Douglas County Fair Returns Aug. 5-8 With ‘Fair, Fun & Freedom!’ Theme

The Douglas County Fair returns to Roseburg from Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Aug. 8, bringing four days of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, fair food and longtime community traditions.

This year’s theme, “Fair, Fun & Freedom!”, recognizes America’s 250th birthday while celebrating the agricultural heritage, hard work and hometown pride that have shaped Douglas County for generations.

Often promoted as the “Best County Fair on Earth,” the annual event will take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.

Fair Hours

The fair will be open daily during the following hours:

• Main Gate: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Carnival Gate: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Exhibit Buildings: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fair schedules, ticket information and additional details are available at douglasfairgrounds.com/p/fair. Visitors can also download the Douglas County Fair mobile app through the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Concerts and Headline Entertainment

Headline entertainment is included with regular fair admission, continuing one of the event’s most popular traditions. Reserved concert seating and access to the new VIP Pit Area are available separately.

This year’s headline schedule includes:

• Wednesday, Aug. 5: Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 6: Aaron Lewis at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 7: Tone Loc at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 8: Niko Moon at 8 p.m.

Attractions Throughout the Fairgrounds

Visitors will find activities and entertainment across the fairgrounds, including Dock Dogs, BINGO, Master Gardener exhibits and demonstrations, a model railroad exhibit and performances on the Garden Park Stage.

Scheduled and roaming entertainment will include:

• Fire dancer Jodie Smalley
• Comedy stuntman Matt Barker
• Local musical groups
• A senior talent show
• The Diaper Derby
• Sterling the Bubblesmith
• Arty the Circus Drummer
• Lessa the Hula Hooper

These attractions are included with fair admission.

Rainier Amusements will also return with midway rides, carnival games, kiddie rides and a large Ferris wheel. Advance carnival ride bracelets will remain available through Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Fair food will range from traditional favorites such as corn dogs, fried bread, barbecue and caramel apples to churros, jumbo curly fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, ice cream and deep-fried Twinkies.

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

Patriotic decorations, displays and special activities will recognize the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Organizers said the theme is intended to celebrate freedom, perseverance, hard work and community while also recognizing the agricultural and rural traditions that have made the fair a gathering place for more than a century.

Local Youth Remain at the Heart of the Fair

While concerts, rides and food attract thousands of visitors, 4-H and FFA members remain at the center of the Douglas County Fair.

Hundreds of young people spend months preparing animals, exhibits and other projects for fair week. Through those programs, students develop skills in leadership, responsibility, sportsmanship, public speaking and financial management.

The annual Junior Livestock Auction will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, in the Beef Ring.

Businesses and community members can support local exhibitors by purchasing animals during the auction. Proceeds help young participants continue their agricultural education and future projects.

Open Class Exhibits Highlight Local Talent

Open Class competitions will showcase the work of adult exhibitors from throughout Douglas County.

Displays and competitions will include:

• Livestock
• Photography and fine art
• Woodworking and crafts
• Quilts
• Gardening and flowers
• Baked goods
• Preserved foods

Open Class entries and judging begin Saturday, Aug. 1.

A Tradition Dating Back More Than 160 Years

Douglas County’s fair tradition dates back to 1860, when an agricultural fair was held in Oakland.

The current Douglas County Fairgrounds property was purchased in 1944, and the first official fair at the location was held in 1945. Generations of families have since returned each summer to celebrate agriculture, craftsmanship, education and community.

Visitors will also be welcomed by Dougy, the fairgrounds’ well-known logger mascot. Dougy has greeted fairgoers at the main entrance since 1965 and remains one of the fair’s most recognizable traditions.

Whether attending for livestock competitions, concerts, carnival rides, exhibits or a favorite fair food, organizers say the event will offer something for visitors of all ages.

The 2026 Douglas County Fair runs Aug. 5 - 8 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.