Carnival & Fair News

It felt more like spring than winter at the 2026 California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta. Running for 13 days from February 27 through March 15 at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds in Imperial, California, fairgoers were treated to unseasonably warm weather and blue skies.

Along with a carnival provided by Helm & Sons Amusements, the fair featured live musical performances, livestock and agriculture exhibits, and a patriotic theme celebrating both the 175th anniversary of California's statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The fair's tagline this year was “Celebration,” and there was plenty of reason to celebrate. This marked the second year the fair ran over three weekends, with closures on Mondays and Tuesdays. According to CEO Alan Phillips, the theme paid tribute to “the enduring legacy of our nation and state while bringing our community together to make new memories.”

Highlighting the celebration were displays by fair artist Ted Flores in the Preble Theme Building. These included a historical walkthrough timeline, 3D dioramas, and immersive art installations depicting significant events.

Another highlight was a partnership between the fair, the carnival, and food vendors that turned Wednesday and Thursday evenings into value nights. Phillips noted, “One of the most exciting additions this year is our Family Value Nights.”

On those nights, attendees received free parking and a buy-one-get-one-free carnival wristband, which included a WOW wait-eliminating pass for each ticket, priced at $55. Additional savings came from $5 food items offered by participating vendors.

Other discounts were available as well. On opening day, military members and seniors received free admission. Pre-sale admission prices were $10 for adults ages 13 to 59, and $8 for juniors ages 6 to 12 and seniors 60 and older. Parking was $7. Pre-sale unlimited ride wristbands were $35, increasing to $50 on site.

The fair was well attended, although final attendance numbers have not yet been released. Helm & Sons reported that the carnival midway had “an incredible run,” thanking staff, crew, and “the amazing local businesses that collaborated with us on giveaways and events throughout the fair. This year was something special.”

New this year was Star Fighter, which is a re-themed Battech Downdraft. Other favorites included The Conjuring, the Century Wheel, and the Zipper.

In addition to rides, Helm & Sons hosted a Carnival Chaos Karaoke Competition with a $1,000 grand prize, as well as live game shows throughout the fair, including a fitness competition. Traditional midway games such as High Striker, Ring the Bottle, and Hangman were also available.

Beyond the carnival, the fair offered more than 160 performances, including music, dance, and educational acts. Phillips noted that the variety of entertainment exceeded that of any previous year.

Featured performers included tribute acts such as the Red Hot Cholo Peppers, who opened the fair; Def Leppard and Journey Revisited; and Milagro, a Santana tribute band. Other acts included Left of Centre from Reno, a tribute to Luke Combs, a Brooks and Dunn tribute, and Polyester Express, a dance and show band performing hits from the 1970s. All performed on the Mechanics Bank Stage.

Phillips explained that the emphasis on tribute acts was partly due to state budget cuts that reduced funding for national performers. This approach helped keep the experience affordable for fairgoers.

The Valley High School Madness Day added another layer of excitement. Held on Wednesday, March 4, this grandstand event is considered the Imperial Valley's “Super Bowl of School Spirit” and one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Grandstand attractions also included a Demolition Derby, go-kart races, USAC Sprints, Lightning Sprints, and the annual Heritage car races, each delivering high-energy entertainment.

Looking to the skies, the fair hosted its annual meet-and-greet featuring the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Team.

Other highlights included the Junior Livestock Program, where young exhibitors from FFA and 4-H showcased sheep, cattle, swine, goats, rabbits, cavies, and poultry. Guests could also enjoy horse and dog shows.

Food offerings ranged from classic fair favorites such as corn dogs, pizza, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos to newer options from vendors including Francesco Cucina Italiana, Flaco's Tacos, Bosco's Sweet Tea, Maddie's Crepes, and Spud Budz. Spud Budz's carne asada baked potato was especially popular.

Also new was a speakeasy-style bar inspired by Prohibition-era establishments. Its location was not listed on the fair map, encouraging fairgoers age 21 and older to search for clues throughout the grounds to find it.

Phillips said the fair offered a wide range of experiences for the community to enjoy. On a personal level, he noted that the most exciting moment each year is opening day, when “the kids start to walk in” and he sees “the looks on their faces as they see the rides and performers.”

His hope is that all attendees “walk away with a smile.” Ultimately, he said, the purpose of the fair is simple: to have a good time.