Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for a list of the Frequently Asked Questions about the Big Butler Fair. Click on the buttons below to jump to that FAQ section.
Topic: Admission & Tickets
Where can I purchase Tickets?
You can purchase tickets online here on this website or at any of the Big Butler Fair gates.
How much are tickets to the fair?
Please visit our tickets page. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
How much are tickets to the concerts?
General admission tickets include access to any concert scheduled for that day. Please see our ticket page for more information.
Are kids free?
Gate admission for children 6 and under is free!
Please visit our Schedule of Events for daily Fair times.
Can children 6 and under ride for free as well?
Children 6 and under get free admission, however, rides are additional. Please see ticket information.
How much is parking?
Parking is free at the Big Butler Fair! Parking lots are located near the Main Gate, West Gate, and East Gate. See the Fairgrounds Map for locations.
Is handicap parking available?
Handicap parking is available at the main gate. You must have a handicap placard.
Can I pay with credit/debit card at the gate?
The gate only accepts cash. There are ATM machines on site for your convenience.
Is there a Military Discount at the Fair?
Active military will receive free admission to the Big Butler Fair with a valid military ID. Unfortunately there is not a discount for veterans.
Is there a discount for seniors?
No, unfortunately we do not offer a specific senior discount. However discounted tickets for admission are available depending on the time of day.
See full ticket prices here.
Does the Fair offer group discounts to organizations?
Unfortunately the Fair does not offer group discounts.
Can you leave and re-enter the fairgrounds on the same day?
Yes, you are able to leave the Big Butler Fair and return on the same day, but you must get your hand stamped at the admission gate when you exit. When you want to come back to the Fair on that same day, you will need to show your hand stamp at the admission gates.
Does the Big Butler Fair give out rainchecks or refunds for inclement weather or event cancellations?
In the unlikely event of a “rain-out,” no refunds for gate admission will be given.
Topic: Weather
Does the Big Butler Fair give out rainchecks or refunds for inclement weather or event cancellations?
In the unlikely event of a “rain-out,” no refunds for gate admission will be given.
Does the Big Butler Fair cancel Grandstand events due to rain or bad weather?
If it’s raining at the time of a Grandstand event, the event is delayed until the rain ends, like a rain delay in baseball. Please know that Grandstand Event cancellations are usually a “game-time” decision. We try and do everything we can to get the event in for the evening.
Am I allowed to bring an Umbrella?
Yes. You are permitted to bring an umbrella onto the fairgrounds during the Fair.
What happens when there is inclement weather?
The Big Butler Fair does everything possible to remain open with all events running on schedule. The Fair remains open during storms. If a storm comes through, carnival rides and games close temporarily and reopen as soon as the storm passes. Scheduled events may be temporarily postponed due to rain. Events are only canceled in extreme circumstances.
Is it a muddy mess when it rains?
The fairgrounds have paved roads. Gravel is used extensively. Proper drainage has also been installed over the years. Every effort is made to ensure an enjoyable experience for folks coming for events, concerts, rides, and games. There are areas of thick grass that can become wet. We recommend cowboy boots, regardless of the weather.
Topic: Gate Entry
Am I Allowed To Bring My Pet?
Pets (including but not limited to: dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) are unfortunately not allowed at the Big Butler Fair. Please see “Can I have an Emotional Support Dog or Service Dog at the Fair?” below.
Can you bring bottled water into Fair?
Yes, you are allowed to bring sealed, clear water bottles in through the gate.
Can I bring a backpack through the gate?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a backpack. It will be checked and looked theough by gate attendants.
Can I bring alcohol?
No. You are not alowed to bring alcohol through the gate. If found, it will be confiscated.
Can I have an Emotional Support Dog or Service Dog at the Fair?
Yes, but you must have the paperwork from a Licensed Mental Health Professional. Service Pets are specifically trained to do work or perform tasks that mitigate a person’s disability.
The pet is required to have: Health Check from licensed Veterinarian, Behavioral Check, ESA Letter, ESA Registration certificate (all signed by a licensed therapist), Pet FD Card, Vest, Collar, Tag and all updated vaccinations.
All service Pets must be in a harness with a leash and have the proper paperwork attached. The Pet should have good social skills when taken to public places. IT IS REQUIRED BY LAW under the American Disability Act (ADA) you cannot ask what the person’s disability is but you can ask what task the service dog is trained to perform.
Topic: Schedule, Times & Events
What time does the Fair open?
The Big Butler Fair opens its gates at 9AM during Fair dates. Please visit our Schedule of Events for daily event times.
What events are going on today?
There is always something going on during the Big Butler Fair. You can find a daily fair schedule online here.
What time does the fair end?
Depending on crowds, concerts, day, grandstand events and weather, the fair can stay open longer or close earlier. As a general rule of thumb, the fair closes around 11:00pm.
What time do the food stands/food vendors open?
The food stands open at 11:00am.
Topic: Concerts
What is the seating like for concerts?
The concerts are set up in the center of the track. There is room to stand and you are welcome to bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. We also have smaller stadium seating near the stage and in the Grandstands.
Am I allowed to bring a chair for the concerts?
Concerts are set up in the grass, and you are welcome to bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. Bleacher seating is available.
How much are tickets to the concerts?
General admission tickets include access to any concert scheduled for that day. Please see our ticket page for more information.
Are you a band or entertainer interested in performing at the Big Butler Fair?
All of our entertainment acts are decided by our fair board in advance, but we are always looking for great talent! Please send your printed material to Big Butler Fair, 1127 New Castle Road, Prospect, PA 16052. No phone calls or Facebook messages please.
Topic: Carnival, Midway & Rides
What carnival rides are at the Big Butler Fair this year?
Powers Great American Midway runs the rides at the Fair. Rides change each year to provide a fun and engaging experience for carnival riders. Unfortunately, we don’t have the full list of rides at the Fair available to provide. Learn more: http://www.powersmidways.com/
What are the height requirements for the carnival rides?
Powers Great American Midway runs the rides at the Fair. Please, note that rides change each year to provide a fun and engaging experience for carnival riders, and some of the rides on the Powers Great American Midway website may not be present at the Big Butler Fair. Please see the link for ride heights.
How many tickets/coupons is it to ride a ride?
Powers Great American Midway runs the rides at the Fair. Rides change each year to provide a fun and engaging experience for carnival riders. Carnival rides take different amounts of tickets/coupons per ride. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a list tickets/coupons needed for each ride. An alternative option to tickets/coupons is to purchase an all day ride band.
Topic: Miscellaneous Questions & Answers
Do you have a lost and found, and if so, where is it located?
Yes, we have a lost and found located at the fair office. The fair office phone number is 724-865-2400.
How do I go about entering my animals or livestock into the fair this year?
All livestock exhibitors must make advance entries. Please visit the the entries page for more information and entry forms.
My company is interested in becoming a sponsor for this year’s fair. Where can I find more information?
Varying levels of sponsorships are available ranging from booth space to corporate level sponsorships. Please visit the Sponsorship Opportunities page.
How do I become a vendor?
The Big Butler Fair is continuously looking for new vendors and goods to showcase at the largest agricultural fair in Western Pennsylvania. Please contact our Concessions & Vendor Manager, Larry Hays (Ph#: 724-355-2307), with any questions regarding concession rentals, vendor fees, vendor rules and rental agreements. Or visit the Vendor Information page.
How do I find out more about the Big Butler Fair Queen Pageant?
The Butler Fair Queen contest is for females between the ages of 16 and 20 years who are residents of Butler County. Each year the Fair Queen winner serves as a community ambassador for the Big Butler Fair for the coming year. For more information please visit the Fair Queen Pageant page.
Are you interested in volunteering?
We’re always looking for volunteers, please contact us here to get in touch with us.
Where can I find rules for the demolition derby and other competitions?
Please find all details and information regarding competition rules in our premium book, which is updated every year.
Are mobile scooters and/or wheel chairs available for rent while on the Fairgrounds?
Unfortunately, The Fair does not provide mobility scooters or wheelchair rentals.