If you're up for a short drive, the Douglas County Fair in Lawrence is worth the trip. It's called the "Free Fair" for a reason. Admission to the grounds is free, and there's a full week of carnival rides, live music, animals to pet, and good old fashioned fair food. Here's everything caregivers in the Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola area need to know before you go.
The Basics: When and Where
The 2026 Douglas County Fair is happening at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. in Lawrence. Preshow events like horse shows and 4-H judging start the week of July 18, but the fair really kicks into gear on Tuesday, July 28 and runs through Saturday, August 1, with exhibits released Sunday morning. Admission is free every day.
Buildings are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, so you've got plenty of time to wander through the exhibits, check out the livestock barns, and let the kids meet some animals before the evening events start.
Carnival Rides and Wristbands
Moore's Greater Shows runs the carnival midway this year, with hours that shift a bit day to day, so it's worth planning around them:
- Wednesday, July 29: 6 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, July 30: 6 to 11 p.m. (Family Night)
- Friday, July 31: 6 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday, August 1: 1 to 5 p.m. (Family Day, with special bracelet pricing) and again 5 p.m. to midnight
Here's the thing about pricing: the fair board doesn't set it until the carnival company actually rolls into town, so it wasn't posted as of this writing. As a reference point, wristbands ran about $35 last year. Keep an eye on the fair's Facebook page for the pinned post with this year's exact prices once they're announced, and if you can make it out during Family Night or Family Day, that's usually your best shot at a deal.
Tip for parents: since the carnival doesn't open until the evening most days (and 1 p.m. on Saturday for Family Day), this is an easy one to pair with dinner. Eat at the fair, then let the kids burn off energy on the rides.
Demolition Derby
The demolition derby runs two nights this year in the Outdoor Arena:
- Friday, July 31: gates open at 6:30 p.m., derby starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, August 1: gates open at 7 p.m., derby starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for one night or $25 for both nights, plus a small processing fee if you buy online through Eventbrite. If your family has never been to a demolition derby, it's loud, it's fun, and kids tend to love it. Just plan to bring earplugs for little ones who are sensitive to noise.
Live Music, Free Every Night
There's a free concert on the Stage Area every night of the fair, so you can plan an evening around it even if rides and derby tickets aren't in the budget:
- Tuesday, July 28: Ethan James, 8 to 10 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 29: Allison Wilson, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, July 30: The Back-Atcha Band, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, July 31: Delta Haze, 8 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, August 1: The Vincents, 8 to 10 p.m.
More Family-Friendly Things to Do
The Douglas County Fair packs a lot into one week, and most of it is free once you're on the grounds:
- Petting zoo: open 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
- Pony rides: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
- Touch a Truck: Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Dreher parking lot, a hit with kids who love big trucks
- Barnyard Olympics: Saturday at 11 a.m.
- Cornhole tournament: 1 to 2 p.m. daily through Friday, with the championship match Saturday at noon
- Pedal tractor pull: registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, event begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Bale throwing contest: Friday at 6 p.m., registration starts at 5:30 p.m.
Heads up, this year's turtle race has been cancelled, so don't plan your visit around that one.
Before You Go
- Admission is free, but bring cash or a card for carnival wristbands, derby tickets, and food.
- Check the fair's Facebook page closer to your visit date for the current carnival wristband price.
- Buildings close at 8 p.m., but evening events like the carnival, derby, and live music run later.
- It's a short drive from Gardner, Spring Hill, and Paola, so it makes for an easy evening trip or a full day out if you want to catch the exhibits too.
Whether you're chasing the carnival lights, cheering on the demolition derby, or just enjoying a free concert with the kids running around nearby, the Douglas County Fair is an easy, low-cost way to add a little extra summer fun to your calendar.
