The Wayne County 4-H Fair is one of the biggest weeks of the summer in Richmond, Indiana — and if you're coming from out of town, where you stay makes all the difference.
A week of livestock shows, live music, carnival rides, 4-H competitions, local food vendors, and community tradition that draws over 50,000 visitors to the fairgrounds each year. It's loud, it's packed, it's genuinely fun — and by Thursday evening, every parent at the fair is ready for a clean room, a real bed, and a pool the kids can jump into before dinner.
Best Western Plus Richmond Indiana I-70 is that place. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Wayne County Fair and how to plan your stay.
About the Wayne County 4-H Fair 2026
📍 Wayne County Fairgrounds | 861 Salisbury Rd, Richmond, IN 47374
📅 Dates: Saturday, June 20 – Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕐 Gates open: Free general parking until 4 PM weekdays, 11 AM Saturdays, 8 AM Sundays
💲 Admission: $7/vehicle | Walk-in: $3/person | Weekly parking pass: $20
The 2026 fair celebrates 175 years of Wayne County fairs — making this one of the most significant fairs in recent memory. The week includes:
- Live music from the Roadhouse Rhythm Kings and the Longshots
- Wayne County Idol talent search
- Silly Safaris and Dixon Dancers for younger kids
- Crusader Square Dancers
- Poor Jack Amusements carnival rides
- Mobile Arts Glass Blowing demonstrations
- First Bite Fishing activities
- Full 4-H livestock and exhibit competitions throughout the week
For the full schedule and track event tickets, visit wayneco4hfair.com before you go.
How Far Is Best Western Plus from the Wayne County Fairgrounds?
Best Western Plus Richmond Indiana I-70 is approximately 10 minutes from the Wayne County Fairgrounds — a straight shot down US-40. Close enough to run back to the hotel between the afternoon shows and the evening events if you need to. Close enough that you're not spending 30 minutes in a parking lot at the end of the night.
Hotel address: 533 W Eaton Pike, Richmond, IN 47374
Fairgrounds address: 861 Salisbury Rd, Richmond, IN 47374
Free parking at the hotel — no fees, no shuttles, no hassle.
Why Fair Week Families Choose Best Western Plus
Free Full Breakfast Buffet Every Morning
Hot eggs, waffles, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice — included with every room, every morning. Fair week mornings move fast. Getting the family fed without finding a restaurant and waiting for a table is one less thing to manage before heading to the fairgrounds.
Breakfast runs early enough to get you out the door and through the gates before the midday crowds build.
Indoor Heated Pool — Open 6 AM to 11 PM
After a long day at the fair, the pool is what kids ask about first. Best Western Plus has an indoor heated pool open from 6 AM to 11 PM — which means a late-night swim after the evening fair events is completely on the table. No outdoor pool with an 8 PM closing time. No waiting until morning.
For parents, it's an easy way to wind down kids who've been running around in the July heat all day without having to negotiate bedtime from scratch.
Free Parking — Including Trucks and RVs
The fairgrounds have their own parking situation. At the hotel, parking is free and spacious — including trucks, trailers, and RVs. If you're rolling in with extended family and multiple vehicles, there's room.
Pet-Friendly
$20/night. Plenty of fair week families bring the dog. We accommodate that without the hassle.
Microwave and Refrigerator in Every Room
Fair food is great — but it's also a lot. Having a fridge and microwave in the room means you can store leftovers, keep drinks cold, and give the kids something easy before bed without making another food run.
Tips for Booking During Fair Week
Book Early — This Is the Most Important Thing
Wayne County Fair week is one of the highest-demand weeks of the entire year for hotels in Richmond. Rooms disappear fast — often weeks in advance. If you're planning to attend multiple days or want to stay through the weekend, book as early as possible.
Book direct at richmondbw.com or call (765) 939-9500.
Midweek vs. Weekend
If you have flexibility on dates, Tuesday through Thursday typically offers slightly more availability than the weekend. The fair runs all week, so you don't lose anything by coming midweek — and the fairgrounds are often a little less crowded on weekday afternoons.
Weekend Getaway Package
Book Friday and Saturday nights together and receive 10% off your total stay. A good option for families who want to hit the fair Saturday and make a full weekend of it.
What Else Is Happening in Richmond in July
Fair week is the centerpiece — but Richmond has more going on in July if you want to extend your stay or explore between fair sessions.
- Richmond Symphony Orchestra “Christmas in July” — July 15: Free outdoor RSO community concert. A genuinely fun contrast to the fair energy.
- Twelfth Night (Shakespeare) — July 17: Comedy performance at The Reid Center. Good for older kids and adults who want an evening out.
- Hayes Arboretum — open daily: 466 acres of trails, free to visit. A quiet morning option before the fairgrounds open.
- Glen Miller Park: Walking paths, fishing pond, tennis courts, and open green space — free, 10 minutes from the hotel.
- Antique Alley: The US-40 antique corridor runs right through Richmond. Over 1,000 dealers. Good for the adults while the kids are napping.
- Thistlewaite Falls: Richmond's waterfall along the Whitewater Gorge — a short hike and a great photo stop in the summer heat.
- Middlefork Reservoir: Kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals available on the water. A good half-day activity for families between fair days.
Where to Eat Near the Fair
Beyond the fair food (which is genuinely good — save room for the local vendors), Richmond has solid dining options for fair week evenings.
- Firehouse BBQ: Set inside Richmond's oldest firehouse with the fire pole still in place. Good for fair-week energy — casual, flavorful, fun for kids.
- Galo's Italian Grill: Large capacity, family-friendly, consistent. Good for groups and mixed-age tables.
- Old Richmond Inn: 138 S 5th St. If you want a proper sit-down dinner away from fair week chaos, this is it. Reservations recommended.
- Roscoe's Coffee Bar & Tap Room: Best local coffee in Richmond. Good for a morning start before heading to the fairgrounds.
- Ullery's Homemade Ice Cream: Richmond tradition. The right ending to a fair day.
Plan Your Fair Week Stay
The Wayne County Fair only comes once a year. If you're making the trip, make the whole thing easy — stay somewhere close, comfortable, and ready for a full week of summer.
Best Western Plus Richmond Indiana I-70 533 W Eaton Pike, Richmond, IN 47374 Hotel Direct: (765) 939-9500 | Toll-Free: 1 (800) 780-7234 Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM | 24-hour front desk
Book your fair week stay at richmondbw.com →
Rooms go fast during Wayne County Fair week. Don't wait until the week of to book — by then, options in Richmond are limited. Lock in your dates early and spend the week focused on the fair, not the logistics.
