October in Tulsa means one thing: eleven days of food, music, rides, ice shows, livestock, and everything in between. The Tulsa State Fair is the city’s largest family event, and it has been drawing more than one million visitors every year for decades. In 2026, it returns bigger and louder than ever, running from October 1 through October 11 at Expo Square.
Whether you are a longtime fair regular or planning your first visit, this guide walks you through every major attraction, how to get the most out of your time on the grounds, and what to put on your must-see list.
Event Overview: 11 Days of Awesome
The fair officially runs from Thursday, October 1, through Sunday, October 11, 2026. It is held at Expo Square, located at 4145 East 21st Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The venue is Tulsa’s permanent fairground facility and spans a large complex that includes multiple exhibit buildings, outdoor stages, an indoor pavilion, and the midway.
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Tulsa State Fair 2026 |
| Nickname | 11 Days of Awesome |
| Dates | October 1 to October 11, 2026 |
| Venue | Expo Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Address | 4145 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74114 |
| Admission | General gate admission required |
| Official Website | tulsastatefair.com |
The fair originally began in 1903 and received state fair status in 1935. It now draws well over one million visitors across the eleven-day run. Additionally, a Golden Mega Pass is available this year, which includes gate admission, unlimited rides, and midway express access in a single purchase.
Disney On Ice Jump In: October 1 to 4
One of the most eagerly awaited features of the 2026 fair is Disney On Ice Jump In, which performs inside the Expo Square Pavilion from October 1 through October 4. Multiple shows run across those four days, giving families plenty of options to find a time that works.
Disney On Ice brings beloved Disney characters to life on a full-size ice rink. Skaters, costumes, and choreography combine to create an experience that delights children and adults alike. The show features classic and contemporary Disney songs alongside some of the most recognizable characters in animation history.
Tickets for Disney On Ice are sold separately from general fair admission. VIP seating is available and can be purchased through the official fair website. Seats in the best sections tend to sell out early, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Families who purchase Disney On Ice tickets also receive gate admission to the fair for the same day, making it an excellent way to start a full day at the grounds.
The Pepsi Fall Concert Series on the Oklahoma Stage
The heart of the fair’s entertainment program is the Pepsi Fall Concert Series on the Oklahoma Stage. Every evening of the fair, a different national or regional act takes the stage for a free concert included with general admission. This is one of the most beloved traditions at the fair and one of the best deals in Oklahoma entertainment.
Here is the full 2026 Oklahoma Stage concert schedule:
| Date | Performer |
| October 1 | Drake White |
| October 2 | Winchester |
| October 3 | Blake Whiten |
| October 4 | Jay Sean |
| October 5 | Ben Fuller |
| October 6 | Colt Ford |
| October 7 | Drew Baldridge and Lanco |
| October 8 | Gin Blossoms |
| October 9 | Waka Flocka Flame |
| October 10 | Neal McCoy |
| October 11 | La Alianza Norteña and Gerú Y Su Legión |
The lineup covers country, hip-hop, pop, and rock, giving every visitor something to enjoy regardless of taste. On October 7, King Cabbage Brass Band will also perform a special lunchtime show on the Oklahoma Stage, adding an extra brass-fueled celebration to that afternoon.
VIP seats are available for all Oklahoma Stage concerts through the fair’s ticketing platform. General admission fair ticket holders can enjoy the shows from the general seating and standing areas at no extra cost.
Daily Stage Acts: Free Entertainment Throughout the Grounds
Beyond the nightly headliners, the Tulsa State Fair delivers 57 additional live performances spread across all eleven days. These shows take place on the fair’s daily entertainment stages and are included with general admission. Therefore, no matter what time you arrive at the fair, live entertainment is never far away.
Daily stage acts in previous years have included crowd-pleasing performers such as racing pigs, stunt dog shows, sea lion acts, jet pack circus performances, and variety acts suited for all ages. The fair’s grounds entertainment program is designed to keep something happening throughout every hour of the day, from the moment the gates open to the last acts of the evening.
The Miss Tulsa State Fair Pageant also takes place during the fair, adding a longstanding tradition to the daily event calendar.
Hard Rock Huddle: Live Local Music All Fair Long
The Hard Rock Huddle is one of the most energetic spots on the Expo Square grounds. This dedicated music tent hosts a rotating roster of local and regional acts throughout all eleven days of the fair. Entry is included with your general fair admission, and the acts perform across multiple time slots each day.
Confirmed performers at the Hard Rock Huddle for the 2026 fair include Roy Weathers Band, Reversing Radio, The Bison, Fuzed, Mingo Drive, Luke Adams, Jake Brake, Juggerknot, Zero Crossing, and more. The lineup leans toward rock, alternative, and high-energy live music that makes the Huddle a go-to stop for fans who want a livelier atmosphere alongside their fair visit.
Additionally, the Huddle provides a great spot to catch some shade and enjoy a cold drink while quality live music plays in front of you. It is a different experience from the main stage concerts but just as enjoyable for the right crowd.
International Beer Garden: Drinks, Music and Good Vibes
The International Beer Garden is another premier entertainment zone within the fair. Like the Hard Rock Huddle, it operates throughout the duration of the fair and offers a relaxed, social atmosphere with live music running throughout the day and evening.
Performers scheduled for the International Beer Garden in 2026 include Radio Nation, Dueling Pianos, Saint Boogie Brass Band, The Risky Business Band, The Big Cheese, The Fabulous 2-Man Band, Voth, The Get Down, and Something Steel. The lineup blends high-energy bands with crowd-pleasing formats like Dueling Pianos, which consistently draws strong audiences at the fair.
The Beer Garden also features a schedule of live acoustic performances from artists including Travis Kidd, Krislyn Arthurs, 88 South Duo, Dustin Treiber, Maverican Goose, Jon Bullard, Calico, and Don Ross. These acoustic sets offer a quieter, more intimate contrast to the full-band performances and are a great option for visitors looking to slow down and enjoy a drink with good background music.
Livestock and Agricultural Competitions
One of the most important and historically significant parts of the Tulsa State Fair is its livestock and agricultural programming. The fair traces its livestock roots back to 1949 and has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s agricultural community ever since.
The fair hosts livestock shows across multiple species, including cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry. Horse shows are also a major part of the agricultural calendar. These events draw participants from across the state and region, with competitors ranging from seasoned adult exhibitors to young FFA and 4-H members showing animals for the first time.
The Junior Livestock Auction is one of the most meaningful events of the entire fair. Young participants who have raised their animals throughout the year bring them to the auction floor, where community members bid on the livestock. This event teaches young Oklahomans about agriculture, commerce, and the rewards of hard work. It draws an emotional and enthusiastic crowd every year.
Horticultural exhibits and competitions round out the agricultural programming, covering everything from flowers and plants to produce grown across the region.
Competitive Exhibits: Showcasing Oklahoma’s Best
The Tulsa State Fair is also a competition. Every year, Oklahomans enter their best work across dozens of competitive exhibit categories, and judging takes place throughout the fair run. Winning entries are displayed in the exhibit buildings for all visitors to see.
Competitive categories include baked goods, canned and preserved foods, needlework, quilting, photography, fine arts, floral design, and youth projects. The 4-H and FFA competitive exhibits attract entries from young people across the state, and the results are proudly displayed in the exhibit halls alongside professional and adult entries.
These exhibits are more than a display. They represent the skills, traditions, and creativity of Oklahoma communities. Walking through the exhibit buildings gives visitors a genuine look at the talent and craftsmanship that exists across the state, from beautifully decorated cakes to hand-stitched quilts to prize-winning homegrown vegetables.
Additionally, kitchen demonstrations and vendor booths within the exhibit buildings offer live cooking shows, food sampling, and product showcases. These are popular stops throughout the fair and a good way to discover new local products and Oklahoma-made goods.
The Midway: Rides, Games and Classic Fair Fun
No visit to the Tulsa State Fair is complete without spending time on the Midway. This is where the carnival atmosphere comes alive, with dozens of rides ranging from gentle options for young children to high-speed thrill rides for teens and adults.
Games of skill and chance line the Midway walkways, with prizes available for winners of all sizes. Classic fair food is everywhere: funnel cakes, corndogs, turkey legs, cotton candy, loaded fries, and every indulgent treat you can think of. Finding your favorite fair food is half the fun of walking the Midway.
The Golden Mega Pass is the best option for families planning to spend significant time on the rides. It includes unlimited ride access and midway express access, meaning you skip the regular lines at participating attractions. For families with children who want to ride everything they can, the pass pays for itself quickly.
Special discount days and promotional nights add extra value for budget-conscious visitors. Look for deal nights tied to local sponsors that offer reduced gate admission or discounted ride wristbands when you bring a coupon from a participating retailer.
Tickets and Planning Your Visit
Gate admission tickets are available online at tulsastatefair.com and at the gate on the day of your visit. Buying online in advance is recommended, especially for popular days like the opening weekend.
Disney On Ice tickets are sold separately and require advance purchase. VIP seat packages for Oklahoma Stage concerts are also available through the official ticketing platform.
The fair opens daily during the eleven-day run, with hours published on the official website. Parking is available at Expo Square, and the grounds are accessible via several entrances around the perimeter.
A few practical tips before you go:
- Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds cover a large area and you will walk significantly during any full-day visit.
- Arrive early on weekend days. The most popular afternoons and evenings draw large crowds, particularly on weekends.
- Download the fair app or check the official schedule online before you go. Daily stage times are published there and help you plan your route through the grounds.
- Take advantage of special deal nights. Discount admission evenings and ride wristband promotions can save your family a meaningful amount on a multi-person visit.
- Keep cash on hand for Midway games and some food vendors.
Conclusion
The Tulsa State Fair 2026 runs from October 1 to October 11 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, delivering eleven days of entertainment, competition, culture, and food that attract more than one million visitors. Disney On Ice Jump In kicks off the fair from October 1 to 4 at the Expo Square Pavilion, bringing the magic of Disney to the ice for multiple daily performances. The Pepsi Fall Concert Series on the Oklahoma Stage features a different national act every night, from Drake White on October 1 through the closing night on October 11. The Hard Rock Huddle and International Beer Garden add dozens more live music performances across all eleven days, covering everything from rock and brass band to acoustic and Dueling Pianos.
Livestock and agricultural competitions uphold the fair’s deep Oklahoma heritage, with horse shows, cattle competitions, junior livestock auctions, and horticultural exhibits. Competitive exhibits celebrate the baking, crafting, photography, and artistic talent of communities across the state. And the Midway delivers the classic carnival experience that has made this fair a cherished tradition since 1903. Plan your visit early, buy tickets in advance, and get ready for 11 Days of Awesome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the Tulsa State Fair 2026 take place?
The fair runs from October 1 through October 11, 2026, at Expo Square, located at 4145 East 21st Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The venue hosts all fair activities across its multiple buildings, stages, outdoor areas, and the Midway.
Are the Oklahoma Stage concerts free with fair admission?
Yes. All nightly Oklahoma Stage concerts during the Pepsi Fall Concert Series are included with your general fair gate admission. VIP seating is available for an additional fee and can be purchased in advance through tulsastatefair.com. General admission ticket holders can watch the shows from standard seating and standing areas at no extra cost.
When does Disney On Ice perform at the 2026 fair?
Disney On Ice Jump In performs at the Expo Square Pavilion from October 1 through October 4, 2026. Multiple shows take place on each of those four days. Tickets for Disney On Ice are sold separately from general fair admission and include gate access for the day of the performance. Advance purchase is strongly recommended as popular time slots sell out early.
What is the Golden Mega Pass and is it worth buying?
The Golden Mega Pass includes gate admission to the fair, unlimited rides on the Midway, and midway express access for faster entry to rides. It is best suited for families with children who plan to spend a significant portion of their visit on the rides. The express access feature alone saves considerable time on busy weekend days, making it a smart purchase for groups visiting during peak hours.
What agricultural and livestock events take place at the fair?
The fair hosts a full schedule of livestock shows covering cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses, as well as 4-H and FFA competitive exhibits. The Junior Livestock Auction is one of the most anticipated agricultural events, where young participants sell the animals they have raised throughout the year. Horticultural shows, baked goods competitions, and a wide range of other competitive exhibits run throughout all eleven days of the fair.