by The Lamar Free Fair is Missouri’s largest free fair, held each August in downtown Lamar. Celebrating decades of community spirit and fun, the fair features a mix of carnival rides, food, entertainment, contests, livestock shows, art exhibits, parades, and more—offering something enjoyable for all ages. Here are the complete details for you –
Venue
The Lamar Free Fair transforms Constitution Square in downtown Lamar, Missouri, into a vibrant fairground for a full week each August. It offers a charming small-town setting ideal for family fun and community activities.
- Located in the heart of downtown Lamar, centered around the historic square
- Free admission and free parking underscore the event’s welcoming, community-oriented spirit
Dates & Timings
The 2025 fair spans multiple weekends and culminates in a full fair week:
- Celebrated over several dates including August 2nd, August 9th, and August 16th–23rd, with the main fair events happening August 16–23, 2025
- Carnival rides and booths are open from Wednesday, August 20 to Saturday, August 23, with ride hours as follows:
- Wednesday to Friday: 6 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday: noon to 5 PM, then resuming from 6 PM until closing
Tickets
General admission and parking are free, keeping the fair accessible to all.
- Ride armbands:
- Advance purchase: $20 each (available until mid-week of the fair)
- At the fair: $25 each
- One armband grants unlimited rides per night (Wednesday–Friday).
- On Saturday, two armbands are required—one for the afternoon session (noon–5 PM) and another for evening (6 PM–closing)
- Additional ticketed events, such as musical performances, may require separate tickets (e.g., for concert headliners)
Food
The fair is filled with community-run food booths offering favorite carnival foods in a familiar, hometown setting.
- Food is served by local civic groups like the Rotary Club and Lions Club, area schools, and other community organizations.
Rides
A full carnival brings excitement to the square—courtesy of a long-standing operator.
- Rides provided and operated by Evan’s United Shows (also known as Tom Evans United Shows), featuring a mix of kiddie rides and larger thrill rides.
- Operating hours align with ticket schedule: evenings Wednesday through Friday, and both afternoon and evening sessions on Saturday.
Entertainment
The fair offers a rich array of entertainment spanning contests, performances, and shows for all ages:
- Youth livestock shows, art exhibits, blue ribbon contests, Queen pageants, parades, and community-booth displays
- The fair typically kicks off with events such as a PBR “8-second chute-out” and wraps up with major country music concerts (e.g., Clay Walker, Tate Stevens)
- Additional happenings often include tractor shows, antique vehicle displays, contests, and other performances
Additional Features
The Lamar Free Fair offers more enriching experiences beyond rides and food:
- Parades, queen pageants, blue ribbon competitions, antique tractor, car, truck, and motorcycle shows, art exhibitions, and livestock auctions
- The event is organized and supported by the Moore family, local volunteers, civic organizations, and the Barton County Chamber of Commerce
- The fair’s longstanding heritage (82nd year in 2025) highlights a strong tradition of community togetherness and pride
Conclusion
The Lamar Free Fair brings a rich, beloved tradition to downtown Lamar every August—combining free admission, community-driven food and fun, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, art, music, contests, and more.
As Missouri’s largest free fair, it captures the essence of small-town charm and celebrates generations of community spirit. Whether you’re in for a family night of rides, a parade, a concert, or livestock judging, this fair offers something for everyone—all grounded in local warmth and accessibility.
