Washington County Fair Association Seeks Permit for Outdoor Music Venue at Fairgrounds

The Fayetteville Planning Commission held a session on July 24, 2025, focusing on several key agenda items, including a significant proposal for an outdoor music venue at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The commission discussed a conditional use permit application submitted by the Washington County Fair Association for a 29.61-acre property located at 2537 North McConnell Avenue. This site, which is zoned residential agricultural, has a history of hosting outdoor music events, although it has not had an active permit since 2014. The fairgrounds, owned by a private entity rather than Washington County, have been operating music events without formal approval, leading to increased complaints from nearby residents regarding noise levels.

The Fair Association is seeking to formalize their operations by proposing approximately two events per month, totaling around 26 events annually. To address noise concerns, the proposal includes measures such as orienting sound equipment away from residential areas and towards the interstate, where noise levels are already elevated.

The commission expressed support for the proposal, recognizing the importance of these events to the fairgrounds' operations while also considering the community's concerns. The next steps will involve further evaluation of the proposal to ensure it meets zoning regulations and addresses the needs of both the fairgrounds and local residents.