The annual county fair is always the kickoff event for fall in southwest Oklahoma. Even though it's still pretty warm during the month of September, it's always the county fair and the first Friday night lights of the season that mark the beginning of fall.

Most county fairs in southwest Oklahoma take place in September, like the Oklahoma State Fair. However, some close out summer with the county fair at the end of August. All 14 counties in southwest Oklahoma host a county fair where locals and visitors can experience livestock shows, carnival games/rides, food/craft contests and more activities and experiences to celebrate agriculture.

All 14 counties in southwest Oklahoma annually host county fairs.

Growing up in Frederick, we would enter various school projects and crafts into the Tillman County Fair. As I got older, I volunteered to work at the fair, flipping hamburgers at the 4H booth or helping my mom make cotton candy. I'd watch my sister compete in the Farmhand Olympics and livestock judging with my dad as he told me stories about his days at the fair showing cows.

County fairs across southwest Oklahoma hold many similar memories for residents. And if you've never been to a county fair, you'll have 14 opportunities to celebrate local agriculture across southwest Oklahoma.

Most county fairs in southwest Oklahoma have already announced fair dates for 2026.

All county fairs in southwest Oklahoma are typically hosted by each county's OSU Extension Office.

READ MORE: Why Frederick, Oklahoma Feels Like Stars Hollow In Fall

The Oklahoma State Fair will take place Sept. 17-27 in Oklahoma City.

Along with county fairs, the Oklahoma State Fair also takes place annually in September. This year's state fair is set for Sept. 17-27 at the OKC Fairgrounds. This year's Oklahoma State Fair theme is The Midway Of The Mother Road and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

The Oklahoma State Fair hosts your typical fair activities, like carnival games/rides, food trucks, food/crafts competitions and livestock shows. The state fair also offers free live entertainment and Disney On Ice performances.

More information about the Oklahoma State Fair is available on the fair's official website.

READ MORE: Oklahoma State Fair Announces Route 66 Red Dirt Music Festival

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