The Altamont Fair

About this event

Circus Acts, Midway Thrills, and Free Family Entertainment in Altamont

Get ready for six incredible days of summer excitement at the 2026 Altamont Fair! Running from Tuesday, August 18 through Sunday, August 23, 2026, this beloved tri-county tradition brings non-stop carnival fun, agricultural shows, and world-class free entertainment to the Capital Region. Highlights included with admission feature daily performances by the Royal Hanneford Circus, the Sherman Lumberjack Show, Robinson's Racing Pigs, The Dynamo Dogs, and live concerts by The Little Mermen & the Princess Pals.

On the midway, Dreamland Amusements features one of the largest selections of carnival rides in Upstate New York. From Corgi races and demolition derbies to sensory-friendly hours and pie-baking contests, there is something special happening around every corner for fairgoers of all ages!

2026 Altamont Fairgrounds Gate & Midway Schedule

The Altamont Fair takes place at the historic Altamont Fairgrounds, located at 129 Grand St (Rt. 146 at Arlington St), Altamont, NY 12009. While Gate 2 opens early at 7:00 am daily for livestock exhibitors and early competitions, official public gate and midway hours are as follows:

• Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (Opening Day / $10 Tuesday): General gates open at 12:00 pm | Dreamland Amusements Midway opens at 2:00 pm
• Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (Seniors, Military & Grange Day): General gates open at 10:00 am | Dreamland Amusements Midway opens at 12:00 pm | Grounds close at 10:00 pm
• Thursday, August 20, 2026 (Sensory-Friendly Midway Hours): General gates open at 10:00 am | Midway & Carnival open 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Sensory Time 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
• Friday, August 21, 2026 (Rodeo & Late Night Midway): General gates open at 10:00 am | Midway & Carnival open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Saturday, August 22, 2026 (Open Horse Show & Evening Bands): General gates open at 10:00 am | Midway & Carnival open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Sunday, August 23, 2026 (Demolition Derby & Final Day): General gates open at 10:00 am | Midway & Carnival open 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ticket Pricing, Unlimited Ride Wristbands & Promotional Days

Every general admission ticket includes access to all grandstand events, circus shows, and live musical performances! Check out the complete admission and ride options below:

• Opening Day Special (Tuesday, Aug 18): $10.30 credit ($10.00 cash) at the gate for ages 11 and up | Kids 10 & under FREE!
• Midweek Gate Admission (Wednesday, Aug 19 & Thursday, Aug 20): $16.50 online; $15.45 credit ($15.00 cash) at the gate | Kids 10 & under FREE!
• Weekend Gate Admission (Friday, Aug 21 – Sunday, Aug 23): $18.60 online; $17.51 credit ($17.00 cash) at the gate | Kids 10 & under FREE!
• Special Free Admission Day (Wednesday, Aug 19): FREE gate admission all day with proper ID for Senior Citizens (Ages 65+), Active Military & Veterans, and Grange Members.
• Advance Unlimited Ride Wristband Special: $27.25 online (includes $2.25 e-ticket fee; valid any single day from open to close; available through Aug 18 at 2:00 pm).
• Midway Wristband On-Site: $30.00 per person on Tuesday, August 18.
• Individual Ride Tickets: $1.50 per single ticket; 20 tickets for $32.00 ($30.00 cash); 50 tickets for $62.00 ($60.00 cash, includes 1 FREE ride).

Plan Your Visit: Sensory Time, Ride Rules & Event Guidelines

Ensure a comfortable and fun-filled visit by keeping these fair policies and special event guidelines in mind:

• Sensory-Friendly Hours: On Thursday, August 20 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, the midway will turn off flashing lights and music for guests sensitive to intense sensory input. Sensory backpacks filled with helpful items will be available on a first-come basis.
• Ride Height Policy: Carnival riders must be at least 36" tall to use an unlimited ride wristband. Individual rides require multiple tickets each.
• Free Stage & Arena Shows: No extra grandstand fees! The Lucky E Rodeo (Friday), Demolition Derby (Sunday), Corgi Races (Thursday), and Royal Hanneford Circus are all FREE with gate admission.
• Ticketing Redemption: Online gate admission passes are date-specific and valid for redemption on the specific date selected during online checkout.

Official Event Website & Full Daily Schedule: https://altamontfair.com/localevents/fair