For more than a century and a half, families have gathered in the hills of Hampshire County for one of New England's most beloved agricultural fairs. From August 27–30, 2026, the 158th Cummington Fair returns with four days of livestock shows, thrilling competitions, live music, family entertainment, delicious fair food, and timeless traditions.
Whether you're a lifelong fairgoer or planning your very first visit, the Cummington Fair offers something for every age—all in a welcoming country setting where agriculture remains at the heart of the celebration.
A Classic New England Agricultural Fair
Since its beginnings in 1868, the Cummington Fair has celebrated the region's farming heritage while bringing together communities from across Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Visitors can spend the day exploring livestock barns, watching skilled teamsters compete, browsing handcrafted goods, enjoying midway rides, and taking in demonstrations that showcase both traditional rural skills and modern agriculture.
It's a place where generations gather to celebrate the past while creating new family memories.
Four Days Packed with Entertainment
One of the biggest reasons people return year after year is the incredible lineup of events happening throughout the weekend.
Some of this year's highlights include:
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Truck Pulls
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Demolition Derby
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Antique Engine and Tractor Show
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Classic Car Show and Cruise Night
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Antique Tractor and Oxen Parade
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Western Massachusetts Lumberjack Championship
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Draft Horse and Ox Pulls
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Youth Livestock Competitions
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Sheep Obstacle Course
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Lawn Tractor Pulls
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Square Dancing
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Golden Wedding Contest
Best of all, your fair admission includes every performance and event—there's no extra charge to enjoy the concerts, truck pulls, or the ever-popular Demolition Derby.
Family Fun Around Every Corner
The Cummington Fair is designed with families in mind, offering activities that keep children entertained all day long.
The popular Kids' Corner features:
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Pedal tractors
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Apple picking
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A pretend veterinary station
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Arts and crafts
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A corn pool
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A general store play area
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A cow to "milk"
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A tractor to climb aboard
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Nursing and baby changing areas
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Picnic tables for families
Young visitors can also participate in the Fair Scavenger Hunt, earning a free ice cream after completing the adventure—a tradition many children look forward to each year.
Amazing Entertainment Included with Admission
This year's entertainment schedule is packed with crowd favorites performing throughout the weekend.
Visitors can enjoy:
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The Raptor Project, featuring incredible birds of prey in educational live demonstrations.
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Silver Circus, bringing family-friendly circus acts and interactive performances.
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Bryson Lang, combining comedy, juggling, and audience participation.
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Conjuring Carol, delighting audiences with magic shows and strolling entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.
Live music also fills the fairgrounds all weekend, including performances by:
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Sarah the Fiddler
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Robert Black
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Rosie Porter
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Doug Wilkens & the Fall String Band during Saturday evening's community square dance.
Whether you're watching a magic show, listening to live music, or meeting birds of prey up close, there's always something happening.
Livestock, Agriculture, and Rural Traditions
At its heart, the Cummington Fair remains a true agricultural fair.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch livestock judging, youth showmanship competitions, draft horse pulls, oxen competitions, and demonstrations that celebrate the skills and traditions of New England farming.
The Craft Barn, Exhibit Hall, and Agricultural Education Sheds showcase everything from handmade quilts and artwork to locally grown produce, baked goods, woodworking, and educational exhibits.
It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and agricultural heritage that continue to shape rural Western Massachusetts.
Fair Food and Midway Fun
No trip to the fair is complete without enjoying some classic fair food.
From fresh-cut fries and fried dough to burgers, barbecue, ice cream, and sweet treats, the fairgrounds offer plenty of delicious options throughout the weekend.
The midway also features carnival rides and games, making it easy to spend an entire day—or several—enjoying everything the fair has to offer.
Save Time and Money by Buying Tickets Online
Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online before arriving.
Buying in advance allows you to:
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Skip the ticket line and head straight to the entrance.
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Save money with discounted advance pricing (available until Thursday at 4:00 p.m.).
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Purchase exclusive Adult and Family 4-Packs available only online.
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Print tickets at home or scan them directly from your phone.
Plan Your Visit
The 158th Cummington Fair runs Thursday, August 27, through Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Please note:
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No dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds (service animals only).
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Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the grounds.
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Event schedules are subject to change.
A Western Massachusetts Tradition
There's a reason families return to the Cummington Fair year after year. It offers the perfect blend of agricultural heritage, family entertainment, friendly competition, and small-town hospitality.
Whether you're cheering during the Demolition Derby, watching majestic draft horses pull, exploring the exhibit halls, enjoying live music, or introducing your children to farm animals for the first time, every visit creates lasting memories.
As summer begins to wind down, the 158th Cummington Fair offers one last opportunity to celebrate the season with friends and family. Mark your calendar for August 27–30, 2026, and experience one of New England's oldest and most cherished agricultural fairs.
Photo credit: Cummington Fair
Find more nearby local attractions here.
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.
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