Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Northeast Arkansas District Fair is set to begin its 2026 season in late September.

The fair features nine days from late September to early October of carnival rides, food, and games, as well as agricultural competitions, vendors, and entertainment.

“We’re excited about it when it comes around every year. The big excitement when you open up and you see, especially in the children there, the younger kids, their eyes just light up with everything,” said Mitch Johnson, NEA District Fair general manager.

Livestock shows will begin Sept. 28. Included in that will be a petting zoo, family living exhibitions, and opportunities for fairgoers to win prizes.

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In years past, the fair has featured live music entertainment. Johnson told JRN that this year’s fair would not include a live music lineup. He said fair organizers had trouble securing local artists, or were priced out of larger acts.

“We’re taking a year off on that and going to look at putting more money in our entertainment budget for next year, where we can revisit that,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson said the fair’s ride offerings would be expanded this year. In addition to its usual lineup, more rides geared toward younger riders and families will be added.

Johnson also noted that the fair’s security budget had been increased. During the 2025 fair, police responded to “shots fired” reports at the fairgrounds. Police later said that “no evidence [was] presented to the department,” regarding the shots fired, and no victim was found.

He said more people will be on the property working security and stressed the fair’s clear bag only policy.

“If you come on to the fairgrounds with something that we can’t visibly see, we’ll either turn you back at the gate or your items will be subject to search before you enter the fairgrounds,” he said.

The NEA District Fair runs from Thursday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Oct. 3 at the NEA District Fairgrounds, located at 7001 E. Johnson Ave.

Armbands are $30 and will be sold daily, except on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Armbands allow attendees to ride most attractions for free, although single-ride tickets will still be available. Gate admissions will still apply.

Gate admission will be $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and free for children three and under. Exceptions are noted on the schedule below.

Thursday, Sept. 24:

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25:

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26:

• Gates open at 11 a.m.
• Carnival rides open from noon to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27:

• Closed

Monday, Sept. 28:

• Gates open at noon
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 29:

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Note: This date is “Two for Tuesday,” meaning gate admission for adults and children under 12 is $2. Certain food items and carnival rides will also be $2. No armbands will be sold on this day.

Wednesday, Sept. 30:

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1:

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Note: This date is “Senior Citizens Day,” meaning seniors over the age of 65 are admitted for free from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2:

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Carnival rides open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Note: This date is “Children’s Day,” meaning children aged 12 and under are admitted for free from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3:

• Gates open at 11 a.m.
• Carnival rides open from noon to 11 p.m.
• Note: This date is “Armband Day,” and admission will be $6 for all attendees.

Tickets can be purchased at the gates, or online here. Johnson said those who buy tickets online will have a separate line for entry. Convenience fees will apply to online ticket purchases.

“We’re just glad that we have the opportunity to bring it to the community,” Johnson said. “We appreciate everybody that’s come out to see us in the past. We encourage you to come see us and we promise you a good, safe fair.”

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