Yeehaw, Bandera! After nearly 40 years, the fair is coming home.

The Bandera County Fair returns to Mansfield Park, October 8–10, 2026 — and we are pulling out all the stops to make this a weekend this town will talk about for the next 40 years.

A Long Time Coming

It has been almost four decades since Bandera last had a county fair of its own. That changes this October. The Bandera County Fair Association has been working hard to bring back the tradition, the community spirit, and the pure Hill Country fun that a county fair represents. Mansfield Park will come alive with lights, laughter, and the kind of memories that stick with you for a lifetime.

Opening Night: Something Truly Special

Thursday, October 8 is not just opening night — it is a piece of history in the making.

We are bringing back a piece of local legend: the Little Mr. Bandera contest, inspired by the Little Mr. Texas competition that once sent a cowboy-hatted young Matthew McConaughey onto a Bandera stage back in 1977. This time, it belongs to us. This time, it is ours.

Little Mr. Bandera — Thursday, October 8, 2026

• Gates open at 5 PM
• Opening ceremony at 6 PM
• Little Mr. Bandera contest at 7 PM

Round up your little cowboys, dust off those boots, and get them registered. This is the kind of night that becomes a story you tell your grandkids.

Three Days of Pure Bandera Fun

The fair runs Thursday through Saturday, October 8–10, and every day is packed:

Carnival & Rides

The midway will be lit up and ready to go all three nights. Whether you are chasing that giant stuffed animal at the ring toss or riding the Ferris wheel under the Hill Country sky, the carnival is pure fair magic.

Rodeo

Friday and Saturday nights bring two full nights of Rodeo action — 7 to 9 PM both evenings. Real cowboys, real competition, and the kind of grit that Bandera is known for worldwide as the Cowboy Capital of the World.

Live Music & Dancing

After the rodeo, the music kicks in. Friday night features Cactus Country and Saturday night closes out the weekend with the Toman Brothers — both performing 8 to 11 PM. Come ready to two-step.

Animals, Exhibits & Vendors

Browse local vendors, check out livestock and exhibits, and soak in everything that makes a county fair feel like home. From handmade goods to local food, there is something for everyone.

Tickets

Admission is simple and affordable — because this fair is for everyone in Bandera County.

• Thursday: $5 admission or 5 non-perishable food items donated to the community. Children 5 and under are always FREE.
• Friday & Saturday: Tickets available online now.

Carnival wristbands are also available for purchase separately — a great deal if your crew plans to ride all night.

Get Involved

This fair belongs to the whole community, and there are plenty of ways to be part of it beyond just showing up:

• Volunteer — Help make the magic happen behind the scenes.
• Enter a Competition — Show off your skills, your animals, or your crafts.
• Sponsor the Fair — Support your community and get your business in front of thousands of attendees.

Visit the Get Involved section on our website for details on all of the above.

Mark Your Calendar

Bandera County Fair October 8–10, 2026 Mansfield Park — Bandera, Texas

This is the moment Bandera has been waiting for. Come be part of it.

More details and updates coming soon — follow us on Facebook and check back here regularly.