89th annual Ozark Empire Fair returns soon; here’s what to expect

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Fans of Springfield's annual summer tradition should start preparing for ten days filled with continuous enjoyment, food, thrilling rides, and celebrations, as the 89th Annual Ozark Empire Fair arrives in town from July 24 through Aug. 2.

Here’s a list and schedule of the local event: 

Free daily attractions

Included with admission, this year’s fair features a lineup of free daily attractions. 

• Butterfly Kingdom: Step into a serene indoor garden where 200–300 butterflies flutter through the air. Located in the airconditioned West Hall of the E-Plex, this beautiful and educational experience includes feeding stations, interactive exhibits, and a video journey through the butterfly life cycle — even how to mend a broken wing.

• Wheel Wonder: Guinness World Record holder Wesley Williams brings high-energy performances and jaw-dropping stunts atop the tallest rideable unicycle on earth. Located near the Missouri Conservation Building, this is described as an edge-of-your-seat fun for all ages. 
• Jurassic Bark — Dinos Gone to the Dogs: Dinosaurs meet dogs in this hilarious, high-action stunt show. Think dancing dogs, frisbee-chasing athletes, animatronic dinosaurs, and plenty of crowd interaction. 
• Life and Arts Exhibits: Cool down in the E-Plex East Hall while enjoying art displays, live demos, and creative showcases. Plus, kids (and those who are kids at heart) will love the Springfield LUGS Lego Building Zone, as it’s hands-on and interactive. 
• Delong Music Stage: Settle in each evening near the Guest Services Building for live performances by local and regional bands. Music begins nightly at 7:30 p.m. and is free with admission. 
• Pig Races: Head over to Gate 2 for high-energy, family-friendly races happening daily at noon, 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.. Pick your favorite pig, cheer them all the way to the finish line, and don’t be surprised if the crowd gets loud. 
• Petting Zoo: Located just north of Gate 2, this family-friendly favorite is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids can meet barnyard animals up close and personal in a safe and welcoming space. 
• Commercial Exhibits: Cool off inside the West Hall of the E-Plex and explore more than 65 booths from local and regional businesses, which range from home improvement services, health products, boutique shopping, toys, and family activities. Food vendors and a seated concession area work to make it a great break spot, too.

Grandstand Events

The KY3 Grandstand will be packed with action and entertainment. Grandstand event tickets are sold separately at ozarkempirefair.com. 

• July 24: Berlin kicks off opening night with synth-pop nostalgia and unforgettable hits. 
• July 25: Austin Snell joins Restless Road and Shaylen for a night of rising country stars. 
• July 26: Outlaw Nationals Monster Trucks bring the thunder and horsepower. 
• July 27: Matthew West and Riley Clemmons lift the crowd with powerful contemporary Christian music.
• July 29: Pop-punk fans unite as State Champs take the stage. 
• July 31: Night of Destruction returns with demolition derbies, Figure 8 races, and the Combine Derby. 
• August 1: Hardee’s Extreme Freestyle Bullfighting delivers raw adrenaline and fearless showmanship. 
• August 2: Cap it off with roaring engines and hometown pride at the Truck & Tractor Pulls.

Food

This year’s menu is loaded with returning favorites and brand-new eats, but there will also be classic fair favorites, including funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, giant turkey legs, lemonade shake-ups, corn dogs, BBQ and more. 

New to the fair this year are:

• Boba drinks 
• Nashville hot chicken 
• Spicy cheese curds 
• Mini doughnuts
• Wink Waffles 
• Dirt Dough Cookies
• Fruit kabobs dipped in Dubai chocolate 

Special admission days

Special admission days offer something for everyone. Additionally, seniors who are ages 80+ receive free admission every day with identification.

• Monday, July 28: $3 day, $3 parking, $3 rides, and select $3 food items
• Tuesday, July 29: Free admission with valid police, fire, EMT or college ID
• Wednesday, July 30: Free admission day. Gate admission is on the house, courtesy of Dr. Brad Bradshaw.
• Thursday, July 31: Free admission for active duty service members, veterans, and retired service members with valid identification.

“This Fair has always been about more than rides and food—it’s about community, tradition, and building memories,” said Aaron Owen, CEO of the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, in a news release. “We’ve been doing this for 89 years, and we’re proud to keep growing, improving, and adding new ways to surprise and delight our guests. This year is no exception.”

For more information, visit here.