Does your child have what it takes to be the next Justin Timberlake or Lucy Hale? Enter the 2026 Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest!
Two divisions make up the Youth Talent Contest – a junior division for those 9 to 12 years old and a senior division for those 13 to 21 years old. Cash prizes are awarded to four acts in both age groups.
2026 CONTEST SCHEDULE
Junior Division (AGES 9-12)
- Junior Preliminary – Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.
- Junior Grand Finals – Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
The JR. DIV. Grand Award winner will also be special entertainment at the 2026 Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest Sr. Grand Finals AND invited to perform at the 2027 Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest JR. FINALS.
Senior Division (AGES 13-21)
- Senior Preliminary – Sunday, Oct. 4- Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.
- Senior Semi-Finals – Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
- Grand Award Finals – Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
The Grand Award winner will be special entertainment at the 2027 Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest Sr. Grand Finals. All participants in the 2026 Mid-South Fair Youth Contests who are Seniors in High School or attending College will be eligible to apply for one of the $1,000.00 scholarships awarded during the 2027 Mid-South Fair. Applications are accepted between January 1, 2027, and May 1, 2027.