The 182nd Cattaraugus County Fair 2025: Your Ultimate Guide To Dates, Tickets, And Grandstand Events
The Cattaraugus County Fair 2025 is set to celebrate its 182nd anniversary, promising eight days of classic agricultural exhibits, thrilling midway rides, and spectacular grandstand entertainment for the entire family. As of December 24, 2025, the highly anticipated event is confirmed to run from Saturday, July 26, through Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the historic Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley, New York. This comprehensive guide provides all the current and essential details you need to plan your visit, from ticket options and daily hours to the major events that define this beloved Western New York tradition.
The fair is a cornerstone of the Western New York summer, blending the region's rich agricultural heritage with modern family entertainment. Visitors can expect a full week of fun, featuring everything from high-energy demolition derbies and monster truck shows to the dedicated 4-H livestock competitions and the delectable array of classic fair food that everyone looks forward to.
Cattaraugus County Fair 2025: Essential Visitor Information
The 182nd annual Cattaraugus County Fair is a multi-day celebration that attracts thousands of visitors from across the Southern Tier and beyond. Getting the core details right is the first step to a perfect fair experience.
Fair Dates, Location, and Hours
- Official 2025 Dates: Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Saturday, August 2, 2025.
- Location: Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, 501 Erie St., Little Valley, NY 14755.
- Daily Gate Hours: Gates open daily at 8:00 a.m.
- Midway Hours: The main carnival midway, featuring the thrill rides and games, opens every day at 1:00 p.m.
2025 Ticket and Admission Pricing
The Cattaraugus County Fair operates on a convenient "Pay-One-Price" (POP) admission model, which is a major draw for families as it includes unlimited access to the carnival rides and specific grandstand shows on certain days.
- Gate Admission (Ages 2 and Over): $15.00 per person.
- Presale/Advance Tickets: $12.00 per person. Purchasing presale tickets prior to the fair's opening day offers a $3 discount and is highly recommended.
- What Admission Includes: The daily admission price covers entry to the fairgrounds, unlimited rides on the Amusements of America midway, and general admission to the grandstand show on Thursday evening (and potentially other specific days).
- Separate Grandstand Tickets: For some premium events, such as the Broken B Rodeo, a separate grandstand ticket of approximately $7 may be required in addition to the gate admission. Always check the official fair website for final pricing details closer to the dates.
The 2025 Grandstand: A Nightly Spectacle of Power and Music
The grandstand is the heart of the evening entertainment at the Little Valley Fair, offering a diverse lineup of high-octane motor sports and major musical acts. The 2025 lineup is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, catering to fans of country music, rodeo action, and the sheer power of engine sports.
While the full eight-day schedule is finalized, several key headlining events are confirmed to anchor the week:
Confirmed 2025 Grandstand Events
- Saturday, July 26th (Opening Night): Modified Truck Pull. The fair kicks off with the roar of engines as drivers compete in a thrilling display of power and traction.
- Sunday, July 27th: Broken B Rodeo. Experience the excitement of a professional rodeo, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and other classic events. Separate grandstand seating tickets are typically required for this event.
- Thursday, July 31st: Cooper Alan Concert. Up-and-coming country music star Cooper Alan is scheduled to perform, marking one of the fair's major musical headliners.
- Finale Event (Likely Saturday, August 2nd): Demolition Derby. A fair tradition, the Demolition Derby typically closes out the week, featuring cars smashing and crashing until only one remains. This high-impact event is a perennial favorite.
Other nightly entertainment will feature classic events like the Tractor Pulls and Monster Truck shows, ensuring that every evening offers a new form of excitement for motor sport enthusiasts.
Midway Thrills and Family Entertainment
Beyond the grandstand, the Cattaraugus County Fair is a hub of activity, offering classic carnival fun, free daily shows, and a deep dive into agricultural life. The midway and ground acts provide non-stop entertainment from the moment the gates open.
Amusements of America: The Carnival Midway
The official carnival provider for the 2025 fair is Amusements of America, a renowned company that is expected to return with approximately 25 rides. The Pay-One-Price admission makes the midway a fantastic value, allowing fairgoers unlimited access to a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. Look for classic rides like the Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, and various games of skill and chance that define the carnival experience.
Daily Ground Acts and Free Shows
The fair prides itself on offering numerous free entertainment acts that are included with the price of admission. These acts run multiple times per day and are perfect for a family break from the rides. Key returning entities include:
- The Dynamo Dogs: A talented group of adopted and rescued dogs that perform incredible tricks and stunts, a favorite among children and animal lovers.
- The Magic of Lance: A captivating magic show that features illusions, comedy, and audience participation.
- Traveling Street Performers: Various musicians, comedians, and specialty acts that roam the fairgrounds, providing impromptu entertainment.
The Heart of the Fair: Agriculture and 4-H Competitions
The Cattaraugus County Fair’s roots are firmly planted in agriculture, and the livestock barns and exhibition halls are where the community's farming traditions shine brightest. The fair serves as the culmination of a year's worth of hard work for local youth involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs.
Livestock and Animal Shows
Daily livestock shows are a core part of the fair's identity, featuring the judging of various animals based on breed standards and the showmanship of their young handlers. Visitors can watch competitions for:
- Beef and Dairy Cattle
- Sheep and Swine
- Goats and Poultry
- 4-H Horse Show and Mini Horse Show
The Parade of Animals is a highlight, showcasing the champions from the various competitions in a celebratory march. The fairgrounds are also home to the judging of baked goods, crafts, photography, and other non-livestock exhibits, celebrating the diverse talents of Cattaraugus County residents.
The 4-H Meat Animal Sale
The week concludes with one of the most important events for the 4-H program: the 4-H Meat Animal Sale. This event, scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd at 10:30 a.m., is an auction where local businesses and community members purchase the animals raised by 4-H participants. The sale provides essential funding for the youth's future projects and education, making it a crucial community-supported event.
Planning Your 2025 Visit to Little Valley
The Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds are located in the charming town of Little Valley, NY, a short drive from communities like Olean, Salamanca, and Ellicottville. Given the fair's popularity, especially for major grandstand events, planning ahead is key to a stress-free experience.
Tips for Fairgoers
- Arrive Early: Gates open at 8:00 a.m., but the midway doesn't open until 1:00 p.m. Use the morning hours to explore the agricultural exhibits, animal barns, and vendor buildings before the crowds and heat pick up.
- Purchase Presale: Save money and time by purchasing the $12 presale tickets before the fair begins.
- Check the Daily Schedule: The official fair website will post the complete, hour-by-hour schedule of daily entertainment, including the Dynamo Dogs show times, specific livestock judging, and any special promotions.
- Parking: On-site parking is available, but be prepared for a short walk to the main gates during peak hours.
The 182nd Cattaraugus County Fair promises to be a memorable celebration of community, agriculture, and family fun, solidifying its place as a beloved annual tradition in Western New York.
Detail Author:
- Name : Mr. Ryleigh Reichert
- Username : amanda.hettinger
- Email : altenwerth.boyd@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1999-04-30
- Address : 12936 Elnora Springs East Ollie, ND 53049-1065
- Phone : +1 (520) 761-2435
- Company : Green-Lakin
- Job : Nonfarm Animal Caretaker
- Bio : Provident esse quo consequatur consequatur blanditiis. Optio labore voluptatum tenetur voluptatum nisi eos et et. Deserunt tenetur nobis labore optio distinctio voluptatem.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/nhessel
- username : nhessel
- bio : Est pariatur et iure id inventore et. Dignissimos magnam natus dolorem qui.
- followers : 1476
- following : 2029
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@hessel1970
- username : hessel1970
- bio : Amet omnis voluptatum corporis velit eaque.
- followers : 338
- following : 2212
