Delaware State Fair Returns!

July 23, 2026

Sophia Peters,

HARRINGTON, Del. – The Delaware State Fair returns for its 106th year on Thursday, Jul. 23.

The fairground, encompassing more than 300 acres, is open from noon to 11:00 p.m. on Jul. 23; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Jul. 24 and Jul. 26 through Jul. 31; and from 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Jul. 25 and Aug. 1. The carnival will also be accessible starting at 1:00 p.m. through the end of each fair day.

Be sure to tune into WMDT this week and next for continued coverage of the fair — and be sure to stop by our booth and say hi if you’re in attendance! Catch some of the week’s highlights below.

Free Daily Activities

Goat Island Petting Zoo; open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Sponsor Court)
Dinosaur Takeover; open 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Sponsor Court)
All-American High Dive; showings at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. (Sponsor Court)
State Fair Parade; nightly at 7:00 p.m.
Disc-Connected K9s; showings at 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. (Farm Machinery Lot)
Tyzen, the Comedy Hypnotist; showings at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (Hertrich Plaza)
Juggler Mighty Mike; showings at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. (Hertrich Plaza)
Sensory Activation Vehicle; open 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jul. 23: Fair Day Highlights

Billy Ray Collision Memorial Horse Pull at 6:00 p.m. in the Quillen Arena
Summer Concert Series: Harness Racing Presented by Harrington Raceway & Casino at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, Jul. 24: Fair Day Highlights

Pepsi Day
- Enjoy free samples and mini Pepsi cans at the Main Gate from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Grand Bar Cookie Competition at 10:30 a.m. at Dover Building
4-H Lawn Tractor Driving Contest at 11:00 a.m. in the Quillen Arena
Billy Ray Collision Memorial Horse Pull at 6:00 p.m. in the Quillen Arena
4-H Talent Show at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall
Summer Concert Series: Demolition Derby Presented by Taylor & Messick at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Jul. 25: Fair Day Highlights

Chesapeake Utilities Day
Lego Contest at 11:00 a.m. at Hertrich Plaza
Sheep Dog Demonstrations at 12:00 p.m. in the Quillen Arena
DNREC Birds of Prey Demonstration from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DNREC Pavillion
Summer Concert Series: Warren Zeiders with Wesko at 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at the Grandstand

Sunday, Jul. 26: Fair Day Highlights

Rabbit Show at 9:00 a.m. in the Quillen Arena
Chocolate Temptation Competition at 10:30 a.m. at the Dover Building
Summer Concert Series: Bailey Zimmerman with Chandler Walters at 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. at the Grandstand

Monday, Jul. 27: Fair Day Highlights

Food Lion Hunger Relief Day
- Bring five non-perishable Food Lion brand items and receive one free gate admission!
Senior’s Day
- All guests over 60 years of age get in free!
Ways to SAVE: Select rides are $2, while select food and games are $4
Saddle Horse Performance at 9:00 a.m. at Quillen Arena
Ice Cream Making Contest at 3:00 p.m. at Hertrich Plaza
Ross Chastain Meet & Greet at 5:00 p.m. at Sponsor Court
Summer Concert Series: Hudson Westbrook with Braxton Keith