FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2026
NATIONAL PEANUT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Ten Days of Agriculture, Live Music, Family Entertainment and Festival Traditions Return to Dothan November 6-15
DOTHAN, Ala. - The National Peanut Festival has announced its official 2026 Calendar of Events, featuring ten days of agriculture, midway rides, live entertainment, concerts, livestock competitions and family-friendly attractions from November 6-15, 2026, at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan.
Under this year's theme, "Ease on Down the Row," the 2026 Festival will continue its tradition of honoring the peanut harvest and the agricultural heritage of the Wiregrass while bringing together residents and visitors for one of the Southeast's most anticipated annual celebrations.
Three Nights of Concert Entertainment
The All In Amphitheater will feature three major country music concerts, all beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Corey Kent - Sunday, November 8
General concert admission is FREE with paid fairground admission. Reserved seating is available for $20, with preferred seating available for $10.
Lauren Alaina - Tuesday, November 10
General concert admission is $10. Reserved seating is $35, and preferred seating is $25. Reserved and preferred seating include concert admission; a separate fairground admission ticket is required.
Tyler Hubbard - Thursday, November 12
General concert admission is $20. Reserved seating is $45, and preferred seating is $35. Reserved and preferred seating include concert admission; a separate fairground admission ticket is required.
All concert guests must have valid admission to the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds. Concert admission and seating upgrades are additional where applicable.
Festival Opens November 6
Opening Day is Friday, November 6, with gates opening at 4:00 p.m. and the traditional ribbon cutting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Main Entrance. Gate admission is $11, with $40 ride armbands available.
The Food Court Stage will kick off its entertainment schedule that evening with the Darrell Qualls Band from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Special Days and Community Celebrations
The 2026 schedule includes several special days recognizing communities throughout the Wiregrass.
Saturday, November 7 - Peanut Proud Saturday: Hometown Pride
Guests are encouraged to celebrate their hometown pride. The day also includes a Car Show from 1:00-7:00 p.m., two performances of Equestrian Chaos at BankPlus Arena and Big and Loud on the Food Court Stage from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 8 - Salsa Sunday
Featured activities include Equestrian Chaos, a LEGO Competition at 3:00 p.m., Willie Ziavino and the COT Band from 2:00-6:00 p.m., Baylee Bennett Knighton at 7:00 p.m. and Corey Kent in concert at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, November 9 - Farmers Day & ALFA Members Day
Pre-registered farmers and their immediate families receive free admission, while ALFA members receive $5 admission with a membership card. The Calf Scramble and Greased Pig Scramble begin at 7:00 p.m. at BankPlus Arena, and Mae Estes performs from 8:00-10:00 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.
Tuesday, November 10 - Teacher Tuesday & ALFA Members Day
Teachers receive free admission with valid ID. Lauren Alaina takes the All In Amphitheater stage at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11 - ALL IN Credit Union Day & Veterans Day
The first 10,000 guests with a ticket from the NPF Box Office will be admitted free. Military members, veterans and their immediate families also receive free admission with ID. Dennis Lee performs from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.
November 11 will also feature the Dream Big Food Drive for the Wiregrass, with the National Peanut Festival donating $3 for every ride armband sold that day to the Wiregrass Food Bank.
Thursday, November 12 - Special Citizens Day & First Responders Day
Special Citizens Day is reserved for pre-registered groups and will include a performance by Dennis Lee. Gates open to the general public at 4:30 p.m. First responders receive free admission with valid ID. Tyler Hubbard performs at 7:00 p.m. at the All In Amphitheater.
Friday, November 13 - Senior Citizens Day
Senior Citizens Day runs from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., with a special performance by Dennis Lee. Gates open to the general public at 2:00 p.m. The evening includes the Demolition Derby Figure 8 Race at BankPlus Arena and Will Mosley on the Food Court Stage from 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 - Saturday Shellabration
The National Peanut Festival Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street in Dothan. Festival gates open at 10:00 a.m., with rides continuing until midnight. Demolition Derby performances are scheduled for 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at BankPlus Arena. Food Court Stage entertainment includes Latino Dancers and Hispanic Orchestra from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and Hannah McFarland from 8:00-10:00 p.m.
The Festival concludes Sunday, November 15, with Midway rides, Kiddieland and Midway concessions operating from 1:00-6:00 p.m. A $33 ticket includes gate admission and a ride armband.
Agriculture Remains at the Heart of the Festival
Agriculture continues to play a central role in the National Peanut Festival, with livestock competitions scheduled throughout the ten-day event.
The 2026 livestock schedule includes Junior Heifer and Feeder Steer, Junior Breeding Ewe, Market Lamb, Open Beef Cattle, Open Dairy Goat, Market Hog, Junior Breeding Hog, Poultry, Rabbit and Youth Meat Goat shows.
Fairground Entertainment
Guests will also find special entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, including:
- Cowtown Petting Zoo & Farm Experience
- The Mars Experience
- Dinosaur Adventure
- The Grizzly Encounter
Pre-Festival Events Begin in October
The celebration begins before the fairgrounds officially open with several traditional National Peanut Festival events:
- Little Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant - October 10 at 5:00 p.m., Dothan Civic Center
- Miss National Peanut Festival Preliminary Pageant - October 16 at 6:00 p.m., Dothan Civic Center
- Miss National Peanut Festival Finals - October 17 at 4:00 p.m., Dothan Civic Center
- Cubmobile Derby - October 24 at 9:00 a.m., NPF Fairgrounds
- Peanut Recipe Contest - October 29 at the NPF Fairgrounds
The National Peanut Festival has been Making Memories Since 1938, celebrating its agricultural roots while providing entertainment and experiences for families throughout the region.
For tickets, schedules and the latest Festival information, visit:
www.nationalpeanutfestival.com
2026 National Peanut Festival
November 6-15, 2026
Dothan, Alabama
Ease on Down the Row!
Entertainment, attractions, schedules and times are subject to change.