The Cumberland County Fair is back in town at its familiar home of the Crown Complex, serving up a homegrown theme. “The Agricultural Express” celebrates the past, present and future of our county’s agriculture through livestock shows, educational exhibits, fun rides and classic fair food. The fair will run from Friday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1960 Coliseum Drive.
General admission is $11; children under 3 years old get in for free. Multiple specials will be available throughout the duration of the fair to keep the festivities fun and affordable.
Plan your visit for one of these days to enjoy low-cost entry:
• Healthcare workers on Friday, Sept. 4: Free admission for people working in healthcare; $6 admission for kids ages 3-12
• Faith and Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 6: $5 discount from showing your church bulletin or church app at the box office; $6 admission for kids ages 3-12
• A Day of Giving on Tuesday, Sept. 8: Various discounts for 4-H & FFA cardholders, school kids and personnel, and individuals who bring canned goods for donation
• BOGO Night on Wednesday, Sept. 9: “Buy one, get one free” for admission, ride wristbands and certain concession foods
• Senior Night on Thursday, Sept. 10: Free entry for seniors 65 and older; $3 admission fee for all others
• Military & First Responder Night on Friday, Sept. 11: Free entry for all first responders, veterans and active-duty military service members
The fair’s hours vary throughout the event. Gates will open at 5 p.m. on Sept. 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. The festivities will start earlier at 1 p.m. on the weekends and on Labor Day, covering Sept. 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13.
Stay updated on the admission specials and fair schedule at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/cumberlandcountyfair.
Whether you love the thrill of soaring through the air or prefer to zip down a massive slide, fairgoers can take their turn on numerous rides thanks to the fair’s trusted midway provider, Big Rock Amusements. Touch the skies on attractions like the Yo Yo, the Sea Ray, the Sky Flyer and the Beast, or go for a thrilling spin on the Ring of Fire roller coaster.
Families can either pay for each ride through the ride credits system or buy Unlimited Ride Wristbands for $32. Individual rides require 10-25 credits each, with prices starting at $0.25.
All the action is sure to work up an appetite; take your pick of the concession stand offerings and varied food vendors for treats like funnel cakes, hot dogs, ice cream and corn dogs.
Magic shows and educational agriculture-based family game shows will be held every day by Bob Bohm's Family Entertainment, a regular spectacle at the Cumberland County Fair. Need a little more excitement? Performer Amber Kornegay of Ember Fire Arts will set your spirits ablaze with nightly family-friendly fire shows.
For those who are all about the agricultural element, the 2026 Cumberland County Fair Youth Livestock Show will be a major highlight, running from Sept. 4 to Sept. 11. See hogs, goats, hens and more compete for ribbons and trophies. View the show schedule at https://cumberland.ces.ncsu.edu/news/cumberland-county-livestock-shows-schedule/.
The Cumberland County Fair Pageant will also be occurring alongside all the fun on Sept. 5 at the Crown Theater. This year’s contestant donations will support the CLL Society, an organization that advocates for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients through research and education. The 3 p.m. pageant will present contestants ages 0 to 6, while the 6 p.m. pageant is for contestants age 7 and up.
Jump straight into the activities without holdups by bringing everything you’ll need in a venue-approved bag. Only clear or small clutch bags are allowed into the fairground. Before you go, check out the venue’s policies for permitted and forbidden items at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/visit/venue-policies.
Eager to show your pride in Cumberland County’s agricultural heritage? Be at the Crown Arena at 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 4 to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony that will launch an amazing 10 days. Buy your tickets online at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/2026-cumberland-county-fair. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office in front of the Crown Theater and at the Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Office.

(Photo: The Cumberland County Fair brings fun to families in the community. Photos courtesy of the Crown)