Monmouth County Fair Returns For 2026: See Details

FREEHOLD, NJ — The Monmouth County Fair is set to return for 2026 this summer.

Held at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road, the 51st fair will run Wednesday-Sunday from July 22-26. Hours will be:

• Wednesday-Friday (July 22-24): 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday (July 25): 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday (July 26): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As the county celebrates the nation’s 250^th birthday, the fair will honor the milestone on opening night with a "MonmouthNJ 250 Celebration," costumed historic interpreters of Ben Franklin and a Revolutionary War Soldier, and fireworks (weather permitting).

“On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I’m thrilled to invite everyone to join us at the Monmouth County Fair,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This year’s fair will feature exciting rides, delicious food, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and activities for all ages.”

“As we celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, we have made a special effort in Monmouth County to honor our history, including cherished traditions such as the County Fair,” Arnone continued. “The Monmouth County Fair is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and enjoy one of Monmouth County’s premiere events of the summer.”

Packed with various events and rides, the fair will feature live entertainment, 4-H shows & exhibits, the Park System's exhibit "From Fields to Forests," and more. Acts include:

• WonderZon Dinosaur Zoo
• DAWG Pro Wrestling
• Andrew's Big Show
• Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show
• John Higby the Yo-Yo Guy
• Tommie Turvey's Stunt Horses & Dogs (Thursday-Sunday) and more

Fairgoers can also enjoy Touch-a-Truck, a petting farm, and the "Fam Jam — DJ Dance Party."

In addition to these acts, the annual fair will also feature live music, rides and games.

Main stage entertainment includes performances by "Red Dirt Revolution" on Wednesday night; "THE FUMOS" on Thursday night; "Mushmouth" on Friday night; "Dark City Strings" on Saturday afternoon and "The Ultimate Queen Celebration" in the evening; and "Rock It Academy" and "Ocean Avenue Stompers" on Sunday.

Those looking for thrills will also be able to check out the rides provided by Reithoffer Shows.

Ride wristbands will be available daily and allow fairgoers the chance to enjoy unlimited rides during their visit.

The cost for each wristband is $30 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and $35 on Friday and Saturday. Rides are weather permitting.

At the heart of the Monmouth County Fair is the Home & Garden Competition, officials said.

Categories include crafts, needlework, art, photography, vegetables, flowers, and baked goods. Details for individual categories are listed in the "Home & Garden Brochure," available online here.

This year’s competition will once again feature Black Jar Honey and on-site native plant flower arranging competitions.

After judging, entries will remain on display in the Home & Garden Tent.

“The Monmouth County Fair offers an exciting mix of attractions, entertainment, and hands-on experiences for the entire family,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System.

“Whether you're enjoying live performances, exploring exhibits, or visiting the many vendors throughout the fairgrounds, there is always something new to discover and enjoy.”

General admission to the Monmouth County Fair is $10 per adult, while children 12 and under are admitted free.

Half-price admission will be offered during the first two hours of each day; 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.

Veterans and active military with ID also enter for free. On Sunday, seniors 65 and older and students with ID are free.

Upcoming fair contests will be announced on the County Park System's Facebook and Instagram pages, offering an opportunity to win admission tickets and more.

The Monmouth County Fair is presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H.

For the most current information about the Monmouth County Fair, you can click here or call 732-842-4000.

For those with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.