider and best-dressed cowboy or cowgirl, with banners and belt buckles awarded.
A DJ provided by Quest Entertainment will keep the energy going, while the 21+ Beer Garden offers adults a place to relax and enjoy the evening.
If you're looking for a night with a little competition, a little country attitude and plenty of laughs, Thursday is your night.
Friday: Grab a Seat and Enjoy the Music
Friday brings a different kind of energy with Open Mic Night featuring Grant Bryant and The Blue Ridge Boys, from 6:30–9 p.m. in Barn 7, “The Big Lonely.”
It’s a chance to settle in, listen to live music and enjoy the atmosphere of a community gathering. Open Mic Night welcomes talent and creates the kind of evening where you never quite know what you'll hear next.
And there’s plenty happening before the music starts. Friday visitors can explore the Fair Farm, watch the 6 p.m. cow milking demonstration, check out the Quilt Show, see the livestock shows and auction, enjoy the midway and grab something to eat from the fair’s food vendors.
For adults, the 21+ Beer Garden provides another place to unwind while enjoying the evening entertainment.
Saturday: Bring Your Dancing Shoes
Saturday is the night to stay late.
After a full day of fair activities—including the Farmer’s Market, Farm Toy/Vendor Show, Pedal Pull, Redneck/Barnyard Olympics, Critter Scramble and Fair Farm—the evening turns toward live music.
From 6:30–10:30 p.m., the Amulet Band takes the stage for “We Love the 80s” Night in Barn 7, “The Big Lonely.”
Pull out the neon, dust off the big hair and come ready to relive the music of the 1980s. Whether you remember the decade firsthand or simply love the music, it’s a fun way to end the final night of the fair.
The 21+ Beer Garden will also be open, giving adults another way to enjoy Saturday night’s entertainment.
And the Entertainment Doesn't Stop There
One of the things that makes the Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo different is that entertainment isn't confined to a stage.
Throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Cowboy Danny Grant will bring his Cowboy Circus to the Reel Arena/East Complex with trick roping, comedy and audience participation. Performance times will be posted at the fair, on the Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo Facebook page and website.
Meanwhile, Cowgirl Lindsay Grant will roam the fairgrounds aboard her one-of-a-kind “CATTLEAC.” She’ll share her roping skills, interact with fairgoers and bring western fun wherever she goes.
That means you might be walking toward a ride, heading to get something to eat or simply exploring the fairgrounds when the entertainment finds you.
Something for Every Fairgoer
Of course, entertainment at the fair doesn't happen in just one place.
There’s the excitement of the midway, with rides open 4–10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon–11 p.m. Saturday. There are food vendors throughout the grounds, agricultural activities, livestock shows, the Fair Farm and special events happening throughout the weekend.
And sometimes the best entertainment is simply sitting down with friends or family, sharing something good to eat and watching the fair unfold around you.
Don't Miss These Entertainment Highlights
- Thursday, 6–7 PM: Open Bull Riding — Barn 7
- Thursday, 7–9 PM: Mechanical Bull Riding Competition — Barn 7
- Thursday–Saturday: Cowboy Circus with Danny Grant — Reel Arena
- Thursday–Saturday: Cowgirl Circus with Lindsay Grant and “CATTLEAC”
- Friday, 6:30–9 PM: Open Mic Night with Grant Bryant and The Blue Ridge Boys — Barn 7
- Saturday, 6:30–10:30 PM: “We Love the 80s” Night with Amulet — Barn 7
- Thursday–Friday: Midway, 4–10 PM
- Saturday: Midway, noon–11 PM
- Thursday–Saturday evenings: 21+ Beer Garden
Three nights. Three different experiences. One fair.
Whether you're bucking a mechanical bull, cheering on a local performer, dancing to 80s hits, watching a cowboy rope or simply enjoying a night out with friends, the Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo has plenty of ways to make your evening memorable.
So come for the rides. Stay for the music. Cheer for your friends. Try something you've never done before.
And make sure you leave a little room in your evening for whatever happens next.
