Eastern Michigan State Fair opens gates Tuesday

Full lineup for 2026 fair; Sea Lions are back!

IMLAY CITY — The annual Eastern Michigan State Fair is putting the finishing touches on the grounds and buildings, getting them in prime shape prior to gates opening on the 2026 fair.

“We’re excited” said fair manager Ian Kempf of the five-day event that begins Tuesday, July 28.

“We’ve had people mowing, getting buildings cleaned out and we’re getting things set-up on the fairgrounds slowly. It has been a busy time and we’re pretty well ready for folks to come on out and enjoy the fair this year.”

Kempf said Arnold Amusements will be back for another year of providing an outstanding program for visitors with everything from thrill rides for all ages, to games of chance and food vendors.

“We expect the midway to be showing up a few days before the fair. They always do a great job for us and they usually bring everything they have for us to help make it another great fair week.”

Kempf says at most festivals, $40 will get you maybe 20 minutes of fun. Here, at the Eastern Michigan State Fair, your admission covers ALL DAY fun.

“No extra tickets needed” Kempf said. “Bring the whole crew!  Play all Day.  Admission includes: Free Unlimited Rides, Free Shows, Free Grandstand, Free Animal Exhibits, Vendors, and so much FUN!!!”

Kempf said one of the biggest splashes of the fair is back for another visit when the Sea Lions entertain the crowds.

“Everyone seems to love those Sea Lions and they put on a great show,” Kempf said. “Plus, if those sitting up close get a little wet, with these hot days, they’ll enjoy that too.”

Vendor space has become a premium, according to fair officials. Kempf says all available vending    spaces have been      rented with more      calling every day.

“It’s a nice problem to have and we’ve rearranged things so we can get a few more in,” Kempf explained. “Everyone wants to come here because the fair is so successful.”

A full slate of grandstand events, highlighted by the always popular Bump-N-Run and Demolition Derby, has a new act for fair week.

The National Tractor Pulling Association will be making a stop at the fair and is expected to put on a show that will be long remembered by pulling fans.

This year’s Fair runs from July 28 to August 1 and whether you are interested in youth livestock exhibits, ground entertainment shows, the midway or grandstand shows, it promises to have something for everyone.

“We always seem to draw the larger crowds for our grandstand events on Friday and Saturday nights,” said  Kempf. “We want to give them a good show every night and kind of mix it up with what we have to offer. We’ve made some changes for this year’s line-up.”

Wednesday will be a treat for tractor pulling buffs and Thursday is sure to provide plenty of hard hitting collisions with the Boat Trailer Figure 8 races.

 The racing is one of the crowd favorites the past couple of years and is back again this year. 

Kempf commented, “It was new for us a couple years ago and from what we heard from people, they really seemed to enjoy it. We told those that wanted to compete, if you have something that can pull a trailer, whatever kind it is, you’re in. It was pretty fun to watch.”

Vehicles of all sorts haul trailers of all shapes and sizes as they work to navigate the dirt course. Along the way there may be a few fender benders, collisions or even rollovers as drivers race to the finish line.

Kempf said participants bring whatever they want to drive and are able to hook up to a trailer.

Prior to the races getting underway, there is a meeting where drivers have a random draw to find out what they are pulling.

Tuesday night kicks off the grandstand shows at the Fair as the Rodeo makes a return appearance to the fair at 7 p.m.

Friday night will be the Bump-N-Run and Saturday night the Eastern Michigan State Fair wraps up it’s grandstand lineup with a smashing good event, the Demolition Derby.

The Derby is sponsored by Great Clips.  

“We get a really good crowd the last couple of nights,” Kempf pointed out. “The place is packed and the drivers put on a good show. We are excited for all of the events this year and hope people come out and support the Fair.”

Eastern Michigan State Fair Nightly Grandstand Schedule. Events Start at 7 p.m.

*Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 p.m. Grandstand: Superkicker Rodeo 
Presented By: THE HOT TUB STORE

*Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 p.m. Grandstand: NTPA Tractor Pulls 
Presented By: NOVAK’S SUPPLY & EQUIPMENT

*Thursday, July 30, Figure 8 Trailer Race 7:00 p.m. Grandstand: Trailer Race 
Presented By: WHITE FEATHER FARMS

*Friday, July 31,  Bump-N-Run 
Presented By: Coulter Real Estate

*Saturday, Aug. 1,  Demolition Derby 
Presented By: Great Clips.

The Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds is a 47-acre exhibit and entertainment complex in Imlay City that operates seven months a year.

Founded in 1883, the Eastern Michigan State Fair showcases the best of Michigan agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the local economy, according to fair board members.

For more information, visit easternmichiganstatefair.com or find them on Facebook.

Kempf reminds visitors there is free re-admission Tuesday-Thursday, but not on Friday or Saturday.

Youth Schedule:

Monday, July 27
Weigh In, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Scale House)
Horses Arrive, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Horse Arena)
Poultry Judging, 9:00 a. m. (Poultry Tent)
Rabbit Judging, 9:00 a.m. (Walker Barn)
Goat Show, 5:00 p.m. (Sheep/Goat Tent)
Beef Sprouts Fun Night, 6:00 p.m. (Walker Barn)

Tuesday, July 28
Swine Judging, 8:30 a.m. (Walker Barn)
Sheep Judging, 4:00 p.m. and Sheep Wool Lead, after regular show (Walker Barn)
Horse – Jr. and Sr. Pleasure Show, 6:00 p.m. (Horse Arena)

Wednesday, July 29
Horse – Jr and Sr. Pleasure Show, 11:00 a.m. (Horse Arena)
Beef Show, 10:00 a.m. (Walker Barn)

Thursday, July 30
Livestock Auction Lunch, 12:30 p.m. (Walker Barn)
Market Livestock Sale, 1:00 p.m. (Walker Barn)
Horse Skillathon, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Horse Arena)

Friday, July 31
Livestock Judging Contest, 9:30 a.m. – Registration, 9:00 a.m. (Walker Barn)
Horse – Jr and Sr. Speed Show, 11:00 a.m. (Horse Arena)
Parade of Champions – 3:00 p.m. (Walker Barn)
Youth Exhibitor and Service Raffle – To follow Parade of Champions (Walker Barn)
Showmanship Practice, 5:00 p.m. (Horse Arena)

Saturday, August 1
Rabbit Skillathon Contest, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (FFA Barn)
Horse Fun Show, 1:00 p.m. (Horse Arena)
Sweepstakes Showmanship Contest, 6:00 p.m. (Walker Barn)

Announcement of College Scholarship Winners, Best Record Books for All Livestock and Sweepstakes Winners, Approximately 7:30 p.m., Immediately Following Sweepstakes.