County Fairs in Tennessee
Tennessee's county fairs are deeply woven into the state's agricultural and community life. The Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, now combined with the Tennessee State Fair, is billed as the "Best 10 Days of the Year" (August 13–22 in 2026). Across the state's 95 counties, fairs celebrate everything from Appalachian heritage crafts in East Tennessee to cotton and soybean agriculture in the western flatlands.
The Tennessee Association of Fairs supports a network of events that keep traditional 4-H competitions, livestock shows, and home arts divisions thriving. Quilting, canning, and baking contests remain cornerstones at fairs from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River bluffs, making county fairs one of the best ways to experience Tennessee's rural character.
Top County Fair Events in Tennessee
- Wilson County Fair — 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon; August (August 13–22 in 2026); now combined with the Tennessee State Fair, with livestock shows and a carnival midway
- Tennessee State Fair — combined with the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon; August (August 13–22 in 2026); Tennessee State competitions, livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, and a midway
- Appalachian Fair — Gray (near Johnson City); late August (August 22–29 in 2026, its 100th year); celebrating East Tennessee mountain heritage with livestock, quilting, and agricultural exhibits
- Maury County Fair — Columbia; summer; Middle Tennessee agricultural traditions with 4-H livestock and home arts competitions
- Greene County Fair — Greeneville; summer; community agricultural fair with exhibits — check the fair for current dates
What to Expect
Tennessee county fairs concentrate in August and September, timed to the late summer harvest. Livestock barns feature beef and dairy cattle, hogs, goats, sheep, and poultry, with 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors playing a prominent role. Home arts buildings display quilts, canned goods, baked items, and handmade crafts, all competing for ribbons and prizes.
Carnival midways are a fixture at nearly every Tennessee county fair, along with demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and live country and gospel music. Admission at most county fairs is modest, often under $10. The combined Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair is a larger event with more vendor space and entertainment options.
Popular Cities for County Fairs
- Nashville — Gateway to the Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair in nearby Lebanon
- Knoxville — East Tennessee county fairs in Knox, Blount, and surrounding counties celebrate Appalachian agricultural heritage
- Memphis — Agricenter International, a 1,000-acre urban farm, anchors West Tennessee agricultural events
- Chattanooga — Hamilton County and the surrounding Tennessee Valley host traditional fairs with livestock and home arts
See all craft events in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best county fair in Tennessee?
The Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, now the Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair, features livestock shows, Tennessee State and Wilson County competitions, a carnival midway, and entertainment over ten days (August 13–22 in 2026).
When do Tennessee county fairs take place?
Most Tennessee county fairs run in August and September. The Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon (August 13–22 in 2026) and the Appalachian Fair are in August. Some smaller county fairs extend into early October.
Do Tennessee county fairs have craft exhibits?
Yes. Home arts divisions at Tennessee county fairs include quilting, canning, baking, needlework, and other handmade craft categories. East Tennessee fairs often feature Appalachian heritage crafts like basket weaving and woodworking alongside traditional home arts competitions.