Photo credits: Midland County Fair

What to watch: The 16th annual Midland County Fair returns Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 20–23, at the Midland County Horseshoe. Kids can operate miniature excavators, meet exotic animals including kangaroos and lemurs, watch Mutton Bustin’ and bull riding, or spend the day riding the carnival. The fair opens at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at 10 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday.

The big picture: General fair admission varies by day, with tickets priced at $5 on Thursday, $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday, and $8 on Sunday. Children 5 and under get in free. A four-day pass is available for $25. Most of the fair’s attractions and entertainment are included with general admission, while carnival rides and the Josh Abbott Band concert require separate tickets.

The carnival operates all four days and stays open until 11 p.m. each night. Unlimited ride armbands are $40 per person per day, with Thursday’s Family Night offering the best deal at $30 per person. Individual ride tickets are also available. Tickets for the Josh Abbott Band concert Saturday are sold separately, with general admission priced at $25 and VIP tickets at $40.

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Go deeper: Throughout the weekend, Kidstruction Land lets children operate remote-controlled excavators and dump trucks and use a hydraulically powered sifter, while Rodeo 101 gives kids hands-on introductions to Western skills with activities including ropemaking, a backhoe digger pit, and stick-horse barrel racing.

The Family Fun Zone adds a Ninja House, remote-control car racing, mini golf, and other activities. Noah’s Way Exotic Petting Zoo gives families the chance to see animals including kangaroos and lemurs.

Visitors can also head inside to the air-conditioned marketplace, where local artisans, crafters, and businesses will sell handmade goods, boutique clothing, home décor, and other items. Creative arts displays, outdoor vendors, traditional fair food, and a food truck court will also be available throughout the weekend.

  • Thursday, Aug. 20 — Opening & Family Night: The Ice Cream Social runs from 6–7 p.m., while the Spin & Sing Karaoke Competition runs from 6–9 p.m. The Junior Bull Ride and West Texas Jam featuring the Electric Gypsies begin at 7 p.m., with the bull ride continuing until 9 p.m. and live music until 10 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ is from 8–8:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 21 — Groove Night: The Ryder Wayne Gass Memorial Jackpot Steer Show runs from 5–10 p.m., while open karaoke runs from 5–9 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Chase Quine Memorial Bull Ride, Garden Tractor Pulls, and ’80s Party featuring Groove City all begin. The bull ride and tractor pulls run until 9 p.m., while the ’80s Party continues until 10 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ is from 8–8:30 p.m., with wrestling from 8–9 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 22 — Celebrate Midland: The Special Needs Rodeo runs from 10 a.m.–noon, with the FaFa-Doption Live Art Contest & Great Big Animal Adoption Event from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Artists create original works featuring animals available for adoption from local shelters and rescues. The Lone Star Style Fashion Show runs from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Pet Parade runs from 2–2:30 p.m. and is open to all kinds of pets with categories including Best Pet/Owner Look-Alike, Most Unusual/Unique Pet, Most Creative Costume, Best Pet Trick, and Fan Favorite. Entries are accepted from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. before the parade.

The Pie Baking Competition is judged from 2:30–3 p.m., the Hot Dog Eating Contest is from 3–3:30 p.m., and the Community Talent Showcase is from 4–9 p.m.The Josh Abbott Band concert begins at 7 p.m. The Chase Quine Memorial Bull Ride and Garden Tractor Pulls also begin at 7 p.m., followed by Mutton Bustin’ from 8–8:30 p.m. and wrestling from 8–10 p.m.

  • Sunday, Aug. 23 — Charro Fest: The Wild & Woolly Lamb & Goat Show runs from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., beginning before the fair officially opens at noon. The Singer/Songwriter Showcase runs from 1–5 p.m., and the Charro Extravaganza takes over the arena from 4–6 p.m., featuring charros, escaramuzas, horsemanship, roping, equestrian ballet, mariachi, and Ballet Folklórico, with Mutton Bustin’ during intermission.

Banda Jerezana de Don Nicho Ayala performs from 7–10 p.m. to close the fair. The FaFa-Doption art and adoption event also continues Sunday from noon–6 p.m.

What’s next: Parking is free at the Midland County Horseshoe and available on a first-come, first-park basis. Outside food, drinks, and coolers aren’t allowed. Food trucks and concessions will be available inside, including a bar. Strollers are allowed, although they may be searched at entry. Clear bags are preferred, and the fair reserves the right to search bags.

Check out the Midland County Fair’s official website for the complete daily schedule, ticket options, and FAQs.