The California Mid-State Fair is encouraging community members to sign up now for a variety of fun, hands-on agricultural and equestrian competitions taking place during the 2026 Fair. These events offer participants a chance to do more than attend the Fair—they offer a chance to be part of it.
Whether you're testing your agricultural knowledge, competing in farm-inspired challenges, riding horseback through natural obstacles, or qualifying for the Country Rodeo Finals, these events showcase the spirit of agriculture, competition, and community that make the Fair unique.
Horse Show events—including the Country Rodeo, Reined Cow Horse, RSNC Sorting, 4-H/FFA Horse Shows, and the new 2026 events Ladies Open Breakaway and Walk This Way Ranch Riding/Trail Challenge—close Thursday, June 25, 2026. Quiz Jam registration closes Tuesday, June 30, 2026. To participate in Farmers Olympics, simply arrive with your team at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 20, at the Hearst Equestrian Center.
Quiz Jam
Think agriculture meets relay race. Quiz Jam invites youth participants to tackle a series of fun, hands-on challenges that may include ear tagging, tractor activities, plant identification, and more. Pee Wee participants (ages 5-8) may compete as individuals, while Junior (ages 9-13) and Senior (ages 14-18) divisions compete in teams of four. No livestock experience is required—just a willingness to learn, work as a team, and have fun.
Participants will receive a Frito Boat meal, a drawstring bag, and other fun goodies. The event takes place Sunday, July 19. Registration closes June 30.
Farmers Olympics
Grab some friends and show up ready to compete. Farmers Olympics is one of the Fair's most entertaining traditions, featuring farm-inspired challenges that test teamwork, speed, and problem-solving skills. No advance registration is required. Simply bring your team to the Hearst Equestrian Center at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 20.
NEW! Walk This Way – Ranch Riding & Trail Challenge
New for 2026, Walk This Way combines a ranch riding pattern with natural obstacles, creating a unique competition that highlights versatility, horsemanship, and the partnership between horse and rider. The event debuts on Tuesday, July 21.
NEW! Ladies Open Breakaway
One of the fastest-growing events in western sports is coming to the California Mid-State Fair. The new Ladies Open Breakaway gives female ropers an opportunity to showcase their skills in a fast-paced and exciting competition on Wednesday, July 22.
Gymkhana
Fast turns, friendly competition, and plenty of excitement make Junior Gymkhana a favorite for young riders. Participants compete in timed events that highlight speed, control, and horsemanship. The event takes place Friday, July 17.
Horse Show Competitions
The California Mid-State Fair Horse Show offers opportunities for competitors of all experience levels through events including the Country Rodeo, Reined Cow Horse, RSNC Sorting, and 4-H/FFA Horse Shows. New competitors are encouraged to review the handbook and give it a try. Horse Show entries close June 25.
Country Rodeo Qualifiers
Want a chance to compete in the 805 Beer Country Rodeo Finals? Qualifying events throughout Fair week give contestants the opportunity to earn their spot in one of the Fair's signature rodeo events.
"These events are a great example of what makes the Fair special," said Fair CEO Colleen Bojorquez. "They give people the opportunity to step out of the stands and into the action. Whether you're competing with friends in Farmers Olympics, showing your horse, or participating in Quiz Jam, you're not just attending the Fair — you're helping create it, and we all love that."
Complete rules, schedules, entry forms, and registration information are available on the Horse Show page at midstatefair.com.
The CA Mid-State Fair takes place July 15–26, 2026 and this year's theme is “Back to the '80s!”
