Summer brings sunshine, family vacations, and county fairs across the country. However, the Tillamook County Fair offers something you will not find anywhere else. Each August, visitors gather for four days of food, music, exhibits, carnival rides, and local traditions.

The 2026 Tillamook County Fair runs from August 5 through August 8. Gates open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. The fairgrounds are in Tillamook, about a scenic drive from Pacific City. Therefore, the fair makes an exciting day trip for guests staying in any of our Neskown, Pacific City, or Tierra Del Mar Vacation Rentals!!

The Pig-N-Ford Races Make This Fair Unique

Promotional poster for Tillamook County Fair with a vintage pig-n-ford race car on a dirt track, a cheering crowd, and bold text about 'Pig-N-Ford Races' and August 5–8 (free with admission).

The world-famous Pig-N-Ford races have entertained fairgoers for more than 100 years. The tradition began at the Tillamook County Fair in 1925. Although stories about its origin vary, the race quickly became a beloved annual event. Drivers race stripped-down Model T Fords around the fairgrounds’ oval track. First, each driver runs to a wooden box and picks up a pig. Next, the driver carries the pig to the Model T and starts the engine. The driver then completes a lap while holding the pig. After each lap, the driver stops the car, turns off the engine, and exchanges pigs. The first driver to complete the required 2 laps wins.

The races begin at 5:30 p.m. each day of the fair. Two qualifying races take place nightly. The winners compete in Saturday’s championship finals. Admission to the races is included with regular fair admission.

Generations of Families Keep the Tradition Alive

The Pig-N-Ford races bring generations of spectators back to Tillamook every summer. Many racing teams also have deep family roots. Parents often pass their cars, skills, and racing traditions to their children. As a result, the event feels like both a competition and a family reunion. Visit the official Tillamook County Fair page for current schedules and event information.

Local Exhibits Celebrate Tillamook County

Large broccoli head with green leaves on display, labeled with an exhibitor card and a first-place ribbon nearby.
Green cabbage sculpture with long stems and strawberries on top, displayed on a plate, with award ribbons and entry tags nearby on a strawberry-pattern tablecloth.
Framed black-and-white photo of a young boy in a plaid shirt sitting on a log, displayed on a corkboard with a yellow award ribbon.
Cattle show in a barn with Holstein cows standing on straw, blue ribbons and notes hung along a blue banner above them
Three black pigs in a metal pen with wood shavings; two lie on their sides while a third stands nearby, one ear tagged green.]','Two pigs lying down and one standing in a pen made of vertical bars, on wood shavings.','Pigs resting in a narrow pen; wood shavings on the floor and a green ear tag visible on one pig.','Indoor pig pen scene with three pigs; two resting, one standing near bars.','Group of pigs in a cage with wood shavings, including an ear-tagged pig.
Giraffe drawing on blue background clipped to a pegboard with exhibit tags nearby, part of an Animals, Wildlife display label above.

The fair offers much more than racing. Visitors can explore displays created, raised, and grown by Tillamook County residents. Exhibits include flowers, vegetables, photography, artwork, crafts, textiles, baked goods, and other local projects. These displays celebrate the creativity and agricultural heritage of the community. The animal barns are another popular stop. Tillamook County is famous for dairy farming, so the cattle exhibits attract many visitors. Additionally, local 4-H and FFA members proudly present animals they raised throughout the year. Their projects highlight months of responsibility, care, and hard work.

Carnival Rides and Games Entertain Every Age

The fair’s carnival opens at noon each day. Although the attractions may change, visitors can expect classic rides, games, and colorful midway entertainment. Younger guests can enjoy family-friendly attractions and traditional favorites. Meanwhile, older children and adults can test their courage on faster rides. Plenty of fair food is also available throughout the grounds. Local favorites often include elephant ears, Pronto Pups, and other classic treats.

Live Concerts Bring Big Music to Tillamook

The Tillamook County Fair hosts live concerts during the first three nights.

*Niko Moon opens the concert series on Wednesday, August 5, at 8:00 p.m.

*Oregon’s 234th Army National Guard Band performs on Thursday, August 6.

*Collective Soul takes the stage on Friday, August 7, at 8:00 p.m.

Best of all, concert admission is included with your regular fair ticket.

Saturday Ends With a Demolition Derby

The excitement continues after Saturday’s Pig-N-Ford championship finals. At 7:30 p.m., the annual demolition derby takes over the Grandstand Arena. Drivers compete until only the toughest vehicles remain. This action-packed event creates a lively ending to four memorable fair days.

The Fair Is an Easy Day Trip From Pacific City

The Tillamook County Fair combines local history, agricultural traditions, live music, and unusual racing.

Most importantly, it offers activities for visitors of nearly every age.

Plan a fair day during your next Oregon Coast getaway.

Then, return to one of Kiwanda Coastal Properties Vacation Rentals for a relaxing evening near the ocean.

Framed photo of a brown Tyrannosaurus rex model standing in dirt, with an exhibit tag and a red '2nd Place' ribbon attached to the frame.
Framed photo of girls playing volleyball, three players leaping to hit a ball at the net during a match on a wall display with exhibit tags nearby.
Holstein cow in a show stall on straw, with handlers and other cows in the background inside a barn-like exhibition.
A colorful display of large dahlias in glass bottles with price tags on a long white table at a flower show.
Vintage race cars lined up on a muddy dirt track with a crowded grandstand and distant carnival rides in the background.
Display of glass vases with tall white daisies and other flowers on a white table at a flower show, 4-H banner overhead in a busy hall.