About This Festival

The Fayette County Free Fair in Connersville, Indiana, is Indiana’s oldest free fair, running annually for about a week from late July to early August. The 2025 dates are July 27 to August 3. It features a wide variety of activities including carnival rides, 4-H livestock exhibits and competitions, agricultural product judging, live music on a main stage, food vendors, craft and merchandise vendors, and special community days like Senior Citizen Day and days with food bank donations for free admission. Camping is available on-site, and there is a nearby aquatic center for additional recreation. The fairgrounds address is 2690 N Park Rd, Fayette County, accessible to handicapped visitors.

The atmosphere is family-friendly and community-oriented, with a mix of traditional agricultural fair events, entertainment, and hands-on youth activities. The vibe tends to be lively and festive with daily schedules that include:

  • Animal judging (rabbits, dairy cattle, swine, draft horses)
  • 4-H youth competitions and demonstrations (horse shows, stitching demos)
  • STEM challenges and vegetable judging contests held in the Youth Building
  • Carnival rides and games operating into the evening
  • Special events like ATV/SXS obstacle courses in the outdoor arena
  • Live evening music performances on the Mike Kelly Toyota Stage
  • Diaper Derby and other children’s activities in designated buildings

A typical day runs from 10 a.m. to around 10:30 p.m., with scheduled livestock events mostly in the morning and early afternoon, youth and STEM activities mid-day, carnival and entertainment from afternoon into evening.

Historically, the fair has roots going back over 100 years, showcasing Fayette County’s agricultural heritage through 4-H and Extension Homemaker activities alongside open class exhibits and community gatherings. It is a multi-generational event reflecting local traditions and rural culture.

In summary, the Fayette County Free Fair offers an immersive agricultural fair experience combined with modern entertainment and community engagement, reflecting Indiana’s longstanding county fair tradition.