Welcome To The Lamar Fair 2026
Every August, Missouri’s largest free fair, which is celebrating its 82nd year, takes over downtown Lamar. A week long fair activities includes a carnival, vendors of all kinds, queen contest, community & civic group booths featuring your favorite carnival foods, youth livestock show, art show, blue ribbon contests, parades, and family fun for all ages!
Date & Time:
Saturday August 22 to August 29
Carnival & Booths
Open Aug 26 to Aug 29
Location:
Constitution Square
Downtown Lamar, Missouri
Contact Information:
Becky Costley
417-850-2033
beckycostley@hotmail.com
Lamar Fair Tickets
Purchase tickets at these locations now through August 26th.
Only $TBA Each, when you purchase advanced sale tickets.
Community National Bank & Trust - Lamar
Lamar Bank & Trust - Lamar
Arvest Bank - Lamar
Citizens Bank - Liberal
Ride Schedule
Wednesday  August 26, 2026 - 6pm to 11pm
Thursday    August 27, 2026 - 6pm to 11pm
Friday      August 28, 2026 - 6pm to 11pm
Saturday    August 29, 2026 - NOON to 5pm & 6pm to Closing
*Tickets purchased at booths during the Fair are $25 each. One ticket each night for each member of your family lets you ride all the rides as many times as you like, except for Saturday. Two tickets are required Saturday; one ticket for noon-5 p.m. and another for 6 p.m.-closing. The Rides furnished and operated by Evan's United Shows.
Lamar Free Fair Schedule
The Lamar Free Fair is located in Downtown Lamar Missouri.
Lamar is conveniently located near the I-49 and US highway 160 interchange, just 40 miles north of Joplin Mo at exit 77. Lamar is just 80 miles northwest of Springfield Mo via 1-44, US 96 to I-49.Â
2025 Schedule of Events
| Saturday, August 9 | ||
| Rotary Fair Princess & Pre-Teen Pageant | 4pm | Thiebaud Auditorium |
| Rotary Fair Teen & Queen Pageant | 7pm | Thiebaud Auditorium |
| Saturday, August 16 | ||
| Lamar Art League Exhibits Entered | 9am to Noon | Thiebaud Auditorium |
| Youth Horse Show | 10am | Saddle Club Grounds |
| Sunday, August 18 | ||
| Community Worship Service | 7pm | Location TBA |
| Monday, August 18 | ||
| Window Hobby Show Registration | 9am-4pm (Judging Wed) | Lamar Bank & Trust |
| Antique Tractor Rodeo | 5:30pm | Lamar Saddle Club Grounds |
| Tuesday, August 19 | ||
| Carnival & Food Vendors Set Up | 6pm | Lamar Square |
| 4-H Exhibits Entered & Conference Judging | 6-8:30pm | Thiebaud Auditorium |
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20 -- CARNIVAL & RIDES OPEN! Wednesday-Friday 6-11 pm • Saturday Noon-5 pm & 6 pm-Closing | ||
| Vendors Set Up | Starting 9am | South Side of Square |
| Lamar Art League Art Exhibition | 4-8 pm | Thiebaud Auditorium West Room |
| Gospel Sing | 7:00pm (6:30pm Preshow) | Thiebaud Auditorium |
| 4-H Youth Demonstrations | 6-8pm | Thiebaud Auditorium Foyer |
| All Livestock Check In | Before 9pm | Moore Pavilion |
| Thursday, August 21 | ||
| Swine Show | 8am | Moore Pavilion |
| Lamar Art League Art Exhibition | Noon - 8 pm | Thiebaud Auditorium West Room |
| Barton County Historical Society Museum | 1-9pm | Barton County Courthouse Basement |
| Goat Show | 1:30pm | Moore Pavilion |
| Youth Livestock Judging Contest | 6:30pm | Moore Pavilion |
| The Griffith Family | 7:00 pm | Thiebaud Auditorium |
| Memorial Hall Exhibits Entered | 8 am-2 pm (Judging 2 pm) | Memorial Hall |
| Friday, August 22 | ||
| Beef Show | 8am | Moore Pavilion |
| Bucket Calf Show | During Beef Show | Moore Pavilion |
| Baby Show | 9am (Judging 10am) | Thiebaud Auditorium |
| Antique Tractor Show | 9am -2pm | Barton County Memorial Park |
| Lamar Art League Art Exhibition | 1 - 9pm | Thiebaud Auditorium - West Rm |
| Barton County Historical Society Museum | 1-9pm | Barton County Courthouse Basement |
| Sheep Show | 1pm | Moore Pavilion |
| Sober As A Judge | 7 pm | Wyatt Earp Park NE Corner Square |
| Livestock Auction | 7pm | Moore Pavilion |
| Sheep Leadline | After Auction | Moore Pavilion |
| Saturday, August 23 | ||
| 5/10k Run | 7:30am | East Side of Square |
| Livestock Showmanship | 9am-Noon | Moore Pavilion |
| Lamar Art League Art Exhibition | 9 am - Noon | Thiebaud Auditorium - West Rm |
| Lamar Art League Awards Ceremony | 10 am | Thiebaud Auditorium - West Rm |
| Antique Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show | 10am - Noon (Judging Noon) | Lamar City Park |
| Antique Tractor Show | 9am - 2pm | Barton County Memorial Park |
| Barton County Historical Society Museum | 1-9pm | Barton County Courthouse Basement |
| Rotary Parade | 2pm (Judging 1:15pm) | Lamar Square |
| Tate Stevens & Trevon Dawson | 8 pm (Gates Open 6:20 pm) | Wyatt Earp Park NE Corner Square |