Arkansas Fair Sets Record, Texas Attendance Rises

The 2026 Arkansas State Fair drew more than 160,000 visitors over its opening weekend, including 54,635 on Sunday, the third-largest Sunday attendance in the fair’s history. Family Fun Day on Monday set a new single-day record, with 47,662 guests, bringing attendance since Friday to 209,000. Fair officials also offered free admission and other family activities during the week, with the event scheduled to run through Oct. 25. The 2026 State Fair of Texas attracted an estimated 2.1 million people over 24 days—about 100,000 more than in 2025 and marking its 140th anniversary—but organizers said attendance remains below some previous years.