If you’re looking for things to do in DeKalb County, Indiana this fall, make plans to experience the 2026 DeKalb County Free Fall Fair! This longtime Northeast Indiana tradition brings together 4-H livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, parades, horse events, exhibits, contests, family activities, and plenty of community fun.
Taking place September 26 through October 4, 2026, the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair offers something for visitors of all ages. From the opening weekend’s exhibit and livestock activities to the Grand Finale Parade, carnival, concerts, and 4-H competitions, the fair is a celebration of agriculture, community, entertainment, and DeKalb County traditions.
And one of the biggest reasons to attend? All entertainment is free!
Whether you’re a longtime fairgoer or planning your first visit, here’s your guide to the 2026 DeKalb County Free Fall Fair.
2026 DeKalb County Free Fall Fair Dates
September 26 – October 4, 2026
The fair takes place throughout DeKalb County, with activities centered around the fairgrounds and additional events taking place throughout downtown.
Main Stage: 11th & Union Street
For the latest schedule information, event updates, registration details, camping information, and the complete premium book, visit the official DeKalb County Free Fall Fair website.
Please note: Event times and activities are subject to change. Check the official fair schedule before attending.
What to Expect at the DeKalb County Fair
The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair combines classic county fair traditions with a full lineup of entertainment and community events.
Visitors can enjoy:
- 🎡 Carnival rides and daily specials
- 🎶 Free live concerts
- 🐄 4-H livestock shows
- 🐎 Draft horse, pony, mule, and saddle horse events
- 🐖 Swine, beef, dairy, goat, sheep, poultry, and rabbit shows
- 🌾 Agriculture and horticulture exhibits
- 🎨 Fine arts, photography, floral, hobbies, and creative arts
- 🍰 Culinary and baking exhibits
- 🏆 4-H competitions and showmanship contests
- 🎉 Multiple parades
- 👑 Miss DeKalb County Queen Parade and Pageant
- 🚜 Tractor and horse pulls
- 🧒 Kids’ Day activities
- 🏡 Old Settlers Day
- 🎪 Exhibit halls and community displays
With events happening throughout the week, you can visit for an afternoon, make an evening of it, or return multiple times to experience something different each day.
Saturday, September 26: Fair Entries Begin
The 2026 fair gets underway Saturday with entries and preparations for the week ahead.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., entries for antiques, culinary items, creative and domestic arts, fine arts, floral displays, hobbies, and photography will be accepted at Middaugh Hall.
The day also includes:
- 4-H Exhibit Hall project drop-off
- Agriculture and horticulture entries
- 4-H rabbit check-in
Saturday is a great opportunity to see the work that helps make the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair such a showcase of local talent, agriculture, creativity, and 4-H participation.
Sunday, September 27: Horses, Livestock & Battle of the Barns
Sunday brings animals and agricultural events to the forefront.
Visitors can watch livestock check-in activities throughout the day, including draft ponies, mules, large animals, and 4-H poultry.
At 6:30 p.m., head to the Horse Arena for Battle of the Barns.
The day’s activities offer a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and participation that goes into one of Northeast Indiana’s major county fairs.
Monday, September 28: Queen Day
Monday is Queen Day, bringing one of the fair’s most anticipated traditions to downtown.
The day includes:
- 4-H Rabbit Show
- Draft Horse Halter Classes
- 4-H Sheep Show
- Saddle Horse Show
- Carnival rides and daily specials
- Miss DeKalb County Queen Parade
- Miss DeKalb County Queen Pageant
The Miss DeKalb County Queen Parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by the Miss DeKalb County Queen Pageant at 7 p.m.
Monday’s combination of agricultural events, carnival activities, and the Queen festivities makes it a fun night to bring the family downtown.
Tuesday, September 29: Merchants Day
Tuesday is Merchants Day, featuring a full day of livestock, horse, entertainment, and community activities.
Visitors can see the:
- 4-H Swine Show
- Draft Horse, Pony and Mule Ground Drive
- Draft Harness and Hitch Show
- 4-H Poultry Show
- Carnival daily special
At 5 p.m., head to the Main Stage for the Texas Roadhouse Rib Eating Contest, featuring a friendly competition between the Blue — police — and the Red — fire department.
The evening continues with the DeKalb County Choirs at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30: Old Settlers & Scout Day
Wednesday celebrates DeKalb County history, community traditions, agriculture, and scouting.
The day includes:
- Dairy Feeder/Dairy Steer Show
- 4-H Beef Show
- Saddle Horse Show
- Old Settlers Lunch
- Old Settlers Day Program
- Carnival daily special
- Scout Parade
The Scout Parade begins at 7 p.m. downtown, followed by a night of live music on the Main Stage.
Live Music: Forever Seger
The evening’s concert lineup features OK, Boomer as the opener, followed by Forever Seger.
If you’re searching for live music and things to do in DeKalb County, Indiana, Wednesday night’s free concert is one of the events to add to your fair itinerary.
Thursday, October 1: Homemakers Day
Thursday is Homemakers Day, bringing exhibits, contests, educational presentations, horse events, 4-H shows, and live entertainment to the fair.
The day begins with the annual Indiana Fall Classic Draft Horse Pull at 9 a.m.
Other Thursday activities include:
- Homemakers Day contests and activities
- Reflexology with Dawn Drudge
- This Day Forward with Heather Krempel
- Butterfly License Plate presentation with Lisa Conrad
- 4-H Dairy Show
- Draft Horse Fun Show
- 4-H Goat Showmanship
- Draft Pony Pull
- Carnival daily special
Contest guidelines and additional Homemakers Day information are available through the fair’s Premium Book.
Thursday Night Concert
The Main Stage will feature Big Caddy Daddy followed by headliner Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses.
The concert is part of the fair’s free entertainment lineup.
Friday, October 2: Kids’ Day
Friday is Kids’ Day, making it a great day for families visiting the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair.
Activities include:
- Mini Horse Pull
- Pet Parade Judging
- Pet Parade
- 4-H Auction Introductions
- 4-H Livestock Auction
- Spencerville Eastern Star Donut Stacking Contest
- Mini Horse Show
- Saddle Horse Show
- Supreme Showmanship Contest
- Carnival rides
The Pet Parade begins downtown at 10:45 a.m., giving young fairgoers a chance to show off their favorite pets.
Friday Night Concert
Friday night’s Main Stage entertainment features All Gone Blue Band, followed by headliner Jerrod Neimann.
With Kids’ Day activities during the day and free live music in the evening, Friday is a great option for a full day of family-friendly fair fun.
Saturday, October 3: Grand Finale & Reunion Day
The final major day of the 2026 DeKalb County Free Fall Fair brings the celebration downtown for the Grand Finale Parade.
Grand Finale Parade
The Grand Finale Parade begins at 10 a.m. downtown.
After the parade, visitors can continue enjoying carnival rides, fair exhibits, agricultural activities, and evening entertainment.
Saturday’s schedule also includes:
- Carnival rides
- Exhibit Hall and Middaugh Hall
- Future 4-H’er Show
- Garden Tractor Pull
- Premiere Showmanship Contest
Saturday Night Concert
The Main Stage will feature JD3 followed by REKT.
It’s the perfect way to close out the fair’s major week of concerts and entertainment.
Sunday, October 4: Fair Wrap-Up
Sunday marks the final day of the 2026 fair schedule.
The day includes livestock and exhibit release times, cleanup activities, the Future 4-H’er Show, Garden Tractor Pull, and Premiere Showmanship Contest.
Visitors should check the official schedule for the latest information on Sunday activities and release times.
Free Live Entertainment at the DeKalb County Fair
One of the highlights of the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair is its lineup of live entertainment.
All entertainment is free, making the fair an excellent option for an affordable family outing, date night, or evening with friends.
The 2026 concert lineup includes:
Wednesday, September 30
- OK, Boomer
- Forever Seger
Thursday, October 1
- Big Caddy Daddy
- Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses
Friday, October 2
- All Gone Blue Band
- Jerrod Neimann
Saturday, October 3
- JD3
- REKT
Concerts take place on the Main Stage at 11th & Union Street.
Carnival Rides at the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair
No county fair experience would be complete without carnival rides.
The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair carnival will be provided by Poor Jack Amusements of Milton, Indiana.
Carnival activities and daily specials are scheduled throughout the fair, including Monday through Saturday.
Visitors should keep in mind that most rides require more than one ticket.
For the most current carnival information, check the official fair schedule before your visit.
4-H and Agriculture at the DeKalb County Fair
Agriculture and 4-H are at the heart of the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair.
Throughout the week, visitors can see young exhibitors showcase their hard work through livestock shows, exhibits, demonstrations, competitions, and showmanship events.
The 2026 schedule includes:
- Beef
- Dairy
- Dairy feeders
- Goats
- Sheep
- Swine
- Poultry
- Rabbits
- Draft horses
- Draft ponies
- Mules
- Saddle horses
- Mini horses
- Garden tractors
The Exhibit Hall and Middaugh Hall also feature agricultural, horticultural, culinary, creative arts, photography, floral, hobby, and other community exhibits.
For families, the fair provides an opportunity to see firsthand how 4-H, agriculture, creativity, and community involvement come together.
A Fall Tradition for the Whole Family
The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair is more than a carnival.
It’s a celebration of the people, traditions, agriculture, businesses, organizations, families, and communities that make DeKalb County, Indiana special.
From watching a 4-H livestock show to enjoying a free concert, checking out the exhibits, cheering along the parade route, or spending an evening at the carnival, there’s something different to experience throughout the week.
Whether you’re a DeKalb County local or visiting Northeast Indiana, the fair is a great addition to your fall calendar.
Plan Your Visit to the 2026 DeKalb County Free Fall Fair
2026 DeKalb County Free Fall Fair
September 26 – October 4, 2026
Main Stage: 11th & Union Street
Phone: 260-925-1834
Email: dekalbcountyfairoffice@gmail.com
For the complete schedule, event map, registration information, premium book, camping information, and additional fair details, visit the official DeKalb County Free Fall Fair website.
More Fall Things to Do in DeKalb County
Planning a fall getaway to Northeast Indiana? The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair is just one of many ways to experience the season. Explore local attractions, fall events, restaurants, shopping, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly activities throughout DeKalb County, Indiana.
Make the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair part of your 2026 fall plans and experience one of Northeast Indiana’s favorite community traditions!
