Navajo County Fair & Rodeo Returns to Holbrook for Four Days of Rodeo, Live Music, Carnival Fun & More

September 16–19, 2026 | Navajo County Fairgrounds | Holbrook, Arizona

Some events feel like more than just a weekend on the calendar. The Navajo County Fair & Rodeo is one of them. This September, the Navajo County Fairgrounds in Holbrook, Arizona, will once again come alive with the sights, sounds, and traditions of the American West. From September 16–19, 2026, families, rodeo fans, livestock exhibitors, music lovers, and fairgoers can gather for four days packed with rodeo action, a demolition derby, carnival rides, junior livestock shows, live entertainment, and plenty of reasons to make the trip to northern Arizona.

And for rodeo fans, the 2026 edition brings another reason to pay attention: contestants at the Navajo County Rodeo will have the opportunity to compete as part of The American Rodeo Contender Qualifier Tournament, creating a pathway toward the Las Vegas West Regional Semi-Finals and a shot at advancing toward The American Rodeo and its million-dollar prize.

If you have been looking for an excuse to round up the family, load up the truck, and spend a few days enjoying the Western way of life, this is one Arizona event you will want on your calendar.

A Fair With Nearly a Century of Arizona Tradition

The first Navajo County Fair was held in Taylor in 1926. Five years later, in 1931, county supervisors moved the event to Holbrook because of the city’s position as the county seat and its central location within Navajo County. Permanent fairgrounds and facilities were eventually established there, creating the home the fair continues to use today.

Nearly a century later, that tradition continues. The Navajo County Fair & Rodeo brings together the agricultural, Western, and community traditions that make county fairs such a special part of rural America. It is a place where young livestock exhibitors can showcase their hard work, rodeo athletes can compete in front of a crowd, families can enjoy the carnival, and generations can come together for a few days of good old-fashioned fun.

2026 Brings Four Days of Action

The fair opens on Wednesday, September 16, with opening ceremonies and the carnival. Thursday brings junior livestock shows, carnival attractions, the demolition derby, and an evening performance from The Spazmatics. Friday features team roping slack, the Junior Livestock Round Robin, the GCPRA Rodeo, and live music from Tyler Halverson. Saturday closes out the celebration with rodeo slack, junior livestock dairy shows, the Little Buckaroo Rodeo, the carnival, the main rodeo, and a performance from Southall.

Wednesday, September 16

The fair officially kicks off Wednesday afternoon with:

• Opening ceremonies
• Carnival
• Fair activities

Thursday, September 17

Thursday turns up the excitement with:

• Junior Livestock Shows
• Carnival
• Demolition Derby
• The Spazmatics

The Demolition Derby is always a crowd-pleaser, giving fans a completely different kind of horsepower and hard-hitting entertainment.

Then, when the engines cool down, The Spazmatics bring an ’80s party to the fairgrounds. Known for their high-energy performances of ’80s hits, the band promises a night of nostalgia, music, and plenty of fun.

Friday, September 18

Friday is where rodeo fans will want to be.

The day includes:

• Team Roping Slack
• Junior Livestock Round Robin
• Carnival
• GCPRA Rodeo
• Tyler Halverson

Tyler Halverson brings his honest, rough-around-the-edges country sound to the fairgrounds. His music draws from a life spent around livestock shows, skate parks, rodeo beer gardens, and the road, giving his country music an edge that fits naturally into a weekend built around Western culture.

Saturday, September 19

Saturday brings the final full day of fair action with:

• Rodeo Slack
• Junior Livestock Dairy Shows
• Little Buckaroo Rodeo
• Carnival
• Rodeo
• Southall

The Little Buckaroo Rodeo is especially worth adding to the family itinerary, giving younger competitors their chance to step into the arena and experience the excitement of rodeo.

Then the weekend goes out with a bang as Southall takes the stage. The Oklahoma-born country-rock group blends country, rock, soul, Americana, and a little grunge into a sound that has helped them build a dedicated following.

A Fairground Full of Family Fun

Of course, you don’t have to be a die-hard rodeo fan to enjoy the Navajo County Fair.

The fairgrounds will offer plenty to explore throughout the four-day celebration, including carnival attractions, livestock events, vendors, food, live entertainment, and the kind of atmosphere that makes county fairs a favorite annual tradition.

For families, the junior livestock events offer a chance to see the dedication and hard work of young exhibitors. For music fans, there is a different live act featured Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And for those who simply want to enjoy a night out with friends, the carnival and fairgrounds provide plenty to keep you entertained.

Affordable Admission for the Whole Family

One of the biggest advantages of the Navajo County Fair & Rodeo is that you can enjoy a full day of fair activities without spending a fortune.

Current general fair admission is:

• General Admission: $8 presale / $10 at the gate
• Children under 6: Free
• Thursday seniors: $5
• Thursday school groups: Free for qualifying students until 4 p.m.
• Thursday veterans and active-duty military: Free until 4 p.m.
• Demolition Derby & Rodeo Events: $15 for ages 6 and up
• Children under 6: Free for rodeo and demolition derby events

Admission prices and event details are subject to change, so check the official ticketing page before heading to the fairgrounds.

Make It a Northern Arizona Getaway

If you’re traveling to Holbrook for the fair, consider turning the event into a weekend getaway.

Holbrook sits along historic Route 66 and provides an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding northern Arizona landscape. A trip to the Navajo County Fair can easily become more than a few hours at the fairgrounds, especially for visitors traveling from other parts of Arizona or neighboring states.

Plan to arrive early, enjoy the fairgrounds, catch the livestock events or carnival, grab some fair food, and stay for the rodeo or evening entertainment. With four days of activities, there is plenty of flexibility to build your visit around the events that interest you most.

When, Where & What to Know

Navajo County Fair & Rodeo
September 16–19, 2026

Where:
Navajo County Fairgrounds
404 East Hopi Drive
Holbrook, Arizona 86025

What to Expect:
Rodeo • American Rodeo Qualifier • Little Buckaroo Rodeo • Demolition Derby • Junior Livestock Shows • Carnival • Live Music • Vendors • Fair Food

2026 Concert Lineup:
Thursday – The Spazmatics
Friday – Tyler Halverson
Saturday – Southall

Don’t wait until the last minute to make your plans. Get your tickets, round up your crew, and make your way to Holbrook for the 2026 Navajo County Fair & Rodeo.

Last Updated on 08/21/2026 by Fernando Rosas Suarez

About the Author:

Fernando Rosas Suarez

Biography:

Howdy, y'all! My name is Fernando Rosas Suarez. I am a dedicated and enthusiastic professional with a passion for cultivating engaging experiences. Currently serving as a Box Office Team Member at Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas. Since 2024, I have been an integral part of the Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN), where I leverage my linguistic skills to translate articles and provide event coverage, now expanding my role as a contributing writer. Originally from Mexico City, I have lived in Austin for nine years, deeply embracing and contributing to the vibrant local culture.

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