Franklin County Fair Brings Eight Days of Food, Family Fun and Big-Name Entertainment to Malone
Photo courtesy View Arts Center.
A classic Adirondack fair returns to Malone.
The 176th Franklin County Fair returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Malone, New York, from August 8–14, 2026, bringing one of the Adirondacks' longest-running agricultural fairs back for another week of midway rides, livestock exhibitions, live music, demolition derbies, rodeos, and enough fair food to justify wearing stretchy pants.
For travelers exploring the northern Adirondacks, it's one of the region's signature summer traditions.
From the aroma of sizzling sausage sandwiches and fresh-cut fries to the unmistakable sweetness of cotton candy drifting across the midway, the Franklin County Fair delivers exactly what generations of fairgoers have come to expect—along with a few headline concerts that keep things feeling fresh.
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Fun fair food.
Come hungry—and stay for everything else.
Food is reason enough to spend a day at the fair. Visitors can snack on candy apples, fried dough, lemonade, corn dogs, deep-fried favorites, barbecue, ice cream, and countless other classic fair treats while wandering the grounds.
Beyond the food, the carnival midway buzzes with amusement rides and games for all ages. Families can spend hours moving between the midway, exhibit halls, animal barns, and grandstand events without running out of things to see.
Agriculture remains at the heart of the Adirondack fair.
While concerts and carnival rides draw crowds, agriculture remains the soul of the Franklin County Fair.
Livestock barns showcase cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and other farm animals alongside 4-H exhibits that highlight the next generation of North Country agriculture. Visitors can also browse community craft displays, local competitions, and pageants that celebrate the creativity and traditions of Franklin County.
It's a reminder that fairs like this continue to connect Adirondack communities with their agricultural roots.
Connect the local agriculture community.
Watch the Franklin County Fair horse shows in action.
Horse competitions are another longtime Franklin County Fair tradition. This video from the 2025 fair offers a look at the horse shows and the atmosphere visitors can expect while exploring one of the Adirondacks' premier agricultural events.
The horse shows are just one example of the agricultural heritage that continues to make the Franklin County Fair one of the Adirondacks' signature summer events.
Highlights from the 2025 Franklin County Fair horse shows in Malone, showcasing one of the fair's many agricultural traditions.
The horse shows are just one example of the agricultural heritage that continues to make the Franklin County Fair one of the Adirondacks' signature summer events.
Grandstand entertainment keeps the excitement rolling.
Every day offers a different reason to head toward the grandstand.
The week begins with the ever-popular Demolition Derby on Saturday before the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo rides into town on Sunday. Monday features the Franklin County Ag Society Truck & Tractor Pull, while Tuesday showcases local talent during the "Small Town Famous" Talent Show.
Wednesday shifts into high gear with the Black Cat Hell Drivers Thrill Show, leading into one of the week's biggest attractions.
On Thursday, August 13, alternative rock favorites Gin Blossoms take the stage alongside fellow '90s hitmakers Spin Doctors, bringing familiar sing-along anthems to the Franklin County Fair.
Friday closes out the featured concert lineup with country artist Dylan Marlow and special guest Austin Snell.
ADK Taste pick.
If choosing just one evening, Thursday offers one of the strongest combinations of classic fair atmosphere and live entertainment. Spend the afternoon exploring the midway and agricultural exhibits before grabbing dinner from the food vendors and settling in for Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors under the summer sky.
Classic demolition derbies are a popular event.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive before lunchtime if possible. Parking is easier, animal barns are less crowded, and you'll have time to explore the exhibits before afternoon rides and evening grandstand events begin. Comfortable shoes are a must—you'll cover far more ground than you expect.
Plan your Franklin County Fair visit.
Whether visitors come for the concerts, carnival rides, demolition derby, livestock barns, or simply an afternoon spent sampling classic fair food, the Franklin County Fair offers an experience that feels distinctly North Country.
It's an easy addition to an Adirondack getaway, especially for travelers exploring Malone, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Chateaugay, Paul Smiths, or Gabriels during August.
For admission information, schedules, ticket details, and weather updates, visitors should check the Franklin County Fair's official website or Facebook page before traveling.
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This year’s musical acts appearing at the Franklin County Fair include The Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors and more.
FAQ.
When is the Franklin County Fair?
The 176th Franklin County Fair takes place August 8–14, 2026, in Malone, New York.
Where is the Franklin County Fair held?
The fair is held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Malone, located in New York's northern Adirondack region.
Who is performing at the Franklin County Fair in 2026?
Featured performers include Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors on August 13 and Dylan Marlow with Austin Snell on August 14.
Is the Franklin County Fair family friendly?
Yes. Families will find carnival rides, livestock exhibits, 4-H displays, games, food vendors, pageants, and daily entertainment for all ages.
What food is available at the Franklin County Fair?
Visitors can enjoy traditional fair favorites including cotton candy, candy apples, fried dough, barbecue, corn dogs, fresh-cut fries, lemonade, and other classic midway treats.
What towns are near the Franklin County Fair?
The fair is convenient to Malone, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Chateaugay, Paul Smiths, Gabriels, and other northern Adirondack communities.
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