Ohio State Fair Announces Condensed Livestock Competition Schedule For 2026

By Andi Anderson

The Ohio State Fair has released its preliminary livestock schedule for 2026, covering the period from July 19 through Aug. 9.

Fair organizers announced that livestock competitions will be condensed into a 15 day schedule to improve the exhibitor experience and allow greater participation in county fairs across Ohio.

Under the updated format, one full week of pre fair livestock showing has been removed. This change allows all livestock species to exhibit during the 12 official days of the Ohio State Fair.

Organizers say this approach increases visibility for exhibitors and gives fairgoers more opportunities to experience a wide range of livestock shows throughout the fair.

An initial dated species schedule has been released, with a more detailed and timed schedule expected later. Officials anticipate session dates will be posted in December 2025, followed by a full dated and timed schedule in January 2026.

Livestock events will begin on July 19 with junior horse shows and dog shows, continuing through July 25. Beef competitions will begin July 25 with multiple breed sessions running throughout the fair. Beef events will include purebred, crossbred, commercial cattle, market beef, prospect calves, and specialty breeds such as Santa Gertrudis.

Swine shows will include purebred gilts and boars, crossbred gilts and boars, and junior and open barrows, scheduled from late July through the final days of the fair. Sheep events will be divided into market lambs, commercial ewes, and multiple breeding sessions covering a wide range of wool and meat breeds.

Dairy cattle will be shown in two main sessions, with breeds such as Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn, and Red and White included. Dairy goats, dairy feeders, and market goat classes are also scheduled. Boer goat shows will include both breeding and market classes.

Additional species featured during the fair include poultry, rabbits, llamas, pygmy goats, draft horses, dogs, and junior poultry. Special events such as the Scarlet and Grey shows will also take place.

The fair will conclude on Aug. 9 with the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction, highlighting top youth exhibitors and animals from across the state. The condensed schedule is designed to strengthen youth participation, enhance public engagement, and celebrate Ohio’s diverse livestock industry.

Photo Credit: ohio-state-fair