From 4-H to headliners, Perkins County Fair brings community together under patriotic theme

Patriotism, agriculture and hometown pride will take center stage this July as the Perkins County Fair returns with a theme rooted in both local tradition and national history.

The 2026 fair, set for July 8–18 at the fairgrounds in Grant, will carry the theme “America Grows Here: Celebrating 250 Years of American Pride at the Perkins County Fair,” recognizing the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial while highlighting the role rural communities play in sustaining it.

Blending long-standing 4-H traditions with expanded entertainment, this year’s fair offers a full schedule of events designed to bring together families, exhibitors and visitors from across the region.

4-H events lead off fair schedule

Fair activities begin well ahead of the midway attractions, with a full slate of 4-H competitions and exhibits kicking off July 8.

The week opens with 4-H Clothing Construction and Style Revue judging at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 8 at the Perkins County Extension Office, followed by a series of livestock and project shows:

• Friday, July 10: 4-H Horse Show, registration at 7:30 a.m., show at 8 a.m. (arena)

• Saturday, July 11: Poultry show at 8:30 a.m., followed by rabbit and companion animal shows beginning at 10 a.m., and a dog show at 1 p.m.

• Sunday, July 12: Fairgrounds cleanup at 6 p.m. and exhibitor/parent meeting at 7 p.m.

Project judging continues into fair week with static exhibits entered and judged from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 13, followed by livestock check-in and weigh-in on Tuesday, July 14.

Livestock shows headline midweek events:

• Wednesday, July 15: Swine show at 8 a.m.

• Thursday, July 16: Beef show at 8 a.m., with sheep and goat show to follow

• Friday, July 17: Round Robin at 9 a.m. and livestock auction at 1:30 p.m.

The 4-H schedule wraps up Saturday, July 18, with barn cleanup from 7 to 9 a.m., a community barbecue from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and awards presentations and fashion show at 12:30 p.m. Exhibit release will follow the awards program or take place from 5 to 6 p.m.

Organizers say the 4-H component remains the backbone of the fair, showcasing the dedication, responsibility and skills of area youth.

Entertainment and family activities ramp up

While 4-H activities run throughout the week, the fair’s public entertainment schedule begins Thursday, July 16, with a mix of family attractions and evening events.

Thursday, July 16 will feature:

• Bounce houses and golf activities from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Beer garden opening at 5 p.m.

• A ranch rodeo in the evening

Friday, July 17 expands the offerings with:

• Bounce houses and golf from 3 to 10 p.m.

• Zip line and laser tag from 5 to 10 p.m.

• Beer garden opening at 5 p.m.

• A headline concert by Nebraska country artist Tim Zach

Saturday brings a full day of events, beginning with a morning parade and continuing into an evening of live music and activities.

Saturday, July 18 includes:

• Bounce houses and golf from 3 to 9 p.m.

• Zip line and laser tag from 4 to 9 p.m.

• Beer garden opening at 4 p.m.

• Concerts beginning at 4:30 p.m., featuring multiple artists throughout the evening

The Saturday concert lineup includes Tim Zach along with Neon Union, Lakeview, Bayker Blankenship and headliner George Birge, offering a festival-style experience for fairgoers.

Saturday Concert Lineup 

Tim Zach — A Nebraska favorite, Zach is known for his energetic live performances and strong regional following. A past winner of the Colgate Country Showdown, he has spent years touring the Midwest and returns to the Perkins County Fair stage as both a Friday headliner and part of Saturday’s lineup.

Neon Union — A country duo combining traditional influences with a modern edge, Neon Union has been recognized for tight harmonies and polished songwriting. The group has toured nationally and continues to build a growing fan base.

Lakeview — This Nashville-based duo delivers a high-energy mix of country and rock, drawing inspiration from Midwest roots. Known for their rowdy, crowd-friendly shows, Lakeview has been gaining traction on the touring circuit.

Bayker Blankenship — A fast-emerging artist with a strong social media following, Blankenship has built momentum with his authentic songwriting and stripped-down country sound, connecting with younger audiences across streaming platforms.

George Birge — A rising force in country music, Birge first gained attention as part of the duo Johnny Reid before launching a successful solo career. Known for his hit “Mind on You,” he blends modern country with pop influences and has quickly climbed the national charts.

Celebrating community and country

Fair board members say the 2026 theme reflects more than a milestone anniversary, it represents the enduring spirit of rural America.

From livestock barns and exhibit halls to the grandstand stage, the Perkins County Fair continues to serve as one of the county’s largest annual gatherings, bringing together generations of families and showcasing the importance of agriculture, youth involvement and community connection.

As the nation approaches 250 years of independence, the board says the message is simple: in places like Perkins County, America continues to grow.