Fair Week FYIs

It’s Fair Week in Dutchess County – one of the largest county fairs in the state – but before you line up for that 4H milkshake or fried pickle (that’ll be me), make sure you have the basic fair facts:

• The Dutchess County Fair runs Tuesday, August 25 through Sunday, August 30, 2026

• Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 10pm, and Sunday 10am to 8pm.

• Admission is $20 at the gate, $40 ride all day wristbands ($15, $30 in advance online through 12am August 25 only). Admission is free for kids under 11.

• You either need a Ride All Day Wristband or ride tickets to go on midway rides. Ride All Day Wristbands ($40) are good for one day only during the fair. Wristbands do not include general admission fees. Riders purchasing a wristband must be at least 36” tall. Shared or broken wristbands will not be accepted on any ride. Advanced Sale Wristband vouchers can be redeemed at any Power’s Carnival Ticket Booth.

• Be aware of unauthorized ticket sales. Fairground officials say: Tickets provided by ETIX for the Dutchess Fair are the ONLY authorized outlet for tickets to Dutchess County Fairgrounds events and performances. Tickets purchased from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at your own risk. We urge patrons to purchase tickets only from the Dutchess County Fairgrounds website. By purchasing from the official ticket provider, you are assured that the ticket you receive is valid and being sold to you at face value.

• Parking is free! And there is plenty in the fairgrounds lot. Just follow the signs and fair-only traffic lane on Route 9. GPS address: 6636 Springbrook Avenue, Rhinebeck

• You can leave the fairgrounds and return later on that day – just get your hand stamped at the gate.

• Leave your pets at home! And please, do not leave them in your car either. Registered service animals only. Any dog left in a vehicle will be turned over to the local authorities/dog warden at the expense of the owner.

• There is no smoking anywhere on the facility. (No vapes/electronic smoking devices either).

• All entrances are handicap accessible. You can also rent a wheelchair or scooter onsite, available on a first come, first served basis.

• Looking for a bathroom? Look down! Yellow lines on the pavement throughout the fairgrounds will lead you to the nearest restroom.

• Lose something? All lost and found articles can be turned in or claimed at the State Police Command Center located next to the Main Restrooms and First Aid building (Map #9).

• Lost..a kid? Lost children can be found in the Safe Kid’s Place which is located next to the First Aid Station (Map # 8) next to Main Restrooms.

• Need to recharge? Cell phone charging stations are located near main restrooms (Map #9) and near Food Mall Pavilion.

• Don’t miss Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, the Pawstars Frisbee Dogs or Hilby, just a few of the fair’s free (but always fun) entertainment throughout the week. (Link: Free entertainment at the fair)

• The fair is rain or shine! (And IMO, rainy days can be a lot of fun at the fair.) Come prepared either way.

*If you live around Rhinebeck, but want to avoid any fairground traffic, head over to 9G before the village. If heading north, make the move via North Cross Road or Primrose. If traveling near the bridge, River Road is a leisurely, scenic route away. Have patience, have fun! It’s the fair once a year!

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