Mid-State Fair highlights new features
What’s new at the fair for 2026
– The California Mid-State Fair will return July 15-26 with new attractions, food, activities, entertainment, and guest amenities centered around this year’s theme, “Back to the ’80s!”
New attractions include a free mini roller rink, arcade games in two locations, the Kindness Corner quiet area debuting on Kids Day, and Highland cows and ponies during Kids Day on the Farm.
The fair will also introduce a daily Happy Hour promotion featuring $5 food and beverage specials. New food offerings include Old West Cinnamon Rolls’ Tiramisu Cinnamon Roll, Philly Express’ Loaded Philly Bowl, and new menu items from The Sleek Greek, OMG Ice Cream, and A Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shaved Ice.
New activities include fairwide ’80s Dress-Up Days, a Mullet Contest, the “Walk This Way” Trails Challenge, a Ladies Open Breakaway competition, and nightly line dancing lessons at Jimmy’s for all skill levels.
Guest amenities include a pullout fairgrounds map inside the daily schedule booklet, enhanced directional signage on the midway, a hydration station in Frontier Town, an expanded schedule of demonstrations and classes, and an updated “Ways to Save” webpage.
The Michelob ULTRA Concert Series will feature 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. A pre-fair concert featuring Chris Stapleton and Molly Tuttle will take place before opening day. The 805 Country Rodeo Finals and Tractor Pull are scheduled for the final two days of the fair.
Additional entertainment includes performances on the Frontier Stage, live music and the Improv Crooner on the Mission Square Stage, Fiesta de Baile in La Cantina, reggae music and an ’80s disc jockey at the Island Bar, activities at The Silo, family contests, line dancing classes, animal encounters on the Headliner Stage, and strolling performers throughout the fairgrounds.
Admission includes access to community exhibits, livestock shows and judging competitions, horse shows, agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, classes, shopping, educational exhibits, and daily entertainment.
The fair will also host special events including the Gold Medal Wine Tasting, Get Crafty Mixology Competition & Tasting, Wine Industry Awards, Cattlemen & Farmers Day, Industrial Arts Auction, Junior Livestock Auction, Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant, Pancake Breakfast, Kids Day, Seniors Day, and Armed Forces Day.
Discounted admission tickets are available through July 14 at Farm Supply locations in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Santa Maria. Season passes are available through July 14 at midstatefair.com.
