What Events and Entertainment Can I Expect at the North Texas Fair & Rodeo?

Updated

The North Texas Fair & Rodeo packs its schedule with rodeo competitions, live country music, livestock shows, contests, and family attractions across its multi-night run. According to the official site, the 99th Annual event is set for August 20–29, 2027 in Denton, Texas, billed as "10 rip-roarin' nights" of entertainment. If you're planning a visit, the lineup below shows the main categories of events you can expect, though specific dates and times for each are published in the fair's daily schedule.

Rodeo Events

The rodeo side of the fair covers both professional and specialty competitions:

  • PRCA Rodeo – Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competition, the headline rodeo event.
  • Invitational Ranch Rodeo – A ranch-style rodeo format.
  • 21 & Under Rodeo – Rodeo competition for younger participants.
  • Bull Blowout – A bull-riding focused event.
  • Celebracion Del Toro – A bull-themed event listed in the rodeo lineup.
  • Mutton Bustin' – A crowd-favorite event where young kids ride sheep.

Live Music and Concerts

Music runs across multiple stages during the fair:

  • Miller Lite Main Stage – Hosts headlining concerts.
  • Revolver Stage – Features additional live music performances.
  • Cool Zone – Another entertainment area listed in the schedule.

The fair promotes "hot country music" as a core part of its nightly entertainment.

Livestock Shows

The fair hosts an extensive slate of livestock competitions:

Category Examples
Cattle Open Beef Cattle, Junior Heifers, Junior Steers
Goats Open Boer Goats, Junior Commercial Goats, Junior Market Goats
Sheep Open Breeding Sheep, Junior Commercial Sheep, Junior Market Lambs
Swine Junior Market Swine
Poultry Open & Junior Poultry

Contests and Creative Competitions

Beyond livestock, the fair runs a range of contests open to different interests:

  • Photography Contest
  • Beauty Pageant
  • Rodeo Queen Contest
  • Creative Arts Contest
  • Youth Art Contest
  • Baking Contest
  • No Limits Contests
  • Horse Show
  • Cookoffs

Attractions and Other Entertainment

General fairground entertainment includes:

  • Parade
  • Carnival
  • Commercial Exhibits and Food Vendors
  • Walt Garrison Golf Classic – A golf event tied to the fair.
  • Legends Under the Lights
  • Hall of Fame Induction & Banquet

Key Details to Know

  • Dates: August 20–29, 2027 (99th Annual)
  • Location: Denton, Texas
  • Contact: [email protected] | (940) 387-2632
  • Address: 2217 N Carroll Blvd., Denton, Texas 76201

The fair notes it was incorporated in 1928, has more than 700 members and volunteers, and reports over $12 million in annual economic impact in Denton County.

How to Plan Around the Schedule

Because the fair runs 10 nights with events spread across stages, arenas, and show rings, the most reliable way to plan is to check the NTFR Daily Schedule on the official site before you go. That schedule breaks down which rodeo events, concerts, and shows happen on which day, so you can match your visit to the specific entertainment you want to see.