Celebrating 80 years of nonstop entertainment, incredible food, and high-energy fun
Get ready! It’s almost fair time! This year, the California Mid-State Fair is celebrating its 80th year of all-ages, family fun from July 15-26. Recently nominated for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards Best Fair/Rodeo, the California Mid-State Fair continues to earn national recognition for its standout entertainment and overall guest experience.
From the moment the gates open to the final encore each night, the Fair is designed to be a full-day experience, giving visitors every reason to arrive early, stay late, and soak it all in.
Each year, the California Mid-State Fair brings a new theme to life across the entire experience from immersive décor and photo-worthy moments to community exhibits and interactive activities. In 2026, the fair goes “Back to the 80s,” with throwback energy, bold visuals, nostalgic fun around every corner, and a few surprise interactive 80s-inspired elements for guests to discover throughout their visit.
Top-tier entertainment, all day and all night
The 2026 Chumash Grandstand Arena lineup delivers major star power across genres, including: Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Old Dominion, Treaty Oak Revival, MEGADETH, plus Howard Jones: Things Can Only Get Better Tour and An Evening of Music & Wine with Three Dog Night, Ambrosia, and John Ford Coley.
From high-energy concerts to edge-of-your-seat action, guests can experience the Country Rodeo Finals, Tractor Pull, and the fast-growing, crowd-favorite Farm Olympics, showcasing the exciting side of agriculture through competition, horsepower, and can’t-miss moments for spectators.
Guests can also enjoy six free stages featuring national, regional, and local acts.
Explore, taste, and experience it all
Stroll through award-winning community exhibits, explore livestock barns filled with animals, and enjoy hands-on agricultural experiences perfect for kids and families.
Discover unique shopping throughout the grounds, from local goods and specialty vendors to one-of-a-kind finds inside Mission Market Place, a curated collection of local and artisan vendors—and the perfect place to find a truly unique souvenir.
Keep an eye out for roving entertainers popping up throughout the day, bringing surprise moments of music, comedy, and crowd interaction across the fairgrounds.
The carnival delivers excitement for all ages with rides, games, and classic fair food.
To keep guests comfortable all day long, the fair also offers cooling zones, free hydration stations for water refills, and refreshing misters along the midway.
Get there early for the new, daily happy hour
The new Fair Happy Hour features discounted food and beverage specials available throughout the fair daily from Monday–Thursday, 4 –5 p.m., and Friday–Sunday, Noon–2 p.m.
With so much included, from free live entertainment and exhibits to family-friendly attractions, the California Mid-State Fair offers exceptional value and just might be the most affordable fun you’ll have on your California vacation.
Make the most of every hour
With something happening all day and night, the California Mid-State Fair isn’t just a stop—it’s the destination.
Don’t just visit. Immerse yourself in the California Mid-State Fair.
The California Mid-State Fair runs from July 15-26 and is located at the Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave. in Paso Robles. For tickets through the official ticketing partner, Ticketmaster, schedules, and more information, visit midstatefair.com.
