Summer’s Ultimate Destination: Umatilla County Fair
Pack your bags and clear your calendars! From August 12 to 15, Hermiston, Ore., will transform into the region’s absolute capital of entertainment. For generations, the Umatilla County Fair has stood as a beacon of summer fun, but the 2026 lineup is raising the bar to unprecedented heights. Whether you’re coming from the rugged mountains of Montana, the expansive valleys of Idaho, the bustling hubs of Washington, or here in beautiful Oregon, this year’s fair is an absolute must-visit event.
Under the vibrant, community-focused theme of “Sew It, Grow It, Show It,” the 2026 fair celebrates the absolute best of our regional heritage. From carefully crafted textiles and blue-ribbon livestock to stunning agricultural displays, the heart of the community will be on full display. But when the sun begins to set over the fairgrounds, the energy shifts to the crown jewel — the Wildhorse Resort & Casino Main Stage. Thanks to the title sponsor, a legendary, multi-genre concert series is coming straight to Eastern Oregon.
Wednesday: The party kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a massive double-header starting at 7 p.m. Best of all, Wednesday night is an exclusive free-concert night, for which entry to the main stage is completely free with your general fair admission. First, get ready for the soaring horns and infectious energy of the Brass Fire Band. Northeast Oregon’s premier 10-piece powerhouse will be delivering a masterclass in classic blues, jazz, rock and pop. Directly following them, the storytelling tradition of the West takes center stage with Tylor & The Train Robbers. This Idaho-based outfit delivers gritty, authentic Americana and country-roots music that will have the entire crowd singing along under the summer sky.
Thursday: On Thursday, Aug. 13, prepare for a brilliant genre shift as the fair welcomes multi-platinum hip-hop icon Chingy to the main stage. Get ready to bring your best dance moves and relive the golden era of the 2000s radio waves as Chingy performs smash hits including “Right Thurr” and “Holidae In.” It’ll be a high-energy, nostalgic throwback night that promises to be one of the most talked-about concerts of the entire summer, with reserved seating tickets available online now.
Friday: The star power keeps rolling on Friday, Aug. 14, with the multi-award-winning, chart-topping country sensations, the Eli Young Band. Renowned for their powerhouse vocals and signature hits like “Crazy Girl” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” these country-music titans are set to deliver an emotional stadium-grade performance right in our backyard. Be sure to lock in your concert tickets ahead of time, as this powerhouse night is expected to sell out fast.
Saturday: Finally, the fair culminates on Saturday, Aug. 15, with the highly anticipated Latino Night. This colorful celebration of culture, rhythm and community brings electric choreography, brilliant traditional outfits and standard-setting musical talent to the stage. It is a festive, high-octane finale that perfectly embodies eastern Oregon’s vibrant community spirit.
The 2026 Umatilla County Fair is more than just a local weekend outing; it is a cross-regional convergence of great music, world-class carnival rides, delicious fair food, and historic agricultural traditions. Why stay home when a premier Pacific Northwest vacation is waiting for you in Hermiston? Grab your family, text your favorite road-trip buddies, and secure your gate admission and concert tickets online. Celebrate the heart of the West, experience Hermiston’s incredible hospitality, and see exactly what it means to Sew It, Grow It, Show It!
For information and tickets, visit umatillacountyfair.com.
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