If you're looking for an authentic New England agricultural fair this summer, mark your calendar for the 108th Annual Heath Fair, taking place August 21–23, 2026, in the scenic hilltown of Heath, Massachusetts.
For more than a century, the Heath Fair has celebrated the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship, and community spirit of Franklin County. Hosted by the Heath Agricultural Society, this beloved event offers three days of livestock shows, traditional crafts, live music, demonstrations, delicious fair food, and family-friendly entertainment—all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Berkshire foothills.
Whether you're a longtime fairgoer or planning your very first visit, the Heath Fair is one of Western Massachusetts' signature summer traditions. For the fair schedule, click here for the Heath Fair schedule.
Celebrating Agriculture and Community
The Heath Agricultural Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the practical, historical, and cultural aspects of agriculture in Heath and throughout Franklin County. Its mission is reflected throughout the fair, where visitors of all ages can experience hands-on agricultural education, traditional skills, and the region's rich farming heritage.
The emphasis has always remained on agriculture, animals, and community, making the Heath Fair feel like stepping back into a classic New England country fair.
Something for Everyone
One of the best parts of the Heath Fair is its wide variety of attractions. Whether you're interested in farming traditions, local crafts, live entertainment, or simply enjoying a day with family, there's something happening around every corner.
Fair favorites include:
-
Antique tractor, truck, lawn tractor, horse, and ox pulls
-
Sheep, rabbit, dairy goat, and cattle shows
-
Sheep shearing demonstrations
-
Horse-drawn wagon rides
-
Gymkhana horseback competitions
-
Agricultural exhibits and hands-on learning activities
-
The Exhibit Hall featuring locally made arts and crafts, photography, produce, baked goods, quilts, and more
-
Local artisan vendors and fair food along the midway
-
Live music throughout the weekend
-
Square dancing
-
Educational talks on agriculture, history, and nature
-
The popular Heath Firefighters Association Chicken BBQ
Families will also enjoy the Agricultural Tent, where visitors can touch, taste, and learn through interactive exhibits designed for all ages.
Step Inside the Historic Solomon Temple Barn
One of the fairgrounds' most unique attractions is the Solomon Temple Barn, a remarkable piece of local history.
Originally built in the 1770s on Avery Brook Road, the historic barn stood for nearly two centuries before being donated to the Heath Historical Society. In an extraordinary community effort during the early 1990s, the barn was carefully dismantled, moved to the Heath Fairgrounds, and painstakingly reconstructed, with each original timber returned to its proper place.
Today, the barn houses an impressive collection of historic farm tools, looms, spinning wheels, and agricultural machinery that tell the story of farming life in the Hilltowns. It serves as both a museum and an educational resource, preserving the region's agricultural heritage for future generations.
It's a must-see stop for history lovers and anyone curious about New England's rural past.
Live Entertainment All Weekend Long
The Heath Fair offers a full schedule of live entertainment throughout the weekend. According to this year's fair brochure, visitors can enjoy performances from bands including Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, Whiskey Shokazoba, Jax Hollow, Cheese Priests, and many more, along with square dancing, demonstrations, and educational speakers. Musical performances and speaker presentations are held under cover, rain or shine.
Save with a Three-Day Pass
Planning to spend the whole weekend at the fair? Purchasing tickets in advance can save you money.
Available through Thursday, August 20, pre-sale three-day passes include:
-
General Admission: $30
-
Seniors: $24
Single-day admission is also available:
-
General Admission: $14
-
Seniors: $12
-
Children 12 and under: Free
Visitors will also appreciate free parking throughout the weekend. Please note that pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds or in parked vehicles, and smoking and vaping are prohibited on the grounds.
A Franklin County Tradition
For generations, the Heath Fair has been more than just an agricultural fair—it's a celebration of the people, traditions, and rural heritage that continue to shape western Massachusetts.
From cheering on the oxen and tractor pulls to browsing handmade crafts, listening to live music, enjoying classic fair food, and exploring historic exhibits, every visit offers something new to discover.
Whether you're traveling from across Franklin County or making a weekend trip from elsewhere in New England, the 108th Annual Heath Fair promises three days of family fun, local tradition, and small-town hospitality.
Join the celebration August 21–23, 2026, and experience why the Heath Fair has remained one of western Massachusetts' most cherished summer events for more than a century.
Photo credit: The Heath Agricultural Society
Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts are known for their vibrant small towns, local farms, artists, and independent businesses. As a longtime local real estate expert, Wanda Mooney shares insights about the communities, lifestyle, and real estate opportunities that make this region such a special place to live.
For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.
Connect