Waynesville -- September 23, 2026: The annual Haywood County Fair returns to the Smoky Mountain Event Center this weekend, bringing four days of agricultural exhibits, carnival attractions, midway rides, and classic fair foods to Western North Carolina.
Whether you are planning an evening out with the family or spending the entire weekend at the fairgrounds, here is everything you need to know before you head to the gate.
Location and Dates
Where: Smoky Mountain Event Center, 758 Crabtree Road, Waynesville, NC 28785
When: Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27, 2026
Hours of Operation
Thursday, Sept. 24: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday, Sept. 25: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 26: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, Sept. 27: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Gate Admission & Ticketing Details
Thursday Opening Night: Admission is $25 per carload — pack the family into one vehicle for the best opening-night value.
Friday through Sunday Daily Admission:
Adults: $10 per day
Youth (Ages 6–12): $5 per day
Children (Age 5 and Under): Free
Weekend Passes: Multi-day weekend passes are available this year for visitors who want access to every day of the fair.
Payment Notice: Tickets purchased at the gate are cash only.
Skip the Line: You can avoid wait times at the ticket booths by pre-purchasing your admission passes directly online.
Midway Rides: Please note that carnival ride tickets and wristbands are sold separately and are not included with general gate admission.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets & Event Schedules: Secure advance passes and see full event lineups at the official Haywood County Fair Website.