The CA Mid-State Fair returns July 15–26, 2026, with exciting new attractions, food, activities, entertainment, and guest amenities—all set against this year's theme, “Back to the '80s!”
New Attractions
• A brand-new free mini Roller Rink, bringing retro fun to the Fairgrounds
• Arcade
games in two location
• Kindness Corner, debuting on Kids Day as a space dedicated to positivity, creativity, and community
• Kids Day on the Farm, featuring Highland cows and ponies for up-close agricultural experiences
New Food & Happy Hour
• The all-new Happy Hour at the Fair promotion features $5 food and beverage deals throughout the Fair at the beginning of every day
• Old West Cinnamon Rolls' new "Tiramisu" Cinnamon Roll
• Philly Express's new Loaded Philly Bowl
• New menus from The Sleek Greek, OMG Ice Cream, and A Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shaved Ice
New Ways to Join the Fun
• The new Trails Challenge
• Ladies Open Breakaway competition
• Fair-wide Dress-Up Days
• Nightly line dancing lessons at Jimmy's, open to all skill levels
New Guest Features
• A new pull-out Fairgrounds map inside the Daily Schedule booklet
• Enhanced directional signage throughout the Fairgrounds
• A new hydration station in Frontier Town
• An expanded schedule of Demonstrations & Classes
• An updated Ways to Save webpage to help guests plan their visit and maximize value
World-Class Entertainment
Entertainment can be found around every corner of the Fairgrounds. The stellar Michelob ULTRA Concert Series features Old Dominion, Ice Cube with Warren G, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Phil Wickham, Megadeth, Howard Jones, Willie Nelson & Family, Treaty Oak Revival, and Three Dog Night, while a special pre-Fair performance by Chris Stapleton and Molly Tuttle kicks off the excitement before opening day.
Guests can enjoy entertainment around every corner of the Fair, including the Casey Printing Free Concert Series at the Frontier Stage, nightly live music and the new Improv Crooner on Mission Square Stage, Fiesta de Baile in La Cantina, reggae at the Island Bar, interactive fun at The Silo, family-friendly contests and exotic animal encounters on the Headliner Stage, plus strolling performers, specialty acts, and live entertainment throughout the Fairgrounds every day.
Of course, guests will still find the traditions and experiences that have made the CA Mid-State Fair a summer favorite for generations.
Included with admission are Community Exhibits, livestock shows and judging competitions, horse shows, agricultural exhibits, daily entertainment, demonstrations and classes, shopping, and educational experiences throughout the Fairgrounds.
Guests can also enjoy special events that showcase the best of the Central Coast, including the Gold Medal Wine Tasting, Get Crafty Mixology Competition & Tasting, Wine Industry Awards, Cattlemen & Farmers Day, Industrial Arts Auction, Junior Livestock Auction, Miss CMSF Scholarship Pageant, Pancake Breakfast, Kids Day, Seniors Day, and Armed Forces Day.
Check the Daily Schedule at midstatefair.com.
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