---
title: State Fair Returns Oct 16 With Big Changes
description: "The 86th Arkansas State Fair runs October 16-25 with big changes: national concerts are out, $2 Day is retired, and two new midway rides are in."
image: https://blog.evvnt.com/hubfs/wow-news/littlerock/littlerock-arkansas-state-fair-2026-changes-1200x675.jpeg
---

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# State Fair Returns Oct 16 With Big Changes

[Richard Green](https://blog.evvnt.com/news/author/richard-green) Oct 6, 2026, 1:27:13 PM

![A colorful spinning carnival ride against a bright blue sky at a fair](https://blog.evvnt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wow-news/littlerock/littlerock-arkansas-state-fair-2026-changes-1200x675.jpeg?width=1200&height=675&name=littlerock-arkansas-state-fair-2026-changes-1200x675.jpeg)

The State Fair is back, and it's different this year.

The 86th Arkansas State Fair runs October 16-25 at the fairgrounds, and two traditions are gone. The separately ticketed national concerts at Barton Coliseum? Cut — costs were prohibitive, and fairgoers, it turns out, are really here for the rides, the food and the games. All Main Stage entertainment is now local and regional talent, included with admission.

And $2 Day is retired. Last year's $2-everything Monday landed on a high school skip day and ended with dozens facing charges after midway fights. In its place: Monday Family Fun Day on October 19 — $2 rides, free parking, free admission for kids 12 and under.

The new stuff: two new midway rides, a hard cider saloon, an interactive aviation experience with the Air Force, and a ceremonial corn dog countdown to open the gates. Half a million people come through every year.

See you at the fair. Save room for the corn dog.

[WOW Little Rock](https://blog.evvnt.com/news/tag/wow-little-rock) [Little Rock](https://blog.evvnt.com/news/tag/little-rock)

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