Carnival rides, blue ribbons and some very fast wiener dogs are headed back to Norman for the Cleveland County Fair, Sept. 10-13, 2026.
The four-day fair returns to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds with longtime favorites and a few events you probably don't run across every weekend.
Admission and parking are free, along with many activities throughout the fair. Families can visit the petting zoo, wander through exhibits in the Main Building, or watch the livestock competitions. The Canadian Rivers Old Iron Club will be there Thursday through Sunday with free activities for kids, including a trackless train, hay rides and hands-on demonstrations of old-fashioned farm chores.
Wade Shows opens the carnival Friday with rides, midway games and fair food available for purchase. Pony rides will be available for a fee throughout the fair.
Pick Your Fair Day
Thursday, Sept. 10: Opening Day
Thursday is a good choice if you're bringing younger kids or want to explore before the carnival opens. Check out the exhibits in the Main Building, make a petting zoo stop, and let the kids try the Tractor Club activities. Wyatt Cox takes the Main Stage that evening following the opening flag ceremony.
Good to know: The carnival does not operate Thursday. It opens Friday and runs through Sunday.
Friday, Sept. 11: Carnival Kickoff
Friday is when the midway gets going, and the fairgrounds really start buzzing. Carnival rides, games and fair food join a Friday night lineup that includes the Baby Crawling Contest, Stick Horse Race, Celebrity Cow Milking Contest and Farm Hand Olympics.
Antique tractor pulls and livestock competitions are happening around the fairgrounds, with Etowah Road taking the Main Stage Friday night.
Saturday, Sept. 12: Make a Day of It
Saturday is the day for anyone who likes their county fair with a lot going on. The Car and Motorcycle Show is joined by livestock competitions, antique tractor pulls, powerlifting and arm wrestling, all while the carnival is in full swing.
Young competitors get their turn on the tractors during the Oklahoma State Pedal Pull Championship and Cleveland County Pedal Pull Competition. Brown Note takes the Main Stage Saturday evening.
Sunday, Sept. 13: Wiener Dogs & One Last Spin
If wiener dog racing has never made your Sunday plans before, this may be the weekend to change that.
The State Championship Wiener Dog Races return Sunday and are free to watch. There's no entry fee to race either, though you will need to bring your own appropriately speedy wiener dog.
Elsewhere around the fairgrounds, the Kiowa Apache Blackfoot Society Ceremony is scheduled Sunday afternoon. The Jack Pratt Band takes the Main Stage and the antique tractors are back in action. The carnival will be open Sunday for one last go at the midway before the fair wraps up.
Before You Go
September 10-13, 2026
Cleveland County Fairgrounds
615 E. Robinson St., Norman
Admission and parking are free, and many fair activities and events are free as well. Carnival rides, pony rides, food, vendors, and some activities have an additional cost.
Event schedules and times are subject to change, so check the Cleveland County Fair's official schedule and Facebook page for the latest information before your visit.
Want to keep exploring Norman? There’s plenty more to do while you’re in town. Grab a bite at a local favorite, spend some time shopping around town, or see what else is happening while you’re here.
Images: Cleveland County Fairgrounds team
