Map of the Fairgrounds
What are the COVID-19 protocols?
We will be following all State and County regulations that are in place.
When is the Fair open to the public?
Fair Dates: July 19-30, 2023 | Fair Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4:00 pm - Midnight | Friday-Sunday Noon-Midnight. Some Livestock and Horseshow events take place earlier in the day, so be sure to check the Daily Schedules for those times.
Public Safety Program
The California Mid-State Fair provides a safe environment for families and all our guests, exhibitors, staff, volunteers and partners. The Fair has a Public Safety Program intended for deterring unwanted activities on the fairgrounds. We are pro-active in our desire to provide this positive experience. As a result, all bags, purses and personal belongings will be screened at entrance gates for contraband. Hand held metal detecting wands will be in use by fair staff. No weapons, food or alcohol will be allowed in. This includes pocket knives of any size or length. Other contraband includes items that would not be allowed onto a commercial airplane.
Is re-entry available?
Convenient exit and re-entry is available with a hand-stamp at the Main Exit Gate.
Are personal items subject to inspection prior to entrance?
Yes, this is to ensure the safety of everyone.
What items are prohibited from bringing into the Fair?
The following is a partial list of items people are not allowed to carry onto Fair property. Event staff will be authorized to use their discretion in disallowing items not included on this list:
The California Mid-State Fair and its employees will not hold prohibited items discovered during the screening process for persons to retrieve at a later time.
Can I bring in a pocket knife?
No. Pocket knives of any size or length are not allowed.
Can I bring in a water bottle?
Yes, you may bring up to two (2) unopened plastic water bottle(s); they are also available for sale from various vendors. There is one public water fountain on the grounds, located in the Main Quad
Do I need an admission ticket in addition to my Grandstand concert ticket?
Yes, you do. Everyone entering the fairgrounds must present a valid ticket of admission, including those attending Grandstand concerts. Concert tickets do not include admission to the fair.
What if I bought a concert ticket through a third-party website?
BEWARE OF TICKET SCAMS! Though many online ticket brokers may imply that they are an official website for concert ticket purchases for the California Mid-State Fair, only this website: www.midstatefair.com is the official on-line ticket purchase point for the 2022 California Mid-State Fair concerts. We are not affiliated with any third party ticket company or selling sites. We cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from other sources are legitimate nor will we be able to assist you if there is a problem with tickets purchased from such companies.
What should I wear?
Warm days and cool evenings are the rule of thumb, but make sure you check the weather forecast before you arrive. It can be both very warm in the daytime and turn pretty cool after the sun goes down. Also, please remember that “closed toe” shoes are required for rides in the Carnival
Where can I park?
Unfortunately, there is limited parking at the Fair. Our designated parking lot is located on Riverside Avenue directly across from the Paso Robles Event Center. We do offer a free shuttle service to and from the Fair. Locations and pick-up/drop-off times are located under the Travel & Lodging Tab – Local Shuttles.
How much does parking cost?
In the Paso Robles Event Center parking lot on Riverside Avenue, parking costs $20.00 per vehicle. Parking is limited and based on availability.
Are there group rates?
We do not offer group rate discounts. However, there are multiple discounted theme days and other discount opportunities.
Can I rent a stroller?
No, strollers are not available to rent.
Can I rent a wheelchair?
Yes, wheelchairs are available for rent. First come, first serve. 2022 information coming soon!
Do you have lockers?
Yes, we will store your belongings for $5.00 per item at the Main Gate Entrance.
Can I take pictures at the Fair?
Personal cameras are allowed, but professional cameras are not. Standard Lenses (17-50mm, 18-55mm, etc.) are allowed and Telephoto Lenses (24-70mm, 70-200mm, etc.) are not. Audio and video recording is strictly prohibited. No drones are allowed on or around the fairgrounds.
Can I bring in my own food?
No, but don’t worry, there is plenty of food available from a wide array of vendors. You are sure to find something that suits your tastes.
How old do you have be to ride the carnival rides?
There is no age restriction, but some rides have height limitations to ensure safety.
Do I have to pay admission for my infant?
No, children 5 years old and under get in free.
At what age does a child need a paid concert ticket into the Chumash Grandstand Arena?
All people 3 years old and over need a paid ticket. 2 years old and under do not need a ticket.
Can I bring in a pet?
Service animals are permitted, but pets are not.
Is smoking allowed on premises?
The California Mid-State Fair is a smoke-free and vapor-free event. Smoking of any kind, including the use of pipes, e-cigarettes, vapors or similar devices of any kind, is prohibited. Thank you very much for your consideration!
How do I pay for things?
Most concession/vendor booths are CASH ONLY but some will accept debit and/or credit cards. Entry gates and box office accept VISA/MC/AMEX (along with cash for purchase).
Are there ATM machines?
Yes, ATM machines are conveniently located throughout the grounds.
What is the refund/exchange policy?
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
Is there RV parking?
There is no RV parking available in our parking lot.
I lost something / I found something...
Please fill out this form if you found or lost an item at the Fair. If your item is found, our staff will contact you directly.
