The “fair with a country smile” returns next week with bigger midway attractions, a Thursday night grandstand concert and streamlined admission costs.
The 181st Allegany County Fair runs July 20-25 at the Angelica fairgrounds, 15 North St. in the “town where history lives.”
The fair is a little later on the calendar this year and won’t conflict with the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally in 2026.
Presented by the Allegany County Agricultural Society, the fair features amusement rides and games, live entertainment and competitions, food vendors including local favorites, agricultural and animal exhibits and numerous family-friendly activities.
Here are the top things to know, including what’s new this year, before making a trip to Angelica for the fair.
What to know about admission cost, Family Day discount
The cost to get into the fair has been streamlined for 2026. General admission is $12 per person. This includes admission to each demonstration, all the commercial and animal exhibits and every grandstand event.
Tuesday, July 21, is Family Day with admission all day for $5.
Fair-goers also have the option of picking up a season pass for $40.
There is free parking on the fairgrounds until the lot is full.
Midway brings new rides to Allegany County Fair
Knox’s Great American Midway brings an exciting, fresh approach to the 2026 Allegany County Fair.
Owned and operated by David Knox, Brian Knox and Alexis Wilson, the show was purchased from the Oberst family in 2025.
According to Knox’s Great American Midway, the 15-ride carnival was expanded to 19 rides, highlighted by stunning major rides like the “Gondola Wheel,” the “Sizzler” and the “Rock-O-Plane.”
Knox’s Great American Midway is also the place to find classic games and nostalgic fair food.
Rides are sold separately from the general admission. Ride all day wristbands are available for $15.
Thursday, July 23, is “Runnings Day,” with the first 350 people receiving reduced rates on midway attractions.
Zac Brown tribute band, horse and truck pulls, Demolition Derby at grandstand
The grandstand will host competitions and shows every day during fair week, including the return of live music.
Fair President Dave Jennings said fair-goers have been asking for the return of concerts at the grandstand and fair officials are pleased to bring a top-flight act to Angelica.
Here are the grandstand highlights for each day of the fair:
July 20 (Monday): Western New York Pro Farm Pullers, 6:30 p.m.
July 21 (Tuesday): New York State Championship Light Horse Pull, 6 p.m.
July 22 (Wednesday): Boys and Bulls Broken B Rodeo, 7:30 p.m.
July 23 (Thursday): Concert by “ZBTB,” a Zac Brown tribute band, 7 p.m.
July 24 (Friday): New York Hot Farm Pulling Series with Street Legal Diesel Trucks and Pickups, 6:30 p.m.
July 25 (Saturday): Demolition Derby, 4 p.m.
Daily attractions at 181st Allegany County Fair
Beginning with the first Allegany County Fair in 1844, the annual event has placed the county’s rich agricultural heritage front and center. The fair is also a place to learn about Allegany County’s heritage.
The tradition will continue this month. Here’s some suggestion for your fair trip.
Take a walk through the Shawmut Railroad cars.
Step back in time at the Grange, the Fair Museum and the County Museum displays.
Wander through the Antique Equipment, and watch the working sawmill.
Visit the barns and see the animals.
Walk through the 4-H and Education Buildings and witness what young people have accomplished.
See the complete schedule for the Allegany County Fair here.
Make $2 donation, get Allegany County Fair button
An Allegany County Fair button is available for a $2 donation at the Antique Museum, Domestic Arts, Grange Food Stand, Main Hall and Sugar Shack.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Allegany County Fair features new Midway rides, Zac Brown tribute band
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune | USA TODAY Network
