Six Days of Summer Events Set for Jacksonville

The Morgan County Fair returns to Jacksonville next week with six days of livestock shows, youth competitions, family events and grandstand entertainment.

The 2026 fair is scheduled for July 7 through July 12 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 North Westgate Avenue. Gate admission is $5 Tuesday through Saturday, with children under 6 admitted free. Sunday admission is free. Season passes are $15.

The fair opens Tuesday, July 7, with the Morgan County Fair Talent Contest at 5 p.m. in the grandstand. The annual competition gives local performers a chance to take the stage and showcase their talents.

Livestock events begin Wednesday, July 8, with sheep judging at 8 a.m. in the livestock show ring. Rabbit judging also begins Wednesday at 8 a.m. in the rabbit barn and continues through July 15. Swine judging is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at 8 a.m. in the livestock show ring.

Thursday will also include Kids’ Day from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the 4-H Building. The event is planned as an afternoon of free activities for children ages 2 to 12. The Youth Fun Show follows at 6 p.m. in the horse arena, giving young equestrians a chance to participate in the fair.

Country music will headline the fair’s grandstand entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. Ian Munsick will perform Friday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Corey Kent. Cole Swindell will take the stage Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Sadie Bass.

Friday’s schedule also includes goat judging at 8 a.m. and the Master Showmanship Contest at 1 p.m., both in the livestock show ring. The showmanship contest gives exhibitors a chance to demonstrate their handling skill and knowledge of multiple species.

Saturday begins with beef judging at 8 a.m. in the livestock show ring. A 6-on-6 co-ed sand volleyball tournament is scheduled for 9 a.m. before the evening concert.

The fair closes Sunday, July 12, with Family Day. Sunday events include a 4-on-4 volleyball tournament at 9 a.m., poultry judging at 10 a.m., the 8th annual Toss for Autism Bags Tournament at noon, the Pet & Wheel Parade at noon, a petting zoo at 1:30 p.m., the Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull at 2 p.m. and truck and tractor pulls at 4:30 p.m. in the grandstand.

A 4-H and 4-H Alumni Livestock Auction is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at 1 p.m. in the livestock show ring, giving community businesses an opportunity to support junior livestock exhibitors.

More information is available through the Morgan County Fair.