Springfield, MO — Get ready for ten days of nonstop fun, food, rides and festivities as the 89th Annual Ozark Empire Fair rolls into town July 24 through August 2. As one of southwest Missouri’s favorite summer traditions, the Fair is bringing more of everything this year; more entertainment, more thrills, more flavor, and more ways to make memories with family and friends.
Whether you come for the rides, the music, the monster trucks, or the funnel cakes, corn dogs and jugs of root beer (and let’s be honest, probably all of the above), the Ozark Empire Fair has something for everyone.
Free Daily Attractions: Included With Admission:
This year’s Fair features a lineup of FREE daily attractions that are bigger, bolder, and more interactive than ever before:
Butterfly Kingdom
Step into a serene indoor garden where 200–300 butterflies flutter through the air. Located in the air conditioned West Hall of the E-Plex, this beautiful and educational experience includes feeding stations, interactive exhibits, and a video journey through the butterfly life cycle—even how to mend a broken wing.
One Wheel Wonder
Guinness World Record holder Wesley Williams brings high-energy performances and jaw-dropping stunts atop the tallest rideable unicycle on earth. Located near the Missouri Conservation Building, this is edge-of-your-seat fun for all ages.
Jurassic Bark: Dinos Gone to the Dogs
Dinosaurs meet dogs in this hilarious, high-action stunt show. Think dancing dogs, frisbee-chasing athletes, animatronic dinos, and plenty of crowd interaction. You’ve never seen a show quite like this one.
Life & Arts Exhibits
Cool down in the E-Plex East Hall while enjoying art displays, live demos, and creative showcases. Plus, kids (and kids-at-heart) will love the Springfield LUGS Lego Building Zone, it’s a hands-on and interactive.
Delong Music Stage
Settle in each evening near the Guest Services Building for live performances by local and regional bands. Music begins nightly at 7:30 and is free with admission.
Pig Races
One of the most beloved traditions at the Fair. Head over to Gate 2 for high-energy, family-friendly races happening daily at Noon, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30. Pick your favorite pig, cheer them all the way to the finish line, and don’t be surprised if the crowd gets loud.
Petting Zoo
Located just north of Gate 2, this all-ages favorite is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids can meet barnyard animals up close and personal in a safe and welcoming space. A gentle way to introduce little ones to life on the farm.
Commercial Exhibits
Cool off inside the West Hall of the E-Plex and explore more than 65 booths from local and regional businesses. You’ will find everything from home improvement services and health products to boutique shopping, toys, and family activities. Food vendors and a seated concession area make it a great mid-day break spot, too.
Grandstand Events: Big Nights Under the Lights
The KY3 Grandstand is packed with heart-pounding action and chart-topping entertainment:
July 24 – Berlin kicks off opening night with synth-pop nostalgia and unforgettable hits.
July 25 – Austin Snell joins Restless Road and Shaylen for a night of rising country stars.
July 26 – Outlaw Nationals Monster Trucks bring the thunder and horsepower.
July 27 – Matthew West and Riley Clemmons lift the crowd with powerful contemporary Christian music.
July 29 – Pop-punk fans unite as State Champs take the stage.
July 31 – Night of Destruction returns with demolition derbies, Figure 8 races, and the legendary Combine Derby.
August 1 – Hardee’s Extreme Freestyle Bullfighting delivers raw adrenaline and fearless showmanship.
August 2 – Cap it off with roaring engines and hometown pride at the Truck & Tractor Pulls.
Grandstand event tickets are sold separately at ozarkempirefair.com.
Food: From Deep-Fried to Gourmet, We’ve Got It All
Fair food is half the fun, and this year’s menu is loaded with returning favorites and brand-new eats:
Classic Favorites like Funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, giant turkey legs, lemonade shake-ups, corn dogs, BBQ, and all the food you love will be on hand.
New This Year at the Fair to try…
Boba Drinks – Refreshing, fruity, and totally customizable
Nashville Hot Chicken – Crispy, spicy Southern heat served up right
Spicy Cheese Curds – Golden-fried with a kick of heat
Mini Doughnuts – Hot, fresh, and bite-sized bliss
Wink Waffles – Creative combinations of sweet and savory
Dirt Dough Cookies – Thick, soft, and cookie-lover approved
Fruit Kabobs Dipped in Dubai Chocolate – A gourmet treat with international flair
Special Admission Days Offer Something for Everyone
We’re proud to make the Fair accessible and say thanks to those who serve:
$3 Day (Mon, July 28): $3 admission, $3 parking, $3 rides, and select $3 food items
College & Service Day (Tues, July 29): Free admission with valid Police, Fire, EMT, or College ID
Free Admission Day (Wed, July 30): Gate admission is on the house, courtesy of Dr. Brad Bradshaw
Military Day (Thurs, July 31): Free admission for active duty, veterans, and retired service members with
valid ID
Seniors 80+: Free admission every day with ID
“This Fair has always been about more than rides and food—it’s about community, tradition, and building memories,” said Aaron Owen, CEO of the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. “We’ve been doing this for 89 years, and we’re proud to keep growing, improving, and adding new ways to surprise and delight our guests. This year is no exception.”
Come for the food. Stay for the music. Ride the rides. Catch a show. And be part of one of the region’s longest-running and most beloved summer experiences.
For tickets, schedules, and everything you need to plan your visit, go to www.ozarkempirefair.com.
