The 2026 Panhandle-South Plains Fair returns next week with a few new features - including free shows - and a lot of returning fan favorites.
This will be the 109th edition of the fair. It opens Thursday, Sept. 24 with its traditional Buck-a-Ride preview night from 6 to 11 p.m., when rides are only $1 each, ahead of the fair's full run Friday through Oct. 3 at the fairgrounds at Broadway and Avenue A.
After a hot summer that saw record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions, General Wallace, the fair's general manager, said she's eager for the cooler temperatures and obligatory rain chances that always seem to come with the fair.
"I would start the fair tomorrow just to have some cooler temperatures," she said with a laugh.
Already, more seasonable
temperatures are in the forecast in the days leading up to the fair, with the National Weather Service in Lubbock expecting increased rain chances and highs near average in the 80s coming this weekend into early next week.
Through Sept. 19, the fair will offer its popular Mega Passes for $75, allowing fairgoers to ride unlimited rides each day through the duration of the fair. Last year, the fair sold about 3,600 Mega Passes in advance and Wallace said she was hopeful to hit 4,000 this year. Otherwise, ride tickets start at $1.50, with most rides requiring several tickets, although there are special daily deals throughout the fair.
On the agenda at the South Plains Fair
Wallace said there will be at least 38 booths run by non-profit food vendors, including familiar favorites like the Shriners, Science Spectrum and Oakwood Methodist Church along with relative newcomers like Harvest Church and Hub City Hoops.
Harvest Church will be offering mini pancakes with assorted toppings while Hub City Hoops will serve up "rib dogs," which Wallace described as rib meat in a hotdog bun.
Wallace said there will be more than 150 commercial vendors offering all sorts of gadgets, gifts and other goods.
Fairgoers will see several improvements, including upgraded air conditioning in the commercial vendor building and new poles in the parking lot to improve traffic flow, Wallace said.
Rides and fun on the midway
The Reithoffer midway show will be back, showcasing more than 40 carnival attractions including the Ferris wheel, carousel and wide assortment of thrill rides and rides for kids.
Wallace said prices for admission, parking and tickets remain unchanged from recent years.
The price for admission tickets is $10 for adults, age 13 and up, and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. Children 1 and younger are admitted for free. Parking in the large lot near the fairgrounds costs $5 per vehicle. Admission tickets, along with Mega Passes allowing for unlimited rides during each day of the fair for $75, can also be purchased online through the fair's website.
Ride tickets can be purchased in the carnival area for $1.50 per single ticket, with deals for buying them in bulk and specials on some days.
Wallace said she's hoping for another year of strong attendance. Recent years have seen well over 200,000 people come to the fair.
New free attractions and more pig races return
This year's fair will see the third year in a row of pig racing - a feature that Wallace said had been a staple of the fair up until about 2005 before it returned in 2024. There will be four shows a day during the weekdays and five each weekend day.
New this year will be Mad Chad Chainsaw Juggler, who juggles more than just chainsaws, Wallace said. There could be some Tasers up in the air.
"He'll cut some wood, too," she said.
Wallace said fairgoers should also keep an eye out for "The Plant Guy" - a performer whose plant disguises create an element of surprise.
And a new Hog Diggity Dogs & More show will feature a variety of cute animals and offer camel rides.
"We're just trying to make it exciting - we always try to offer something different," she said.
Other returning performers include Rock-It the Robot, Hypnotist Ron Diamond, Doc Magic and more.
Enhanced security at the South Plains Fair
Fair organizers have again opted to continue implementing a clear-bag policy out of an abundance of caution. There will be signage in the parking lot before entry to inform visitors of the clear-bag policy.
South Plains Fair continues beer sales
For the fifth year in a row, beer will be served on tap and in cans at this year's fair.
Beer will be served at four locations around the fair, with standard domestic tap beer (Bug Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, etc.) on tap. There will also be canned options at various points in the non-profit food row. Beer can be consumed throughout the fairgrounds, but not beyond the gates.
With beer in the mix, Wallace said, organizers always take increased precautions, including stopping beer sales two hours before the fair closes and that increased law-enforcement presence.
The fair will also feature its usual lineup of agricultural and livestock competitions, art displays and vendors, as well as an assortment of sideshows and musical acts.
Special days at the South Plains Fair
Thursday, Sept. 24 from 6 -11p.m.: Buck-A-Ride Night All rides $1 a piece
Sunday, Sept. 27 Family Day: Kids 17 and under admitted free before 9 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 28 Veterans Day: Any veteran gets in the gate for $5.
Tuesday, Sept. 29 Senior Citizen’s Day: Persons 60 years of age or older get in the gate for $5.
$2 Tuesday: Each ride is $2 a piece
Thursday, Oct. 1 College Night: Present your current college ID and get in the gate for $5.
Thursday, Oct. 1 is also Wristband Day: $40 Wristband to ride unlimited rides from 3 to 11 p.m.
Gate hours
Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. – Midnight
Saturdays: 8 a.m. – Midnight
Paid hours
Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturdays and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Carnival hours
Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Fridays: 3 p.m. – Midnight
Saturdays: 11 a.m.– Midnight
Sunday: 11a.m. – 11 p.m.
Adam D. Young is the Editor of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and Amarillo Globe-News in Texas. Have a news tip for him? Email him at ayoung@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: The Panhandle-South Plains Fair returns to Lubbock. What you need to know.
