The Bandera County Fair is almost here — and if you have not been to one before (or it has just been a long, long time), you are in for something special. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of October 8–10 at Mansfield Park.

Three Days, One Unforgettable Weekend

The fair runs Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Mansfield Park in Bandera, Texas. Gates open each evening, and the fun runs well into the night. Whether you come for one day or all three, there is plenty to fill your time.

Here is a quick look at what each day brings:

Thursday, October 8 — Opening night. This is your chance to be among the first through the gates when the fair returns to Bandera after nearly 40 years. Soak it in. The carnival is open, vendors are set up, and the energy is electric.

Friday, October 9 — Rodeo kicks off at 7 PM, followed by a concert by Cactus Country from 8–11 PM. If you love real working-ranch competition and live country music under the Texas sky, Friday is your night.

Saturday, October 10 — Another Rodeo at 7 PM, then close out the weekend with a concert by the Toman Brothers from 8–11 PM. Saturday is the big finale — do not miss it.

The Carnival

The carnival is the heartbeat of any county fair, and this one is no exception. Rides, games, lights, and the smell of funnel cake — it is everything you remember and then some.

Carnival wristbands are available in advance so you can skip the per-ride lines and just enjoy the night. Grab yours ahead of time at the link on our Tickets page.

Rodeo

This is not your typical rodeo. Rodeo features real working cowboys competing in events that reflect actual ranch life. It is gritty, authentic, and genuinely thrilling to watch.

Rodeo action starts at 7 PM on both Friday and Saturday nights. Get there early to find a good spot.

Live Music

After the rodeo, the music takes over. Both Friday and Saturday nights feature live performances from some great Texas acts:

• Friday: Cactus Country, 8–11 PM
• Saturday: Toman Brothers, 8–11 PM

Bring your boots. There will be dancing.

Animals, Exhibits & Competitions

A county fair is not complete without the animals. Expect livestock exhibits, 4-H and FFA competitions, and the kind of agricultural showcases that remind you what this part of Texas is all about. It is a great way to connect kids (and adults) with the ranching heritage that defines Bandera County.

Local Vendors & Food

The vendor market is packed with local makers, artisans, and food vendors. Whether you are shopping for handmade goods, western wear, or just looking for something delicious to eat, the vendor area is worth a long, slow stroll.

Support local — these are your neighbors showing up and showing out.

The Little Mr. Bandera Pageant

One of the most exciting new additions to this year's fair is the debut of Little Mr. Bandera — a pageant for boys ages 6–9. It joins our existing pageant divisions for girls and young women across multiple age groups.

The pageant takes place on Saturday, October 3 at Bandera Middle School (one week before the fair opens), with crowned winners making their appearance at the Opening Ceremony on October 8. Registration closed on September 19.

Tickets & How to Get In

Admission is simple and affordable:

• Children 5 & Under: FREE all weekend
• Youth & Adults: $5 per day (or 5 non-perishable food items on Thursday)

Tickets are available online through Square — head to our Tickets section on the homepage to grab yours for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Carnival wristbands are sold separately.

Parking

Parking is available on-site with a $10 donation appreciated. All parking proceeds go directly to three great local organizations: the Cowboy Capitol Trail Riders, Oasis Family Church, and the Bandera County Fair itself.

RV Spots Available

RV spots are also available — reserve yours in advance through the link on our Location page.

Get Involved

Want to do more than just attend? There are several ways to be part of making this fair happen:

• Volunteer — We need hands on deck all weekend. Sign up through the link on our Get Involved page.
• Exhibit — Enter your livestock, produce, art, or other work in the competitions.
• Sponsor — Businesses and individuals can sponsor the fair at multiple levels. Download the sponsorship form from our Sponsors page.

A Note on What This Means

For a lot of people in Bandera, this fair is more than an event. It is a homecoming. The Bandera County Fair has not been held in nearly four decades, and bringing it back has taken real work from a dedicated group of volunteers, board members, sponsors, and community supporters.

When you walk through those gates at Mansfield Park on October 8, you are part of something that matters. You are helping write the next chapter of a tradition that belongs to this town.

We will see you there. 🤠

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Questions? Reach out through our Contact page or find us on Facebook. We will keep this page updated as more details are confirmed.