This September brings one of northwestern Arizona’s most beloved community celebrations to the historic Route 66 town of Kingman. The Mohave County Fair, scheduled for September 11th-14th, 2025, continues a rich tradition of bringing together families, farmers, ranchers, and visitors from across the Southwest for four days of genuine small-town festivities. Located at the scenic foothills of the Hualapai Mountains, this annual gathering represents everything that makes rural Arizona special – agricultural heritage, community pride, and warm hospitality that welcomes everyone as family.
Authentic Small-Town Atmosphere
The Mohave County Fair stands as a cornerstone event for this region, drawing visitors from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and communities throughout the Four Corners area who return year after year for its authentic atmosphere. The fairgrounds transform into a vibrant showcase featuring livestock and crafts exhibits, live entertainment, tons of vendors, carnival rides, and much more. What sets this fair apart from larger metropolitan events is its genuine focus on agricultural education and community involvement. Local 4-H and FFA members proudly display their year-long projects, from prize-winning cattle and sheep to carefully tended vegetable gardens and handcrafted items that reflect generations of rural skills and knowledge.
Celebrating Agricultural Heritage
The heart of the fair lies in its celebration of Mohave County’s diverse agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore comprehensive livestock exhibitions featuring cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry raised by dedicated young farmers who compete for ribbons and scholarships that support their educational goals. The crafts and household arts competitions showcase quilting, canning, woodworking, and other traditional skills that remain vital parts of rural Arizona life. These exhibits provide urban visitors with fascinating insights into the self-reliant lifestyle that has sustained desert communities for generations.
Entertainment and Midway Fun
Entertainment throughout the four-day celebration includes live musical performances on outdoor stages, featuring everything from country and western acts to contemporary bands that appeal to all age groups. The fairgrounds host a lively daily carnival operated by professional traveling shows, providing classic midway excitement with rides, games, and fair food favorites. The midway buzzes with the energy of families enjoying cotton candy, funnel cakes, and caramel apples while children experience the thrill of carnival rides against the backdrop of Arizona’s dramatic desert landscape.
Diverse Food Offerings
Food vendors represent the cultural diversity of Mohave County, offering everything from traditional American fair favorites to Mexican specialties, Native American fry bread, and local barbecue that reflects the region’s ranching heritage. Many vendors are local church groups, school organizations, and community clubs using the fair as their primary annual fundraiser, making every purchase a direct investment in community programs and services.
Event Details and Information
📅 Dates: September 11-14, 2025
🕒 Hours: Thursday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Boulevard, Kingman, AZ 86401
💰 Admission: Adults $12, Seniors/Veterans/First Responders $6, Children 5-12 $5, Children 4 and under FREE
🎟️ Special Pricing: Four-day passes available online at 20% discount
🚗 Parking: Free parking available on fairgrounds
Contact Information
📞 Phone: (928) 753-2600
Website: www.mcparks.com
Social Media: @mohavecountyfairgrounds (Facebook)
Email: Available through Mohave County Parks website
Planning Your Visit
The fairgrounds are easily accessible from Interstate 40 at Exit 53, making it convenient for visitors traveling along the historic Route 66 corridor. Kingman’s location at the intersection of I-40 and US Highway 93 provides excellent access from Las Vegas (90 minutes), Phoenix (3.5 hours), and Flagstaff (2 hours). The fair’s scheduling during mid-September takes advantage of cooler desert temperatures, with daytime highs typically in the comfortable 80s and pleasant evenings perfect for outdoor activities.
Recent facility improvements include fire panel updates for expo buildings, electrical system enhancements in livestock stalls, and energy-efficient lighting installations throughout the grounds. These upgrades demonstrate the county’s commitment to maintaining high-quality facilities that serve the community year-round while providing an exceptional experience during fair week.
Visitors should plan to spend at least half a day exploring all the fair offers, though many families find that a full day allows time to truly appreciate the livestock competitions, craft exhibitions, and entertainment programming. The fair’s compact layout makes it easy to navigate, and the friendly atmosphere encourages conversations with exhibitors who are eager to share their knowledge and passion for their projects.
Community Impact and Agricultural Education
The Mohave County Fair continues to promote community involvement and interest in agriculture, livestock, household arts, horticulture, and traditions through an educational and entertaining experience in a family-friendly environment that encourages the public to showcase their accomplishments. This mission resonates particularly strongly in today’s increasingly urbanized world, where many children have limited exposure to agricultural life and traditional rural skills.
The fair serves as a vital educational resource, connecting urban visitors with the agricultural foundation that supports their daily lives. Children can observe livestock up close, learn about sustainable farming practices, and gain appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to produce food and fiber. The intergenerational knowledge transfer happening throughout the fairgrounds – from experienced farmers mentoring young 4-H members to master craftspeople demonstrating traditional techniques – represents an invaluable community resource.
Economic Benefits to the Region
Local businesses throughout Kingman benefit significantly from the increased visitor traffic during fair week. Hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and retail establishments experience their busiest weekend of the year, with many businesses offering special promotions and extended hours to accommodate fair visitors. This economic impact extends throughout Mohave County, supporting jobs and generating tax revenue that benefits all residents.
Year-Round Community Support
The fair’s nonprofit status ensures that proceeds support youth programs, facility improvements, and community services throughout the year. Over 50 enthusiastic employees and volunteers from various county departments work year-round to prepare for the annual event, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that makes rural Arizona communities so resilient and supportive.
A Living Museum of Rural Arizona
This authentic celebration of rural Arizona life offers visitors an opportunity to experience the values, traditions, and community spirit that continue to define much of the American West. The Mohave County Fair represents far more than weekend entertainment – it’s a living museum of agricultural heritage, a showcase of community pride, and a reminder of the deep connections between land, animals, and people that sustain rural communities across the Southwest.
