For generations, county fairs have served as celebrations of agriculture, community, and small-town traditions. From livestock shows and baking contests to carnival rides, live music, tractor displays and fried fair food, these annual gatherings remain one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved summer traditions.
Although Rutherford County does not currently have a summer fair of its own, two of its neighbors—the Bedford County Fair in Shelbyville and the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon—are preparing for another busy summer season packed with entertainment, competitions and activities.
County fairs remain an important part of Tennessee’s culture and economy. According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, nearly 3 million people attended Tennessee fairs in 2025, viewing more than 205,000 exhibits with thousands of supporting volunteers helping make the events possible.
From the thrilling carnival rides, fried fair food, blue-ribbon livestock and music to the demolition derbies, classic cars, tractor pulls or simply an evening outdoors with family and friends seeing the sights, summer fair season continues to offer unique Tennessee experiences each year.
Bedford County Fair
July 13–18
bedfordcountytnfair.org
The Bedford County Fair will take place July 13–18 at the Bedford County Agricultural Center in Shelbyville (2119 Midland Rd.).
The week-long event traditionally features carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, pageants, agricultural displays, arts and crafts competitions, food vendors, petting zoos and family entertainment.
Gates open daily beginning at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday activities beginning earlier in the day.
Bedford County has a long history of agricultural excellence, and the fair remains one of the area’s premier showcases for local farmers, youth exhibitors and 4-H participants. Livestock competitions, pageants and youth exhibits continue to be among the most popular attractions each year.
This year’s Bedford County Fair entertainment schedule includes:
Preslee Campbell – Monday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Brett Bone – Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m.
Butter & Grit – Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Mid State Cloggers – Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m.
Shelby Lee Lowe – Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m.
Kelson Buck and the Buck Wild Band – Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m.
Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair
Aug. 13–22
wilsoncountyfair.net
Later this summer, the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair returns to the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon (945 E. Baddour Pkwy.) from Aug. 13–22.
Organizers have selected the theme “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250!” in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. The fair will also highlight Tennessee’s forestry industry as its agricultural focus for 2026.
The Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair has built a reputation for offering enough attractions that visitors often return multiple times during its 10-day run.
Widely considered one of the premier fairs in the nation, the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair features more than 150 livestock shows, extensive agricultural exhibits, tractor pulls, monster trucks, antique displays, dance groups, comedy performers, competitions, educational displays, carnival rides and entertainment on 15 stages throughout the grounds.
Fairgoers can enjoy everything from bluegrass and country music to canning demonstrations, craft exhibits, photography competitions and agricultural youth showcases.
