California Mid-State Fair celebrates 80 years with trip 'Back to the ’80s'

By Camille DeVaul · Tue Jul 14 2026

Fair returns July 15-26 with new attractions, entertainment, food offerings and family fun

PASO ROBLES — The California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) is celebrating eight decades of tradition with a nostalgic trip back in time as the event returns to the Paso Robles Event Center from July 15-26.

This year’s theme, “Back to the ’80s,” honors the decade when the CMSF was filled with bold colors, big dreams, and unforgettable memories, while continuing to highlight the agriculture, youth achievements, and entertainment that have defined the event for generations.

The CMSF will officially open its doors on Wednesday, July 15 at 3:45 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting. That night, the Miss CMSF Scholarship Pageant will take over the Frontier Stage to name the 2026 Miss CMSF Court and say farewell to its 2025 winners Queen Skye Davis and Princesses Morgan Ruiz, Amelia Olivo, and Miss Congeniality EJ McNeal. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. and is free with paid fair admission.

For the first time ever, the CMSF introduced a "pre-fair" show with Grammy winner Chris Stapleton. The show marks the first time in CMSF history that fans will be welcomed onto the grounds ahead of Opening Day for a major concert event.

For more than 370,000 visitors each year, the California Mid-State Fair remains a place where families and friends gather to enjoy concerts, livestock shows, exhibits, carnival rides, food, competitions, and shared summer memories.

This year, the CMSF will introduce several new attractions and experiences while bringing back many of the traditions guests have come to expect.

Among this year’s new additions is a free mini roller rink, offering visitors a chance to enjoy some retro-inspired fun. A new arcade will also bring family-friendly games and friendly competition to the Fairgrounds.

Young visitors will have even more opportunities to explore with the debut of the Kindness Corner on Kids Day, a space focused on positivity, creativity, and community. Kids Day on the Farm will also provide hands-on agricultural experiences featuring Highland cows and ponies.

Food lovers will find new options throughout the Fairgrounds, including the all-new Happy Hour at the Fair promotion, offering $5 food and beverage deals at the beginning of each day. New menu items include Old West Cinnamon Rolls’ “Tiramisu” cinnamon roll, Philly Express’ Loaded Philly Bowl, and new offerings from The Sleek Greek, OMG Ice Cream and A Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shaved Ice.

Visitors can also participate in several new activities, including the Trails Challenge, Ladies Open Breakaway competition, Fair-wide dress-up days and nightly line dancing lessons at Jimmy’s, open to dancers of all skill levels.

Additional guest improvements include an updated Fairgrounds map in the Daily Schedule booklet, enhanced directional signage, a new hydration station in Frontier Town, an expanded schedule of demonstrations and classes, and an updated Ways to Save webpage to help visitors plan their Fair experience.

Along with the new offerings, admission continues to include access to six free entertainment stages, Frontier Stage concerts, livestock exhibits, community displays, demonstrations, shopping areas, roving entertainment, and daily themed experiences.

Special discount days will also give visitors additional opportunities to enjoy the Fair. Seniors Day will be held Friday, July 17, with guests ages 62 and older receiving half-off daily senior admission. Kids Day returns Friday, July 24, offering free admission for children 12 and under. Armed Forces Day will take place Saturday, July 25, with free admission available to guests with valid military identification.

The Fair will also feature special programming celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, along with attractions such as a skating rink, happy hour specials, and other activities throughout the grounds.

As the California Mid-State Fair celebrates its 80th year, organizers invite visitors to experience the traditions that have brought generations together while creating new memories along the way.

The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15-26 at the Paso Robles Event Center. For schedules, tickets, and additional information, visit midstatefair.com