by ROD MULLINS
media.rodmullins@gmail.com
HAYSI, Va. — The Dickenson County Fair is set to return to the Haysi Fairgrounds Sept. 16-19, bringing four days of family entertainment, live music, rides, community activities and outstanding regional talent to Southwest Virginia.
This year’s fair promises something for every age group, from gospel music and bluegrass to country music, children’s activities and a showcase of local talent.
The fair kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 16, with Dickenson Sings Gospel, a special evening celebrating faith, fellowship and music. Several gospel groups from throughout the region will take the stage, providing an evening of inspirational music and community worship.
Organizers say Gospel Night has become one of the fair’s most anticipated traditions, drawing families from across the region to enjoy an uplifting evening of music while officially opening the annual fair.
Thursday, Sept. 17, will be recognized as Senior Day and Veterans Day, honoring the area’s senior citizens and military veterans.
The day will include special activities and recognition programs before audiences are treated to a performance by the popular and well loved Elvis and the Coupe Devilles, celebrating the music of The King, Elvis Presley.
The evening’s headline entertainment will feature Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, making their first-ever appearance at the Dickenson County Fair.
Peters has become one of bluegrass music’s brightest young stars. The Tennessee native began playing fiddle at age 3 and has appeared on national television, including NBC’s The Tonight Show and Little Big Shots. He has performed numerous times on the famed Grand Ole Opry stage and made his Ryman Auditorium debut alongside bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs.
Carson Peters & Iron Mountain continue to gain national recognition within the bluegrass industry and recently earned a nomination for the 2026 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) New Artist of the Year Award, placing them among the genre’s fastest-rising acts.
Known for their high-energy blend of traditional bluegrass, gospel and mountain music, the band is expected to deliver one of the fair’s most memorable performances.
Friday, Sept. 18, will be Kids Day, featuring rides and activities designed especially for children and families and the evening entertainment will feature the return of country recording artist Celeste Kellogg, who has become a favorite among Dickenson County Fair audiences.
A Nashville-charting recording artist, Kellogg has seen multiple singles chart on the Music Row Country Airplay Charts. Her music has been featured by CMT and on major Spotify country playlists, earning millions of streams.
Kellogg is the recipient of the Nashville Universe Rising Star Award and the Nashville Universe Female Vocalist of the Year Award. Throughout her career, she has shared stages and opened shows for major country artists including Scotty McCreery, LeAnn Rimes, Brett Eldredge, Easton Corbin, RaeLynn and Eric Paslay.
Her return to the Dickenson County Fair is expected to draw country music fans from throughout the region for an evening of contemporary country favorites and original music.
The final day of the fair, Saturday, Sept. 19, begins with The Mountains Got Talent, a regional talent competition showcasing some of the best singers, musicians and entertainers from across Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky.
Contestants will compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to earn local bragging rights as one of the region’s top performers.
Saturday evening concludes with a performance by Gents & Liars, one of Appalachia’s most respected and energetic Americana and roots music groups.
The band has developed a strong regional following through appearances at festivals, theaters and music venues across the Appalachian region. Known for blending country, rock, folk and Appalachian influences, Gents & Liars have earned praise for their musicianship, songwriting and crowd-pleasing live performances, making them a fitting choice to close out the 2026 Dickenson County Fair.
Fair organizers invite residents and visitors alike to attend this year’s event and enjoy four days of entertainment, food, exhibits, rides and family-friendly activities, including the exciting Truck Pull and the Horse Show.
“The Dickenson County Fair continues to be one of the region’s premier community events,” organizers said. “Whether you’re coming for the music, the rides, the food or simply to spend time with family and friends, there’s something for everyone at this year’s fair.”
The Dickenson County Fair will be held Sept. 16-19 at the Haysi Fairgrounds in Haysi, Virginia. Additional information, schedules and ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks.
