The Riley County Fair returns to the Riley County Fairgrounds in CiCo Park, Thursday July 24 through Monday, July 28. With activities for the whole family, you will not want to miss this annual event!
Mom’s Guide to the Riley County Fair
4-H Exhibits
The Riley County Fair showcases the hard work of 4-H members in a variety of areas, from show animals to gardening to creative arts and more! Catch a livestock showing, featuring horses, sheep, pigs, goats, and cattle; concluding with a livestock sale on Monday, July 28.
Large livestock will be on display in the barn south of the show arena, with smaller animals located in the barn north of the arena; these exhibits are open for self-guided viewing during daily fair hours. Stop by Pottorf Hall to view creative arts exhibits, get out of the heat, and take a bathroom break. Pottorf Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
Food and Vendors
In addition to 4-H displays, you will find a variety of vendors in the lawn between Pottorf Hall and the livestock buildings. Multiple food trucks with all the traditional fair food are located in this area as well.
Carnival Rides and Games
This year’s Riley County Fair Carnival is hosted by WEEE Entertainment out of Wichita, Kansas, featuring rides and games for all ages! Carnival hours start at 6 p.m. and run until 10-11 p.m. daily, July 24 through July 28. Unlimited ride wristbands as well as individual tickets will be available for purchase. Cash or cards accepted at the ticket box and concessions. Tokens for games must be purchased with cash only, an ATM will be onsite.
Kaw Valley PRCA Rodeo
The Kaw Valley Rodeo runs concurrently with the Riley County Fair, with shows nightly July 24, 25 and 26 starting at 8 p.m., gates opening at 6:30 pm.
Admission: 4 and under FREE, 5-12 years old: $8-$10, and ages 13 & up: $13-$20.
Tickets are cheaper in advance, but are also available at the gate.
Thursday is Military Appreciation Night with free tickets available at various locations around Manhattan and on Fort Riley. Children 12 and under also get FREE admission with a non-perishable food item donation to benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket. A free picnic will be served at 5:30 p.m. in a tent north of Pottorf Hall.
Each night will feature the following events for children:
- Mutton Bustin’ for ages 5-7 and less than 60 pounds.
- Calf Scramble for ages 8-11 years.
Participants for either event must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Sign up starts at 6:30 p.m. at the southwest gate.
Parking
Parking is available in the lot at Kimball Avenue and Avery Drive as well as the lot between Pottorf Hall and CiCo waterpark. Street parking along Avery Drive is also an option.
Additional Events
Other events include a 4-H Bake sale, Fair Olympics, and Pedal Tractor Pull. More information and a detailed schedule can be found here.
