In brief
- The Rumilly Agricultural Fair takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the town center.
- It’s the big return of the event after the cancellation of the 2025 edition.
- On the program: the Montbéliard contest, the Cheese Fair, the 12th Horse Day, and vintage tractors.
- Entry is free, and the fair attracts around 15,000 visitors each year.
Every first Sunday of October, Rumilly trades its look of an industrious small town for that of a large agricultural village. Cows, horses, vintage tractors, and producers from the Albanais fill the streets for a day that is one of the most eagerly awaited in autumn in Haute-Savoie. In 2026, the event has a special flavor: it’s the return of the fair after a blank year.
A fair over a century old, returning after a blank year
The Rumilly Agricultural Fair is far from a recent event. For more than 110 years, the event has been one of the anticipated appointments in Rumilly and throughout the Albanais. For over a century, it has brought together farmers, producers, and local residents.
However, the 2025 edition did not take place. Faced with uncertain health conditions for livestock, the organizers considered three options: maintain everything, maintain part of the fair, or cancel everything. Meeting with the community of communes, the City of Rumilly, the CAE, and representatives of breeders, riding centers, cheese producers, and vintage tractors, they ultimately chose to cancel the fair completely in support of the agricultural world, scheduling a new date for October 4, 2026. It was not the first time animal health impacted the event: the edition two years prior had already been deprived of cattle contests because of bluetongue disease.
So, October 4, 2026 marks much-anticipated reunions between Albanais breeders and their public.
Who organizes the Rumilly Agricultural Fair?
The fair is organized by the Economic Action Committee “Rumilly-Alby développement,” together with the Albanais Breeders. Like every year, it combines animals, producers, agricultural know-how, and entertainment. The volunteers also handle much of the on-site catering.
The scale of the event rivals that of major Alpine fairs. The City of Rumilly announces nearly 15,000 visitors for this day dedicated to local producers and farmers, and some sources cite attendance between 15,000 and 20,000 people in the heart of the town.
The 2026 program: what we already know
The 2026 edition notably marks the return of the Montbéliard contest, alongside the Cheese Fair, Horse Day, and traditional vintage tractors.
Place de la Manufacture – From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Producers’ market (see dedicated section)
- Bread making
- Exhibitors – Local artisans
- Takeaway catering
Place d’Armes – From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cheese Fair
- Apple juice production
- Fast food & refreshment bar on site or to go
Place des Anciennes Casernes
- Departure of the vintage tractor parade – 10:30 a.m.
- Departure of the horse parade – 11:00 a.m.
- Horse show – 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Exhibition of vintage tractors – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Exhibition of new vehicles and tractors – 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Fast food & refreshment bar on site or to go
Place Joseph Joffo
- 19th Montbéliard Contest
- Agricultural equipment exhibition
The Montbéliard contest, the great return of livestock
This is the agricultural heart of the fair. Albanais breeders present their finest Montbéliard cows, recognizable by their red piebald coat, before a jury. This contest marks the return of cattle to the town center after editions disrupted by health crises.
The 12th Horse Day
Horse lovers gather at Place des Anciennes Casernes for equestrian demonstrations, followed by a parade through the old town. In previous editions, local riding centers showcased their horses there, and driver competitions were also featured in the program.
Vintage tractors
Tractors of yesteryear are exhibited at Place des Anciennes Casernes, then parade through the old town in turn. It is often one of the favorite moments for families and nostalgic fans of agricultural machinery.
The Cheese Fair
It’s impossible to talk about a fair in the Savoyard region without cheese. The Cheese Fair brings together local producers and, in previous editions, offered tastings. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on tommes, reblochons, and other specialties from the Albanais.
Producers, artisans, and demonstrations
All day long, the town center turns into a large market. You’ll meet local producers, wood artisans, breeders, and environmentally focused associations. The main sectors of the fair are livestock and parades, tractors and agricultural machinery, cheese and local produce, crafts and demonstrations, not to mention catering.
Schedule of key moments
The exact 2026 schedule is not yet known. To give you an idea, in 2023, the vintage tractor parade started at 10:30 a.m., followed by the horse parade at 11:00 a.m. Cattle contests usually take place in the morning, and the honor parade and prize-giving happen in the afternoon. If you want to see the animals and parades, arrive in the morning.
The fair at a glance
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, October 4, 2026 |
| Hours | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Location | Avenue Gantin and Rumilly town center |
| Price | Free entry |
| Attendance | About 15,000 visitors |
| Organizer | CAE Rumilly-Alby Développement, with the Albanais Breeders |
| Key events | Montbéliard contest, 12th Horse Day, vintage tractors, Cheese Fair |
| Catering | Stalls and refreshment stands run by volunteers |
Other autumn fairs in Haute-Savoie
The Rumilly fair is part of a season rich in agricultural events. Here are those to note this autumn:
| Event | Date 2026 | Location | Not to miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Maurice Fair | Tuesday, September 22 | Vallée Verte | Cattle and horse contests, large market |
| Larringes Fair | Saturday, September 26 | Gavot Plateau | Breeders from the Evian region, village festival |
| Rumilly Agricultural Fair | Sunday, October 4 | Albanais | Montbéliard contest, horses, vintage tractors |
| Return of the Alpine Pastures | Saturday, October 10 | Annecy, old town | Grand livestock parade at 2:30 p.m. |
Doing Rumilly on the 4th and the Return of the Alpine Pastures in Annecy the following Saturday guarantees experiencing two of the most beautiful rural festivities of the department within one week.
To read: The Autumn Fairs 2026 in Haute-Savoie
Practical info: coming, parking, getting around
Rumilly is located in the heart of the Albanais, about twenty minutes from Annecy and around thirty from Aix-les-Bains. On fair day, the town center is pedestrian-only and traffic is heavily disrupted.
During the last edition, traffic was prohibited between the roundabout at Place Joffo and the Mont-Blanc roundabout, and it was advised to park in the outer car parks by the ring road or behind the train station. A similar arrangement is likely in 2026. Check with the town hall before you leave.
Some tips to enjoy the day:
- Come early. The fair opens at 8 a.m., and contests and parades mainly take place in the morning.
- Consider the train. Rumilly station, on the Aix-les-Bains – Annecy line, is a few minutes’ walk from the center.
- Bring an insulated bag if you plan to bring back cheese.
- Stay cautious around animals, especially with children.
Take advantage of the visit to discover the Albanais
A day at the fair is a great opportunity to discover Rumilly and its surroundings, a hilly and agricultural area between Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Wander through the old town, then take a walk in the surrounding countryside or stop at a farm to buy cheese: the Albanais is well suited for an autumn getaway. For more ideas, find our itinerary suggestions in our guide Visiting Haute-Savoie in 7 Days, and our specialties to taste in the Gastronomy section.
FAQ – Rumilly Agricultural Fair 2026
When is the Rumilly Agricultural Fair in 2026?
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is traditionally held the first Sunday of October.
Is entry charged?
No, entry is free for everyone.
Why did the fair not take place in 2025?
The organizers cancelled it due to too uncertain health conditions for livestock, in support of the agricultural world.
What are the main activities?
The Montbéliard cow contest, the 12th Horse Day with demonstrations and parade, the vintage tractor exhibition and parade, the Cheese Fair, and a large producers’ market.
Where to park?
The town center is closed to traffic. Park in outer car parks near the ring road or behind the train station, or come by train.
Can you eat on site?
Yes, catering stalls and refreshment stands are run by the fair volunteers.
Where to find the detailed program?
On the Economic Action Committee website, cae-asso.fr, and on the City of Rumilly’s website.
