What’s New!

Check out the new performers and competitions at the 2026 Fair!

What’s New at the Fair for 2026

  • Bethlehem Traditional Irish Dance 

    Saturday, Sept 5, 1PM

    Location: NORTH GATE ENTERTAINMENT BARN

    Bethlehem Traditional Irish Dance has been inspiring a love of Irish music, dance and culture in children, teens and adults in the Capital Region since 2012. Come see them perform at the Fair for the first time on Saturday afternoon.

  • Street Truck Pulls

    Wednesday, Sept 2, 6:30PM

    Location: GRANDSTAND

    NEW for 2026 Open to the public, anyone can bring their street trucks to the Fair and strut their towing power in the Grandstand opening night of the Fair. Five classes. Real competition, real excitement. To enter, download application, print and fill out. Return via mail or in person to the main fair office with payment in cash or check form.  Payment via credit card must be paid in person at the fair office.

    Sponsored by Chatham Auto Parts, Chatham Hardware, Checkered Flag Fabrications, Chatham Napa Auto, Coons Enterprises and Keeler Precast Concrete, Inc.

  • Fireworks

    Wednesday, Sept 2, 9PM

    Location: ON THE GROUNDS

    In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the Columbia County Fair proudly presents a spectacular fireworks display on Opening Night at 9 PM. Enjoy a brilliant burst of color lighting up the skies above the fairgrounds and beyond as we celebrate our nation’s history, community, and spirit together.

  • The Beaks

    Saturday, Sept 5, 6-10PM

    Location: UPPER ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN

    The Beaks are a Columbia County based band featuring Kevin Horty on lead guitar and vocals, Beth Weeks on rhythm guitar and vocals, Marc Schmied on bass and Bob Halek on drums. They play a wide variety of rock, pop and folk tunes from the 1950s through the 2000s. The group is well-known for their now-annual 100-Beatles song marathon show that takes place in Chatham, NY, in the spring.

  • Uncle Sam Stilt Walker

    Thursday, Sept 3-Monday, Sept 7: 1PM, 3:30PM, 5:30PM

    Location: ON THE GROUNDS

    Celebrate America’s 250th with the one and only Uncle Sam Ultimate Stiltwalker! Roaming the fairgrounds with larger-than-life patriotic flair, she’ll entertain guests with comedy, juggling, and interactive fun for all ages. Stop for a selfie, share a laugh, and create unforgettable memories as you join the celebration of this historic milestone.

  • Jerrod Niemann

    Sunday, Sept 6, 4pm

    Location: GRANDSTAND

    Always willing to stretch country’s modern and elastic boundaries, Jerrod Niemann hit the ground running as an artist with a sound that stood out and a compelling visual presence. It didn’t hurt that he could count on the support of and synergy with friends like Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson, who both made cameos in the video for “Lover, Lover.” There followed a string of hits including “What Do You Want,” “One More Drinkin’ Song,” the chart-topping “Drink to That All Night,” and “A Little More Love” with his friend and sometimes touring partner Lee Brice.

    He has always been one of a kind. Since the day his chart-topping major-label debut, “Lover, Lover,” announced him as a truly original voice, he has been that guy—a little edgier, a little cooler, maybe just a bit off-center in the best possible way. Ten years in, he is making some of the most compelling music of his career.

  • Illusionist Sitruc James

    Thursday, Sept. 3 - Monday, Sept. 7: 2&4PM

    Location: NORTH GATE ENTERTAINMENT BARN

    Sitruc James is a professional magician and illusionist renowned for delivering high-impact magic shows and breathtaking grand stage illusions, Sitruc James combines world-class illusion with charisma, humour, and powerful audience engagement.

  • Ultimate Air Dogs

    Thursday, Sept 3 - Monday, Sept 7: 1PM, 4PM, 7PM

    Location: PAVILION

    Started in 2005 by former Detroit Tigers Pitcher Milt Wilcox, & his son Brian, Ultimate Air Dogs has soared to the top simply because of a down to earth attitude, grass-roots background, and ability to make every competitor feel welcome! Many come just to meet our president and main announcer, Milt Wilcox, the former Pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, famous for winning Game 3 of the 1984 World Series. His charismatic emceeing is as entertaining as watching the high flying dogs!

    Sponsored by Diamante Pools and Majestic Pools

  • AVI the Hypnotist

    Thursday, Sept 3 - Monday, Sept 7: 5PM & 8PM

    Location: NORTH GATE ENTERTAINMENT BARN

    AVI The Hypnotist delivers unforgettable hypnosis comedy stage performances that blend fun and fascination. Dedicated to engaging audiences with laughter and amazement, his mission is to transform skeptics into believers while energizing every crowd. With a passion for entertaining and a commitment to creating memorable experiences, AVI The Hypnotist continues to grow as a trusted name in live comedy hypnosis entertainment.

Food great! Band great! Good times with my old classmates.

– Lou S.

Very reasonable admission prices for all the entertainment you get. And didn’t have to pay to park! Thank you!

– Patricia M.

We come every year, wouldn’t go to any other fair.

– Steve K.