Carnival & Fair News

The Ventura County Fair lived up to this year's theme, "Find Your Fun," according to fair CEO Heidi Ortiz, with both concert ticket sales and carnival revenue showing significant growth. The fair ran for 12 days, from July 29 through August 9, and drew nearly 269,000 guests, up slightly from last year's 267,215. The fair's largest attendance day was August 3, when nearly 29,000 people attended.

Early-bird ticket pricing was $18.95 for adults and $13.46 for seniors age 65 and older and children ages 6-12. Regular fair admission was $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children. Children 5 and younger were admitted free. There were also several major discounts for fairgoers. On opening day, admission was just $5 before 5 p.m.; children 12 and younger were admitted free with a paid adult admission on July 31; and seniors and attendees with disabilities were admitted free on August 4. On August 7, buy-one-get-one-free admission was available to those who donated five nonperishable food items for distribution by a local food bank.

A new clear-bag policy was established this year to help keep fairgoers safe and improve the admissions screening process.

Music filled the air at the fairgrounds' Grandstand Concert Series, which offered eight concerts spanning a wide range of genres, from country star Jake Owen to alternative rock act Bush. The biggest draw was electronic dance music DJ Marshmello, while locally originated reggae-rock band Iration was the second-biggest draw among the grandstand shows. The Dia de la Familia musical events on Sunday, August 2, were also popular. All concerts offered free general admission with fair admission, along with paid VIP seating options.

The biggest jump this year came from carnival sales, which reached $3.1 million compared with $2.5 million last year. The carnival's biggest change, however, was not in revenue. Instead of using a mix of independent vendors as the fair had in previous years, Helm & Sons Amusements became the primary midway operator for 2026.

Having a single primary operator brought new rides and a fresh midway layout, according to Ortiz. The change was made for those reasons and several others, including easier administration for fairgrounds officials and simpler ticketing, promotions and setup. At a fair board meeting earlier this year, Helm & Sons Amusements CEO Davey Helm pledged investment in fairground improvements, including contributions toward an RV park, painting and asphalt repair, along with a fresh carnival layout each year and a tram for guest transportation.

Helm also discussed the creation of scholarships and new revenue opportunities, including front-of-the-line passes and naming rights.

After receiving enthusiastic support from board members and completing its first fair as the primary midway operator, Helm & Sons is positioned for a continued partnership with the fair. Fair officials have also noted the company's commitment to bringing new games, food wagons and interactive experiences in future years.

Among this year's most popular rides were the classic Diamond Wheel, which offered sweeping views of the carnival and Pacific coast, and the Zipper. The company's new water ride, Big Splash, was also a strong draw, as was the Black Widow. 

Pre-fair wristband pricing was $45, or $65 with a Fast Pass add-on. During the fair, wristbands were $60, or $80 with Fast Pass. On August 3, guests age 17 and younger could purchase a daily unlimited-ride wristband for $25 at the fair.

Helm & Sons offered unlimited-ride wristbands every day of the fair, Ortiz noted, an option that was also new this year.

Along with the carnival, Ventura County fairgoers could enjoy the new Future of Agriculture show and the Cool Dog Thrill Show, a stunt canine act. Other attractions included a petting zoo, racing pigs and the Flying U Rodeo. The rodeo held five shows, with tickets priced at $11.45 for adults and $9.29 for children. A kids tractor pull, a Mutton Bustin' contest and magic acts were among the fair's other popular events.

Food sales were also strong this year, according to Ortiz, who reported $5.7 million in concession sales, with per-capita food spending up more than 14% over last year. While fair-food classics such as corn dogs, corn on the cob and lemonade remained popular, guests also sampled new offerings ranging from push-pop sushi to tiramisu cinnamon rolls and Sriracha-sliced pickles. Other choices included pastrami fries, pulled-pork grilled cheese and a Polish sausage take on a corn dog. Ortiz said fair patrons "ate their way" through the fair.

Adult beverages were also part of the mix. Returning this year was Beerfest, featuring local breweries and wineries, along with the Golden Pony speakeasy.

Horticulture and livestock were also key focuses of the fair, with the Junior Livestock Auction held August 7. Sheep, goats, cattle and small animals such as chickens and rabbits were sold, with small animals alone bringing in $50,000 in sales. Community support for the auction was strong, with one steer selling for $13,000.

Ventura County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff Gorell summed up the fair as showcasing "the very best of our community, with the agriculture, art, culture, education, entertainment, and achievement."

While praising the fair's turnout, Ventura County Fairgrounds board director Dan Long noted, "It was one of the best fairs I've ever seen."