There’s a moment when you know you’ve arrived at the fair. Maybe it’s the first glimpse of the carnival lights, the sound of music drifting across the grounds or the smell of something delicious coming from the food stands. At the Stevens County Fair, those familiar sights, sounds and flavors come together with the people and traditions that make this community special.

The fair returns to Morris August 11–16 with six days of entertainment, agriculture, exhibits and classic summer fun. Admission and parking are free, so you can stop by for a favorite event or come back throughout the week to experience something new.

Big Thrills Under the Grandstand Lights

The grandstand is where fair excitement gets turned all the way up. This year’s ticketed lineup brings roaring engines, country music, rodeo action and plenty of metal-crunching competition.

Buy Grandstand Tickets

Music Around the Fairgrounds

You don’t need a grandstand ticket to find live music at the fair. Performers will take the fair’s free stages throughout the week, giving you plenty of reasons to grab some food, find a seat and stay awhile.

This year’s lineup includes The Echo’s, Kayla Daniels, Perfect Storm, Thunder Road Band, 80 Proof, Red Letter Band, Skitzo Fonik and Grupo Esplendor Norteño. From afternoon performances to bands playing late into the evening, the soundtrack changes throughout the day.

• Wednesday: The Echo’s
• Thursday: The Echo’s, Kayla Daniels and Perfect Storm
• Friday: The Echo’s, Thunder Road Band and 80 Proof
• Saturday: The Echo’s, Red Letter Band and Skitzo Fonik
• Sunday: Grupo Esplendor Norteño

View the complete music schedule

Free Entertainment for the Whole Family

Some of the best fair moments happen when you wander into a show you didn’t know you needed to see. This year’s schedule is packed with free entertainment that will have kids—and adults—laughing, cheering and asking to watch one more time.

• Sustainable Safari: Meet fascinating animals during wildlife shows and see alligators up close during special presentations.
• Magic Joe: Catch family-friendly magic performed several times throughout the fair.
• Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master: Watch impressive tricks from a performer who turns a classic toy into a high-energy show.
• Fisherman Dan’s Off the Hook: Expect comedy, stunts and plenty of audience fun.
• Metal Forge demonstrations: See sparks fly as artists transform hot metal during live demonstrations.
• Kids’ coin digs: Let the kids search for hidden treasures Thursday through Sunday.

You’ll also find the Stevens County Fair Talent Contest Wednesday evening, Choose Joy dance performances, Lions Bingo and other activities throughout the week.

Carnival Rides and Midway Memories

Bright lights, spinning rides, midway games and happy screams—it wouldn’t be fair week without the carnival. Family Fun Shows opens Thursday and runs through Sunday.

• Thursday, August 13: 4–10 p.m.
• Friday, August 14: 1–10 p.m.
• Saturday, August 15: 1–10 p.m.
• Sunday, August 16: 1–8 p.m.

Get Ride Ticket Details

The Heart of the Fair: 4-H, Animals and Local Talent

The Stevens County Fair is more than a place to be entertained. It’s also where months of hard work take center stage. Visit the barns and exhibit buildings to see livestock, handmade projects, garden produce, artwork and other entries created by talented people from across the community.

Throughout the week, 4-H members will participate in rabbit, goat, sheep, swine, dairy, beef, poultry and horse events. Saturday brings the 4-H Round Robin Showmanship competition, project recognition and livestock auction. On Sunday, don’t miss the fun animal costume classes.

Stop inside the Open Class and Homemakers buildings, too. You never know what might inspire you—or have you planning your own entry for next year.

Come Hungry

Part of the fun is deciding what to eat first. Follow the smell of fair favorites through the grounds and leave room to try more than one. Food concessions open Wednesday and continue daily through Sunday, with most vendors serving from about 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Many vendors accept cards, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. ATMs are available near the food court, outside the fair office and in the carnival area.

Know Before You Go

• Admission and parking are free. Parking is available near Gate 1 by the Lee Community Center and in the large lot near Gate 5.
• Ride the free shuttle. Free park-and-ride service runs approximately every 25 minutes from 4 p.m.–midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Stops include Faith Lutheran Church, GrandStay Hotel & Suites, Morris Elementary School and The Hudson Inn.
• Plan for accessibility. Most of the fairgrounds are level with paved walkways, although the carnival area is grass. Accessible restrooms, parking and grandstand seating are available. Contact the fair in advance to reserve accessible grandstand seating.
• Bring the family gear you need. Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and qualifying personal mobility devices are welcome.
• Leave pets at home. Only service animals and animals approved as part of an exhibition are permitted.

Read the fair’s frequently asked questions

Stay a Little Longer in Morris

Coming from out of town? Turn fair week into a Morris getaway. After the rides slow down, rest up at a local hotel. Between events, explore downtown shops, walk through the colorful WCROC Display Gardens or enjoy a meal at one of Morris’ restaurants.

The fair may bring you to town, but there’s plenty more to discover while you’re here.

Event times, ticket prices and other details are subject to change. Visit the Stevens County Fair website for the latest information before your trip.