From the lights of the Ferris Wheel to the batter of the funnel cakes, the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo returns for its 89th annual celebration -- packing tradition, entertainment, and community pride into one of the region’s most anticipated events. Scheduled to run from September 26 through October 5, the Fair will kick off with a Sneak Peek Night on Thursday, September 25, following a special BBQ Weekend which was held on September 19 and 20.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Family, Youth, and Agriculture,” reflects the Fair’s longstanding mission to benefit youth, promote agriculture, and support education. “We are proud to invite the community to our Fair and give the youth of our county a platform to participate—from livestock shows to creative arts. That’s what we’re all about,” said Bobby Poncik, president of the Fort Bend County Fair.

The entertainment lineup will feature headline performances by Cole Goodwin, Wade Bowen, Los Igualados & Los Morales, Maverick Murphy, Josh Weathers, John Foster, Kevin Fowler, and Gene Watson, among others, with performances spread across multiple stages, throughout the fairgrounds. Bag of Donuts and Siggno will entertain crowds during BBQ Weekend. All concerts are included with gate admission.

Several new attractions will debut in 2025. The redesigned Marketplace will offer an enhanced shopping experience, featuring both indoor and outdoor vendors in a more inviting retail environment. A special “Sip and Shop” event, requiring an additional ticket, will take place on Wednesday, October 1. Families with young children can look forward to a new Kid Zone, located between Buildings “B” and “C,” which will include pony rides, a petting zoo with exotic animals, and interactive agricultural learning stations hosted by the Junior Leadership Council.

Rodeo action remains a cornerstone of the Fair. This year’s schedule includes Ranch Rodeo on opening day, Reunion Rodeo and Team Roping during the first weekend. A new event, the Ladies Invitational Breakaway Roping will debut on Tuesday, September 30. Several of the top WPRA ropers will be in competition. The Chad Thames Memorial Invitational Calf Roping will be held on Wednesday, October 1. PRCA Rodeo Slack begins October 2, followed by full PRCA-sanctioned rodeo performances on October 3, 4, and 5 at the O.D. Tucker Arena.

As a RODEOHOUSTON qualifier, the Fort Bend County Fair Rodeo continues to attract top-tier professional athletes. In 2024, over $150,000 in payouts were awarded. Notable athletes such as Kade Sonnier, Tanner Tomlinson, Brittany Pozzi Tonnozzi, and Aspen Miller competed at last year’s rodeo and are making their way to the National Finals Rodeo this December. Boyd

Polhamus returns as the official voice of the rodeo, with Mo Betta Rodeo providing livestock. The 2025 Miss Rodeo Texas, Reanna Santos, will be in attendance, along with crowd favorite Justin Rumford, 10-time ProRodeo Clown of the Year and host of a top national comedy podcast.

More than 1,500 volunteers, working across more than 50 committees, help bring the Fair to life each year. In 2024, the Fair raised over $1.4 million through its auctions, including the Junior Livestock Auction, School Art Auction, Freezer/Last Draw Sale, and Replacement Heifer Auction. This year, over $250,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 50 students. Each $5,000 scholarship helps local students attend colleges, universities, and trade schools across Texas.

The Fair also continues its efforts to be inclusive and accessible. The Sensory Calm Down Corral, launched in 2024, will return to offer a quiet, supportive space for children with intellectual and sensory needs. Other inclusive programs include the Old 300 Horse Show, Exceptional Rodeo, Special Citizens Day, and inclusive livestock competitions.

Traditional events remain a highlight of the Fair experience. The Kickoff Parade will take place on Friday, September 26 at 9 a.m., with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller serving as Parade Marshal. The 2025 Fair Queen will be crowned during the Fair, with six young women competing for the title. The Pollard family, this year’s Fair Honorees, will be recognized for their decades of service and commitment to the Fair.

Military Appreciation Day will be observed on Friday, October 3. From 3 to 7 p.m., active-duty military members, veterans, and their immediate families will receive free admission at Gate 1 upon presenting a valid military ID, Veteran ID, or DD214.

Other community favorites returning this year include mutton bustin’, lawn mower and kart racing, the stick horse rodeo, children’s tractor pull, domino tournament, cornhole tournament, creative arts exhibits, and ten livestock shows featuring more than 600 entries from 4-H and FFA participants. From the “Diaper Derby” to the horticulture contest, the Fair offers something for everyone.

Food lovers will find a wide range of options throughout the fairgrounds, from traditional treats like turkey legs and corn dogs to local specialties. Food trucks will also be located along the semi-circle near the main fairgrounds. The carnival, operated by Amusement Midway Providers (AMP), will feature rides suitable for thrill seekers and young children alike.

Attendance is expected to exceed 100,000 visitors over the 10-day event, solidifying the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo as one of the premier community events in the region. Season passes, daily tickets, and action seat tickets are on sale now. For tickets, schedules, and additional event details, visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com. The Fair takes place at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds at 4310 Highway 36 S in Rosenberg.