The countdown is on for one of California’s most anticipated summer traditions as the 2026 Stanislaus County Fair returns July 10–19, bringing ten unforgettable days of entertainment, agriculture, family fun, and community celebration to the Central Valley.
Visitors can look forward to exciting carnival rides, midway games, mouthwatering fair food, live concerts, livestock competitions, educational exhibits, and attractions for every age. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fairgoer, this year’s fair promises something new to discover each day.
The fair officially kicks off on Friday, July 10, with the opening of the carnival midway, live entertainment throughout the grounds, and a special concert by country music star Clint Black. Throughout the week, guests can enjoy free stage performances, strolling entertainers, interactive children’s activities, community exhibits, and nightly entertainment that keeps the fairgrounds buzzing from morning until night.
At the heart of the Stanislaus County Fair is its rich agricultural tradition. Hundreds of local 4-H and FFA members will proudly showcase cattle, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, poultry, and other livestock while competing for top honors. Visitors can also browse impressive displays featuring home arts, photography, fine arts, floriculture, and educational exhibits that celebrate the creativity, hard work, and talent found throughout Stanislaus County.
For thrill-seekers, the arena schedule offers an action-packed lineup throughout the ten-day event. The excitement begins with the popular Truck & Tractor Pulls on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, where powerful machines compete in displays of strength and endurance.
On Sunday, July 12, one of the fair’s most anticipated traditions returns as the Portuguese Bloodless Bullfights take center stage at 5:30 p.m., showcasing a unique cultural event that has become a longtime fair favorite.
The action continues on Monday, July 13, with Destruction Derby: Summer Smash, followed by Destruction Derby: Mayhem & Motorhomes on Tuesday, July 14, where drivers battle it out in spectacular crashes that always draw enthusiastic crowds.
Monster truck fans won’t want to miss Wednesday, July 15, when Monster Madness: Arena Thunder roars into the arena at 5:30 p.m., featuring high-flying jumps, incredible stunts, and earth-shaking horsepower. The excitement continues on Thursday, July 16, with Monster Trucks: Steel Stampede, another adrenaline-filled evening of monster truck action.
Western heritage takes center stage on Friday, July 17, as the PRCA Rodeo begins at 5:30 p.m. Guests can cheer on professional cowboys and cowgirls competing in classic rodeo events that showcase skill, courage, and tradition.
The arena shifts gears once again on Saturday, July 18, when motocross riders race into action with thrilling jumps, speed, and competition guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Closing out fair week on Sunday, July 19, the Humpz ’N Hornz Hispanic Rodeo begins at 5:30 p.m., celebrating Hispanic rodeo traditions with an evening of exciting competitions and cultural pride.
Beyond the arena, families will find countless activities to enjoy together. The Kids Zone offers hands-on entertainment designed especially for younger visitors, while the carnival features rides ranging from gentle attractions for children to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides for adventure seekers.
The Stanislaus County Fair will bring free live music to the Modelo Variety Free Stage as part of the Black Oak Casino Resort Concert Series, offering a mix of country, rock, pop tributes and regional Mexican acts. Concerts run nightly at 8:30 p.m. from July 10–19 and are included with paid fair admission, giving visitors an easy way to end their day with a major‑name performance. This year’s lineup features artists such as Clint Black, Common Kings, Diamond Rio, Ashanti, Ying Yang Twins, Mayday Parade and Banda Carnaval, along with themed shows including Twist on Taylor, a tribute to Taylor Swift.
Fairgoers can also upgrade their experience with a $25 VIP Crowd Experience, which offers premium viewing in a standing‑room‑only section. While the concerts remain free, the upgrade provides closer access and exclusive perks for fans who want to be near the stage. With genres ranging from country classics to Y2K pop and high‑energy hip‑hop, the Modelo Variety Free Stage continues to anchor the fair’s entertainment schedule with performances designed to appeal to a wide audience.
No trip to the fair would be complete without enjoying its famous food. Visitors can indulge in giant turkey legs, barbecue, corn dogs, funnel cakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, deep-fried specialties, and countless other fair favorites that have become annual traditions for generations of families.
Whether visitors come for the concerts, arena events, livestock shows, exhibits, carnival rides, delicious food, or simply to spend time with family and friends, the 2026 Stanislaus County Fair continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating agriculture, community, and the spirit of California’s Central Valley.
With exciting attractions scheduled every day from July 10 through July 19, fairgoers can expect ten days filled with laughter, entertainment, friendly competition, and memories that will last long after the final fireworks and the fair gates close.
