Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Central Texas State Fair in Belton

One of the biggest events in Central Texas is returning to Belton this September - The Central Texas State Fair! The 2026 version of the event is scheduled to take place at the Huntington Bank Expo Center September 3-6. And, as always, there will be TONS of live music, rides, shopping, livestock, fair food, and special events to enjoy!

The Central Texas State Fair is a HUGE Deal

Before we dive into all the things you need to know about this year's event, here's a rundown of why you should go. The Fair is a celebration of fun and community. More than 40,000 folks attend the 4 day festival. There's over 100 various vendors on hand. There's a demolition derby, rodeo, live music...it's THE place to be for 4 nights in September for good, family fun.

Sound good? Well, if that didn't sell you on the event. Let's rundown all the specifics for this year's edition of the fair.

The Carnival Midway is Waiting for You at the Central Texas State Fair

We can talk about live music, special events, and all that stuff...but the main event will ALWAYS be the carnival midway. There's just something special about the sights, sounds, and smells at a carnival. Fried dough, kids laughing, the sounds of the rides...it's just a magical experience no matter how old you are.

And this year's Central Texas State Fair promises to be awesome! Organizers say there's going to be roughly 100 vendors and the midway will feature all the things you expect to see at a fair - thrilling rides, games, classic fair food, and tons of stuff to do for attendees of all ages. Whether you're a big kid or a little one, there's something to get into and enjoy.

And, oh yeah before I forget, on Thursday September 6th, there's $1 Carnival Rides thanks to R&R Roofing. So you can have a ton of fun for not a lot of money - not something you can say often these days.

Central Texas State Fair Concert Lineup

It just wouldn't be a State Fair with the staple of live music, right? Never fear, the Central Texas State Fair has you covered with 4 straight nights of live music. Here's the lineup:

• Thursday, September 3 – William Clark Green
• Friday, September 4 – La Energia Norteña
• Saturday, September 5 – Aaron Watson
• Sunday, September 6 – Dos Borrachos featuring Roger Creager & Kevin Fowler

Not enough? Never fear there's more!

Twisted Metal Mayhem, PBR Challenge, & More Happening at the Central Texas Fair

Don't love the live music selection? There's tons of other live entertainment happening during the Central Texas State Fair.

First up on Friday night, you have the Twisted Metal Mayhem Demo Derby. As with all demolition derbies, there will be non-stop action and plenty of twisted metal to keep you entertained. This is a 'premium ticket' event...but that ticket includes fair admission - so you get to hit the midway AND watch people smash into each. What's not to love?

Saturday & Sunday is the PBR Challenger Series Rodeo featuring professional bull riding, mutton bustin, and a whole lot more. Again, this is a 'premium ticket' event that also includes fair admission. So, go watch some great rodeo action. Then, afterwards, you can go see some live music and eat a corndog.

Just to make it clear about the 'premium ticket' - it includes access to the premium attraction (rodeo, destruction derby, etc.), fair admission, AND the concert directly after.

There's also the Youth Livestock Shows happening September 4-6 - featuring over 300 youth exhibitors. These youngsters will be showcasing months of dedication, responsibility, and hard work. Always such a joy to check out.