A new livestock show category, an expanded kid’s zone and new fair food options are just a few of the highlights of this year’s upcoming East Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo.
What’s new
Hosted by the East Montgomery County Fair Association, the nearly 10-day event will take place from Sept. 11-20 at Bull Sallas Park, featuring rodeo competitions, livestock shows, barbecue cook-offs and live music.
“This will be the first year that we’ve got two big names coming,” EMCFA President Kevin Lynch said. “Dustin De La Garza will be performing Friday night and our hometown Josh Ward will be there Saturday.”
Lynch said this year’s event will include a turkey show for the first time in several years, as well as new offerings in the kid’s zone, such as bounce houses. A new title sponsor, Cook Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, will also make its debut.
“We’re constantly looking for sponsors,” Lynch said. “We always have something that we can put a name on and promote the local businesses because at the end of the day, it’s about putting money in kids’ pockets and helping kids go to either a career tech school or college of their choice.”
The impact
Established in 1985, the East Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo supports and showcases the work of FFA and 4-H students at New Caney and Splendora ISDs, starting as young as third grade. In 2025, the junior livestock show generated just over $1 million for local youth, Lynch said.
Lynch noted one of the more unique contests at the event is the pit building competition, which allows students to built barbecue pits that are then judged and sold, with proceeds benefitting student scholarships.
“We have a separate committee that runs that and they give thousands of dollars of scholarships away to those kids that are going to a career tech school after graduation,” Lynch said.
Looking ahead
In the future, Lynch said he hopes to add a carnival to the festivities.
“Over time, it just gets bigger and better. There’s always additional attractions,” Lynch said. “We’d love to have a carnival at some point, but geographically we’re restricted in terms of space and we have a bit of a parking concern.”
What you need to know
- Schedule: Times vary by event. For a comprehensive schedule, visit www.emcfa.com/schedule-3.
- Sept. 11: BBQ cook-off, rodeo and concert featuring Dustin De La Garza
- Sept. 12: Fair king, queen, prince and princess contests; barbecue cook-off; rodeo and concert featuring Josh Ward
- Sept. 16: Poultry show
- Sept. 17: Rabbit and swine shows
- Sept. 18: Lamb, goat and steer shows; youth dance
- Sept. 19: Buyer’s dinner and premium auction
- Location and parking: The East Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo will be held at Bull Sallas Park, located at 21679 McCleskey Road, New Caney. Free parking will be available on-site, and free satellite parking with shuttle service will be available Sept. 12 at Randall Reed Stadium, located at 21360 Valley Ranch Parkway, New Caney.
- Tickets: Rodeo/concert tickets can be purchased online through Outhouse Tickets, at www.outhousetickets.com/events/east-montgomery/tickets. Livestock shows are free to spectators.
- Sept. 11: $20 (ages 13 and older), $10 (ages 5-12), free (ages under 5)
- Sept. 12: $25 (ages 13 and older), $10 (ages 5-12), free (ages under 5)
