New improv music show joins Mission Square schedule

– The California Mid-State Fair has announced the 2026 Mission Square Stage lineup, featuring 12 nights of local and regional live music during the fair’s run from July 15-26.

Mission Square, located in the center of the fairgrounds, offers live music, food, shopping, beer, wine, and other attractions throughout the fair. All Mission Square Stage performances are included with paid fair admission.

Bands are scheduled to perform from 7-10 p.m. Fair officials said updated schedules will be available at the stage and on the daily schedule during the event.

The 2026 Mission Square Stage lineup includes:

• July 15 — The JD Project
• July 16 — Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band
• July 17 — Katie Chappell
• July 18 — Casey Anglin
• July 19 — IMVA
• July 20 — Riff Tide
• July 21 — Unfinished Business
• July 22 — Dustflower
• July 23 — The Electric Lavender Train
• July 24 — False Puppet
• July 25 — The Vibe Setters
• July 26 — The Prairie Outlaws

The fair will also introduce a new entertainment act at Mission Square. The Improv Crooner, performed by Scott Palmason, is a comedy and music show in which audience suggestions and stories are turned into improvised songs.

The Improv Crooner performance schedule includes:

• July 16 at 10 p.m.
• July 17 at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
• July 18 at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
• July 19 at 10 p.m.
• July 23 at 10 p.m.
• July 24 at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
• July 25 at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

The California Mid-State Fair will take place July 15-26. The theme for this year’s fair is “Back to the ’80s!”

More information is available at www.midstatefair.com.