Johnson County Fair 2025: Fun, Rodeo, Parade & Carnival

2025 Johnson County Fair Kicks Off with Exciting Events

The 2025 Johnson County Fair has officially begun, offering a week filled with rodeo events, carnival rides, local competitions, and entertainment for all ages. The fair will take place from July 26 through August 2 at the fairgrounds located at 136 E. Washington Street in Gardner, Kansas. Admission to the event is free, making it accessible for everyone.

Before heading to the fair, there are several key details that visitors should be aware of to make the most of their experience.

Carnival Highlights

The carnival will be open Tuesday through Saturday, running from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the carnival will open earlier at 4 p.m. Tickets for the rides are priced at $1 each, with most rides requiring 4-5 tickets. For those looking for a more convenient option, wristbands are available for $30 from Tuesday through Friday and $35 on Saturday.

Parade Details

One of the highlights of the fair is the Johnson County Fair parade, which will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The parade is a rain-or-shine event, and organizers will make a decision by 7:30 a.m. if severe weather is expected. This year’s theme is “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Johnson County Fair.” The parade route begins at Gardner Edgerton High School, travels down Madison Street to Center Street, then to Shawnee Street, and ends at Wheatridge Middle School.

Live Music Lineup

Music lovers won’t want to miss the two nights of live performances starting on Friday, August 1, at 7 p.m. The lineup includes classic hits and performances by Creedence Clearwater KC, The John Cougar Project, and Steve Miller Experience. On Saturday, the stage will feature Casey Donahew, Hayden Coffman, Colby Lee Swift, and Tim Nowell. Additionally, there will be a church service at the Memorial Building in Gardner on Sunday morning.

Live Pro Wrestling

Trailblazer Championship Wrestling is set to bring high-energy action to the fair on Wednesday, July 30, at 6 p.m. The event will be broadcasted by “The Voice of Trailblazer,” FOX4’s Marcus Officer, who will be calling the matches from the newly renovated announcer’s stand. Tickets for the wrestling event are only $10.

Rodeo Action

Louisburg-based Rodeo Gold Productions will host the rodeo on Thursday night starting at 7 p.m. in the Johnson County Fair arena. Ticket prices are $12 for those 12 and older, $6 for kids aged 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. On Tuesday night, children 12 and under can enjoy mutton busting and greased pig events, with free admission.

Motorsports Thrills

On Saturday night, the fair will host a Demolition Derby starting at 7 p.m. The event offers a total purse of $11,000 for the winners. Admission to the derby is $15 for all ticket holders.

Competitions and Exhibits

The fair also features a variety of competitions and exhibits. Dozens of 4-H participants and other competitors will showcase their skills in livestock competitions and exhibits. Visitors can enjoy dog shows, rabbit showmanship, pie contests, and various livestock competitions involving cattle, swine, horses, and more.

With so much to see and do, the 2025 Johnson County Fair promises an unforgettable experience for families and fans of all ages. Whether you're interested in rodeo, music, or just enjoying the carnival, there's something for everyone at this annual event.