Fair entry deadlines
Entering something to be judged — a photograph, a pie, a quilt, an animal — is a different thing from renting a booth, and it closes on a different schedule. Entries usually cost a dollar or two and close a few weeks before the fair, through a specific department.
This page lists every exhibitor and competition entry route we know about, across all fairs, sorted by when entries close.
Date not published(15)
These fairs publish an entry route but no closing date. Most are still open — check the fair's own page or contact the department.
Dept 1: Handicrafts
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 2: Designer Craftsman
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 4: Fine Arts
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 5: Canning
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 6: Foods
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 7: Fair time Fun
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 8: Fair Theme — Unexpect Everything!
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 9: Celebrating 250 years!
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 10: Un Finished Objects (UFOs)
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Christmas Tree & Wreath
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Giant Pumpkin & Squash
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Decorated Pumpkin
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Produce Display
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Gourd
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
Open for 2026 per the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01. The fair publishes no entry deadline for this department — the "2026 Department Deadlines" PDF it links returned 404 on 2026-09-01 — so no closing date is shown here rather than a guessed one. Check the entry portal for your department's deadline.
Enter or view rules →Dept 3: Photography
Date not published
The Big E 2026 (Eastern States Exposition)West Springfield, MA
CLOSED for 2026. Verbatim from the fair's Competitive Exhibits page, re-verified 2026-09-01: "Enter online - CLOSED FOR 2026." This is the only one of the fair's competition departments carrying a closed marker; the other fourteen are still accepting entries.
Enter or view rules →
Recently closed(25)
Closed within the last 30 days — kept here so you can find the department and enter next year.
Stock Farm Tractor Pull
Closed Oct 9, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Foods — Parent & Child Cookie Contest
Closed Oct 8, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Mrs. Essex County Pageant
Closed Oct 8, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Foods — Apple Pie Contest
Closed Oct 7, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Foods — King Arthur Baking Company Contest
Closed Oct 6, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →ADGA Open Senior & Junior Doe Shows
Closed Oct 5, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Foods — Fall Harvest Baked Sweet Treat Contest
Closed Oct 4, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Cattle
Closed Oct 3, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →4-H and Youth Dairy Goat Show
Closed Oct 2, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Junior King & Queen Pageant
Closed Oct 2, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Christmas Tree Exhibit
Closed Oct 1, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Foods — Weekend Contests
Closed Oct 1, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Fruit Exhibit
Closed Oct 1, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Horse & Oxen Pulling Contest
Closed Oct 1, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Open Sheep Show — Yarn Show
Closed Oct 1, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Beekeeping & Honey Show — Division 4
Closed Sep 29, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Flower Show
Closed Sep 28, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →4-H and Open Youth Horse Show
Closed Sep 25, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Open Poultry Exhibition
Closed Sep 25, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Vegetables Exhibit
Closed Sep 25, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Youth Poultry Exhibition
Closed Sep 25, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Beekeeping & Honey Show
Closed Sep 23, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Deadline published by the fair in its 2026 General Information handbook ("Department Entry Deadlines"); re-verified 2026-09-01. Department rules and paper entry forms: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/ — online entry carries a $3.00 per-exhibitor convenience fee, mailed entry none.
Enter or view rules →Rabbit & Cavy
Closed Sep 22, 2026
Topsfield Fair 2026Topsfield, MA
Rabbit & Cavy does not use FairEntry. The fair's exhibitor handbook publishes one route for this department: "Online Entry: https://ecrcba.org/fairshow" (East Coast Rabbit Breeders Association). Entry deadline September 22nd, 2026 per the fair's 2026 General Information handbook, "DEPARTMENT ENTRY DEADLINES". ⚠️ As of 2026-09-01 the ECRCBA page still displays its 2025 Topsfield show listing and publishes no 2026 closing date of its own — confirm with the fair or ECRCBA before mailing entries. Fair's handbook: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/about/exhibitor-handbook/
Enter or view rules →Christmas Trees
Closed Sep 22, 2026
Durham Fair 2026Durham, CT
Entry deadline Tues. 9/22. Delivery Wed. 9/23, Noon-8 PM. Source: the fair's Exhibitor Deadlines page, re-verified 2026-09-01.
Enter or view rules →Christmas Wreaths
Closed Sep 22, 2026
Durham Fair 2026Durham, CT
Entry deadline Tues. 9/22. Delivery Wed. 9/23, Noon-8 PM. Source: the fair's Exhibitor Deadlines page, re-verified 2026-09-01.
Enter or view rules →
Deadlines are recorded from each fair's own published entry information. Always confirm on the fair's site before entering — departments occasionally extend or move a closing date without announcing it.