2026 Columbia County Fair

About this event

Midway Rides, Live Grandstand Entertainment, and Family Fun in Chatham

Running from Wednesday, September 2 through Monday, September 7, 2026, this beloved Chatham tradition offers a packed schedule of classic fair entertainment, midway rides, agricultural exhibits, and delicious food at a relaxed, comfortable pace.

From thrilling rides and games to free grandstand shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free parking every day, free entry for kids 12 and under, and special discount admission days, it's one of the best late-summer values for families across Columbia County and beyond!

Columbia County Fairgrounds Location & Operating Hours

All fairground festivities, agricultural exhibits, and midway attractions take place at the historic Columbia County Fairgrounds, located at 182 Route 66, Chatham, NY 12037. Gates and grounds operate on the following schedule:

• Wednesday, September 2, 2026 (Opening Day / Youth Day): Gates open 12:00 pm to closing | Midway opens 12:00 pm
• Thursday, September 3, 2026: Gates open 10:00 am to closing | Midway opens 12:00 pm
• Friday, September 4, 2026: Gates open 10:00 am to closing | Midway opens 12:00 pm
• Saturday, September 5, 2026: Gates open 10:00 am to closing | Midway opens 12:00 pm
• Sunday, September 6, 2026: Gates open 10:00 am to closing | Midway opens 12:00 pm
• Monday, September 7, 2026 (Labor Day): Gates open 10:00 am to closing | Midway opens 12:00 pm

Gate Admission Rates, Advance Discounts & Unlimited Ride Passes

Save time and money by purchasing your admission and ride wristbands in advance, or take advantage of special promotional admission days at the gate:

• Advance Sale Admission (Through Sept 1): $13.00 online (plus $1.30 processing fee) or $13.00 in-person with no fee at the Fair office and local branches of Bank of Greene County.
• Day-of Gate Admission (Thurs–Mon): $15.00 for adults (ages 19+).
• Special Wednesday Opening Day Admission: $5.00 gate admission for adults (ages 19+); no advance sales.
• Children 12 & Under: FREE admission every single day!
• Youth Day Special (Wednesday, Sept 2): FREE admission for youth ages 18 and under all day!
• Active Military Personnel: FREE admission with valid military ID or uniform (individual personnel only).
• Pre-Sale Unlimited Ride Wristbands: $25.00 online through September 1 (save $5.00!). Valid for any single day noon to close.
• Day-of Unlimited Ride Wristbands: $30.00 daily (noon to closing), available at Magic Money ride ticket kiosks near the Ferris Wheel.
• Everyday Parking & Grandstand Shows: FREE with fair admission every day!

Plan Your Visit: Parking Gates, Accessibility & Payment Info

Review these essential visitor tips and guidelines to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip to the fairgrounds:

• Vehicular Parking Entry: Vehicle parking is completely FREE. Please enter via the Route 66 vehicular gate, which features four lanes to keep traffic moving smoothly. Purchase your fair tickets after parking.
• Handicapped Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available on-site; ask parking attendants upon arrival for guidance.
• Walk-In Gate: The Route 203 North Gate is strictly a walk-in gate for pedestrians.
• Payment Methods & ATMs: Entrance gates and vendors accept cash, credit, and debit cards. ATMs are located on-site at Gate #4 (Map Location 1), Gate #2 (Map Location 39), and Gate #1 (Map Location 44).
• Ride Safety Policy: For visitor safety, individual height and safety restrictions apply to carnival rides. Please review restrictions at each ride entrance before purchasing tickets or passes.

Official Event Website & Information: https://www.columbiacountyfair.com/