The 2026 CA Mid-State Fair returns July 15–26 with this year’s theme, “Back to the ’80s,” bringing 12 days of live entertainment, carnival rides, exhibits, livestock, food, shopping, entertainment, and hands-on family fun to Paso Robles.
From chart-topping concerts and rodeo action to giant corn dogs, livestock barns, arcade games, roller skating, exhibits, shopping, and nightly entertainment, the Fair continues to be one of California’s best summer entertainment values — offering something exciting around every corner for guests of all ages.
Fair officials are encouraging guests to take advantage of the final “2Fer Tuesday” Season Pass promotion on Tuesday, May 26, where guests can purchase two Season Passes for the price of one — one of the best entertainment values of the summer. (Purchase hours: 9AM-4PM in person, 4AM-11PM online).
“We’ve had an incredible response to the 2Fer Tuesday promotion this year,” said Colleen Bojorquez, CEO of the CA Mid-State Fair. “People are excited for this year’s Fair, and we don’t want local families and Fair fans to miss out on the opportunity to experience everything the Fair has to offer for half-price admission.”
This year’s concert lineup brings together some of the biggest names in country, rock, hip-hop, metal, and nostalgic throwback entertainment — giving locals even more reasons to come to the Fair.
2026 Michelob Ultra Concert Series - Chumash Grandstand Arena
July 14 — Chris Stapleton with Molly Tuttle (SOLD OUT — Special pre-Fair show. Listening Party admission available at the gate for $10)
July 15 — Old Dominion with Dasha and Annie Bosko
July 16 — Ice Cube with Warren G
July 17 — Lainey Wilson with Colton Dawson (SOLD OUT)
July 18 — Eric Church with ERNEST
July 19 — TBA
July 20 — MEGADETH
July 21 — Howard Jones: Things Can Only Get Better Tour with Wang Chung, English Beat, Modern English and DJ Richard Blade
July 22 — Willie Nelson & Family with Ian Munsick
July 23 — Treaty Oak Revival with William Clark Green
July 24 — An Evening of Music & Wine featuring Three Dog Night with Ambrosia
July 25 — Country Rodeo Finals
July 26 — Tractor Pull
In addition to Chumash Grandstand Arena entertainment, Fair guests can also enjoy 12 nights of the 2026 Casey Printing Concert Series on the 805 Frontier Stage, included with paid Fair admission. This year’s Frontier Stage lineup includes High Voltage, Micky Dolenz, Sacha Carlson, Noel Torres, John Hollier & The Reverie, Stephen Styles, Shenandoah, Something Out West, LOCASH, Queensrÿche, Coronel Gerardo “El Jerry,” and the Fair’s annual opening night Pageant celebration.
Back to the ’80s Theme Experiences
This year’s “Back to the ’80s” theme transforms the Fairgrounds into a nostalgic throwback filled with retro roller skating, arcade games, mullet and big hair contests, themed photo ops, throwback music, and interactive themed surprises and experiences happening daily.
What Fair Admission Includes:
Fair admission gives guests access to a full day — or multiple days — of entertainment, attractions, and experiences across the Fairgrounds, including:
(Concerts in the Chumash Grandstand Arena, carnival rides, and select special events require a separate ticket.)
More Ways to Save:
In addition to the May 26 2Fer Tuesday Season Pass promotion, guests can save all Fair long with:
Whether guests come for the concerts, carnival, food, livestock, exhibits, shopping, nostalgia, or simply to make summer memories together, the CA Mid-State Fair continues to deliver one of the most affordable and entertaining summer experiences on the Central Coast.
For tickets, schedules, promotions, and more information, visit www.MidStateFair.com.
The CA Mid-State Fair takes place July 15–26, 2026 and this year's theme is ‘Back to the '80s.'
