Carnival & Fair News

Celebrating its 80th year, the California Mid-State Fair posted strong numbers this July. Fair officials reported attendance of 433,208 for the 12-day event, which ran July 15 through July 26, and described that total as a 18% increase over 2025.

At the gate, admission was $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for youth. Children ages 5 and under were admitted free.

The fair featured a variety of special admission days this year, including Kids Day on July 24, when children 12 and under received free admission; Seniors Day on July 17, when guests 62 and older received half-price admission; and Armed Forces Day on July 25, when guests with valid military identification received free admission.

The fair also leaned into its 1980s theme with dress-up days such as Rhinestone Cowboy, Totally Tubular Surfer, Rock the Hair, and Neon Night, which encouraged glow accessories, bright colors, and leg warmers. On July 22, fairgoers were encouraged to dress as a favorite 1980s character from movies, music, or other pop culture of the era.

Along with increased attendance, grandstand entertainment drew 90,527 guests, a reported 9% increase. Food and beverage concessions rose 3%, in part because of a new Happy Hour promotion in which participating vendors offered $5 menu items at the start of each fair day. The Junior Livestock Auction generated a record $4.02 million in sales, while the Industrial Arts Auction brought in $203,150 for 59 projects.

The one small decline came from the Helm & Sons Carnival, which generated $1,621,937, down 4% from the previous year. Fairgoers nevertheless took strong advantage of the opening-day promotion offering free carnival rides, which fair officials said continued to draw strong participation.

Carnival wristband sales through local nonprofit organizations also reached an all-time high, with 15,036 wristbands sold. Wristbands were priced at $35 in presale and $55 at the gate.

Among the popular rides were Medusa, known for its thrills and fairgrounds views; Blackout; The Big Splash, a soaking log-flume ride; the Zipper; Giant Wheel; and Vertigo.

California Mid-State Fair CEO Colleen Bojorquez said the fair “had a special kind of magic.” She noted that the community “showed up in a big way” and said people seemed excited to be there. She added that the fair is about “holding on to the traditions that define the Fair while continuing to add fun new twists year after year.” With the “Back to the '80s” theme and the fair's 80th anniversary celebration, she called the year “a blast.”

At the Paso Robles Event Center, the theme carried into Chumash Grandstand Arena performances. Howard Jones, joined by Wang Chung and other guests, was priced at $50 and $70; Megadeth tickets ranged from $50 to $90; Willie Nelson & Family tickets ranged from $50 to $100; and An Evening of Music & Wine featured Three Dog Night with Ambrosia and John Ford Coley. The 805 Country Rodeo Finals and Tractor Pull were also held in the arena, with reserved tickets priced at $25 to $30. Rodeo events included team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping.

Before the fair opened, Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton headlined a sold-out special pre-fair concert on July 14, bringing music fans to the grounds one night ahead of opening day.

Multiple other stages offered entertainment included with fair admission, including the Casey Printing Free Concert Series at the Frontier Stage, live music and performances by the new Improv Crooner on the Mission Square Stage, Latin music at Fiesta de Baile in La Cantina, and reggae at the Island Bar. The Headliner Stage offered a mix of animal encounters and family activities, while strolling performers appeared throughout the fairgrounds.

New attractions this year included arcade games in two locations; a free retro mini roller rink, which drew 3,600 skaters; and Kids Day on the Farm, where young attendees could get close to ponies and Highland cows. The Kindness Corner also debuted on Kids Day with activities focused on creativity, positivity, and community. Nightly line-dancing lessons were another new offering.

Along with the new Happy Hour promotion, vendors introduced additional food options, including Old West Cinnamon Rolls' tiramisu cinnamon roll, a Loaded Philly Bowl at Philly Express, and new menus at The Sleek Greek, OMG Ice Cream, and A Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shaved Ice.

Practical enhancements to the fairgrounds included improved directional signage and a new hydration station in Frontier Town.

Traditional events and exhibitions remained part of the fun, from train rides and a pedal tractor race to watermelon-eating and salsa-making contests. A special addition tied to the 1980s theme was a mullet contest, which proved popular enough that the fair is considering making it a recurring event.

Fairgoers also enjoyed baking, sewing, art, and photography exhibits, as well as California competitions for wine, olive oil, and craft spirits. Diablo Paso was named 2026 Winery of the Year, Rock 12 of Lompoc earned 2026 Distillery of the Year, and Sunshine Olive Oil was named 2026 Olive Oil Producer of the Year in the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition. The fair also offered dozens of free demonstrations and classes, along with attractions such as a draft horse demonstration, a tractor parade, the strolling Bubbleologist, and the annual pancake breakfast.

Fairgoers could also enjoy livestock shows, including the lively Barnyard Racers; the 4-H/FFA Open Youth Horse Show; a variety of agricultural exhibits; and the Miss CMSF Scholarship Pageant, where Gabby Bodenshot was crowned this year.