California Mid-State Fair draws record attendance in 2026
By Staff Report · Thu Aug 13 2026
PASO ROBLES — The California Mid-State Fair welcomed 433,208 guests during its 2026 run, a 12% increase over 2025, as the annual event celebrated its 80th anniversary with its “Back to the ’80s” theme.
The preliminary, unaudited figures released by the Fair show increases in participation across nearly every area of the event, including grandstand entertainment, food and beverage sales, youth livestock competitions and community programs.
Grandstand attendance totaled 90,527, up 9% from 2025. Including the sold-out Chris Stapleton pre-Fair concert, total grandstand attendance reached 105,011, a 26.5% increase over the previous year.
The Helm & Sons Carnival generated $1.62 million in sales, a 4% decrease from 2025. The Fair's free carnival rides on Opening Day remained popular, while nonprofit organizations sold a record 15,036 carnival wristbands.
Local nonprofits earned $52,626 through wristband sales, a 7.7% increase over last year.
Food and beverage concessions increased 3% compared with 2025. Fair officials attributed some of the modest increase to the new Happy Hour promotion, which gave visitors access to a $5 food or beverage option from every vendor at the beginning of each day.
Agriculture remained a major component of the Fair, with the Junior Livestock Auction generating a record $4.02 million. The total included more than $2.4 million in sales of market steers, hogs, lambs and goats, along with $1.1 million from the sale of 117 replacement heifers. The Fair reported that its five largest buyers each spent more than $100,000.
The Industrial Arts Auction generated $203,150 from 59 projects. Most proceeds from the Fair's auctions go directly to participating youth, with a portion supporting Fair operations.
More than 1,000 exhibitors submitted 6,006 entries in categories including baking, sewing, art and photography. The Fair's commercial competitions also highlighted California's wine, olive oil and craft spirits industries, with 784 entries.
Community involvement remained another major part of the Fair. Friends of the Fair volunteers contributed 3,197 hours, while nearly 40 free demonstrations and classes offered opportunities for visitors to learn and participate in activities hosted by local businesses, organizations and individuals.
The 1980s theme also inspired several new attractions and activities. The free roller rink drew 3,600 participants, while an inaugural Mullet Contest proved popular enough that Fair officials are considering making it an annual tradition.
Among the year's competition highlights, Gabby Bodenshot was crowned Miss California Mid-State Fair, with JoDee Jones and Iris Ratzat named princesses.
Diablo Paso was named Winery of the Year at the Central Coast Wine Competition, while Rock 12 of Lompoc earned Distillery of the Year at the California Craft Spirits Competition. Sunshine Olive Oil received Producer of the Year honors at the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition.
Aubree Jennings was named Women's All Around Rodeo Champion, while Cody Mora earned both the Country Rodeo All Around Cowboy title and the Fair's High Point Award.
In the 4-H/FFA Open Youth Horse Show, top awards went to Macie Munroe, Brooklyn Agapay and Charlie Garcia. Horse Show champions across multiple disciplines included Natalie Werlhof, Robyn Schiller, Tina Robinson, Charlie Roden, Ashley Salter, Colette Barnicoat, Cathy Bardos, Elizabeth Miranda and Brodie Scoville.
The Exhibits program recognized Cindy Morris as Top Adult Exhibitor, Aymie Evenson as Top Youth Exhibitor, Sophie Pittman as Top 4-H/FFA Exhibitor and Everett Boggs as Top Special Stars Exhibitor.
"This year's Fair had a special kind of magic," said Colleen Bojorquez, Chief Executive Officer. “Between celebrating our 80th anniversary and an ‘80s theme, an incredible entertainment lineup and a community that showed up in a big way, it felt like people were excited to be here. That's what the California Mid-State Fair is all about — holding on to the traditions that define the Fair while continuing to add fun new twists year after year. We have to thank everyone who made it happen — our Board of Directors, the Heritage Foundation, our staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, auction buyers, competitors, entertainers and most of all our attendees. I have to say it was a blast.”
The 2026 Fair employed 546 temporary and regular workers, who collectively logged 82,180 hours.
Planning is already underway for the 2027 California Mid-State Fair, scheduled for July 14-25, 2027.
Additional information, including next year's theme and Exhibits class schedule, will be announced in the coming months.
All 2026 figures are preliminary and unaudited.
Feature Image by Brittany App