Fort Bend County Fair 2026: Your Complete Guide to the 90th Anniversary Fair & Rodeo

Fall in Fort Bend County means one thing: fair season is here. This year's event is especially big, because the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo is turning 90. The 2026 theme is "90 Years Strong. Honoring the Past, Growing the Future." Whether you're coming for the concerts, the rodeo, the livestock shows, or a funnel cake on the midway, here's everything you need to plan your visit.

Fort Bend County Fair 2026 Dates

The celebration kicked off early with Championship BBQ Weekend on September 18 and 19, and the 10-day fair runs September 25 through October 4, with a sneak peek night on September 24. The fair takes place at the fairgrounds in Rosenberg, Texas, about 30 miles southwest of downtown Houston.

Mark your calendar with these key dates. Sneak Peek Night is Thursday, September 24. The Kick-Off Parade and Opening Day are Friday, September 25. Go Tejano Day is Sunday, September 27. Sip & Shop is Wednesday, September 30. Armed Forces Appreciation Day is Friday, October 2. PRCA Rodeo Weekend runs October 2 through 4.

The Kick-Off Parade: A Fort Bend Tradition

Few things say "fair season" like lining Highway 90A for the parade. It starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Historic Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond and heads west along Highway 90A into Rosenberg.

This year's Grand Marshal is a fitting choice for a milestone year. The George Ranch was selected as the 2026 Parade Grand Marshal, and its history stretches back more than two centuries to Henry and Nancy Jones, members of Stephen F. Austin's Old 300. Look for the ranch's restored Wagonette carriage pulled by its two driving horses, Whiskey and Bourbon, along with horse-drawn wagons, costumed educators, and cowboys on horseback. Over 200 parade entries are expected.

Tip: Arrive early with lawn chairs and sunscreen. The best spots along 90A fill up fast.

Fort Bend County Fair 2026 Concert Lineup

Live music is one of the biggest draws of the fair, and the 90th anniversary lineup mixes country legends, Texas favorites, and Tejano stars. Admission gets you onto the fairgrounds and, on concert days, a seat for the rodeo and that night's show.

Here's who's playing the main stage, according to the fair's announced lineup. Tyce Delk opens things up on Friday, September 25. Country veterans Sawyer Brown take the stage Saturday, September 26. Sunday, September 27 is Go Tejano Day featuring Prófugos de Nuevo León, Los Rinches, and Grupo Zenzio. David Lewis performs Wednesday, September 30, followed by Josh Meloy on Thursday, October 1. Texas music favorite Pat Green plays Friday, October 2, Vincent Mason takes Saturday, October 3, and Gary P. Nunn closes out the fair on Sunday, October 4.

Don't skip the smaller stages either. On weekends, Music Row will feature J. Paul Jr. & The Zydeco Nubreeds, Southern County Line, Los Rangerz, and Horizon.

Rodeo Action: From Ranch Rodeo to PRCA

The arena is where the fair's Western roots really shine. The Ranch Rodeo is back, and new bull riding and bullfighting events have been added. Ladies' Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, and an Invitational Calf Roping are also on the schedule.

The final weekend is the one serious rodeo fans won't want to miss. From October 2 through 4, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association athletes compete in the arena, and winners earn a chance to compete at RodeoHouston.

Armed Forces Appreciation Day

Friday, October 2 is a special night at the fair. Military members, veterans, and their immediate families get free admission from 3 to 7 p.m. at Gate #1 with a valid Military ID, Veteran ID, or DD214. The first 500 military guests will also receive a free barbecue meal ticket. Pair that with PRCA rodeo action and Pat Green on stage, and it's one of the biggest nights of the year.

Family-Friendly Fun for Everyone

The Fort Bend County Fair is about much more than one concert or one rodeo. A general admission ticket lets you explore food and shopping vendors, the Wine Room, the Carnival, and exhibits and activities throughout the grounds. Midweek, Sip & Shop returns on Wednesday, September 30, blending shopping with a social night out.

The fair is also making a real effort to be accessible. The free Sensory Calm Down Corral offers a quiet retreat for guests with autism, sensory processing differences, and other developmental needs, stocked with noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, weighted items, and volunteer helpers.

Supporting Fort Bend Youth Through 4-H and FFA

At its heart, the Fort Bend County Fair has always been about investing in young people and agriculture. In the past decade, the Fair Association has handed out more than $2 million in scholarships, and the 2025 youth auctions raised $1.4 million. This year, more than 400 4-H and FFA students will take part across 10 livestock shows with over 500 livestock entries. Stopping by the livestock barns is a great way to see what the fair is all about and cheer on local kids who've worked all year for this moment.

Tips for Visiting the Fort Bend County Fair

A little planning goes a long way. Buy tickets online ahead of time at the official Fort Bend County Fair website, especially for headline nights like Sawyer Brown and Pat Green. Check the daily schedule before you go, since concerts, rodeo events, and special days change throughout the fair. Wear comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dusty, and bring sunscreen and water for daytime visits since early fall in Texas can still be hot. If you're visiting with kids, plan to hit the carnival and livestock barns earlier in the day before evening crowds build.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Fort Bend County Fair 2026?
The fair runs September 25 through October 4, 2026, with a sneak peek night on September 24.

Where is the Fort Bend County Fair held?
The fair is held at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, Texas.

Is the concert included with fair admission?
Yes. Fair admission includes that day's scheduled concert and, when scheduled, rodeo seating.

Who is headlining the Fort Bend County Fair in 2026?
Headliners include Sawyer Brown, Pat Green, Josh Meloy, Vincent Mason, and Gary P. Nunn, with Tejano acts on Go Tejano Day.

Do veterans get free admission?
On Friday, October 2, military members, veterans, and their immediate families get free admission from 3 to 7 p.m. at Gate #1 with valid ID.

Celebrate 90 Years of Fort Bend Tradition

For nine decades, the Fort Bend County Fair has brought families together over barbecue, rodeo, music, and the pride of watching local kids show their animals. The 90th anniversary is the perfect year to make new memories, whether it's your first fair or your fortieth. Grab your boots, get your tickets, and we'll see you at the fairgrounds.

For tickets and the full daily schedule, visit the official Fort Bend County Fair website.