Amador County California Fairgrounds Events

The Amador County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Plymouth, California, hosts the annual Amador County Fair and a year-round program of livestock events, community gatherings, private functions, and regional celebrations. Located in Amador County’s Gold Country, the grounds bring together agricultural traditions, youth exhibits, carnival attractions, food vendors, and entertainment.

The fairgrounds are located at 18621 Sherwood Street, Plymouth, CA 95669, near School Street and the local routes through the Shenandoah Valley wine region. The venue is operated by the 26th District Agricultural Association, a California state-designated fair district responsible for the fair and grounds.

The 2026 Amador County Fair ran July 30–August 2, 2026, and has concluded. A confirmed 2027 fair schedule should be checked through the fair’s official calendar before booking travel, entering exhibits, or making vendor plans.

Overview of Amador County Fairgrounds

Location, address, and layout

The Amador County Fairgrounds & Event Center is in Plymouth, a small town in the foothills east of Sacramento. Drivers generally reach the area via State Route 49 or State Route 16, then follow local roads into Plymouth.

The fairgrounds include livestock barns, horse facilities, exhibition buildings, outdoor event areas, carnival space, a bandstand, and camping areas. Named facilities include Pokerville Hall, the Floriculture Building, the Spur Emporium, the Benny Brown Arena, and Frontier Town. Published acreage figures vary by source and date; recent fair materials describe a property of approximately 33 acres.

Who operates the fairgrounds?

The fair is run by the 26th District Agricultural Association, commonly referred to through the Amador County Fair organization. The district manages fair operations, exhibitor programs, vendor arrangements, and facility rentals.

For general questions, the fair office lists (209) 245-6921. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 9, Plymouth, CA 95669. Fair staff handle visitor enquiries, exhibit entries, vendor applications, and facility-rental requests.

Agricultural and cultural significance

Amador County’s history includes ranching, livestock, farming, and Gold Rush-era communities. The annual fair gives local families, 4-H members, FFA participants, growers, makers, and small businesses a shared place to show their work.

Frontier Town, historic equipment displays, livestock competitions, and community exhibits reflect that mix of agriculture and local history. For many residents, the fair is also a yearly gathering where families return to see familiar exhibitors, enter projects, and support young people showing animals they have raised.

Upcoming Events at Amador County Fairgrounds

Annual fair and year-round activities

The best-known event is the Amador County Fair, traditionally held around the last weekend in July or the beginning of August. Beyond fair week, the venue advertises rentals for livestock and rodeo events, wine and food festivals, private meetings, weddings, and other gatherings.

The grounds have indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for community events and private functions. Not every event is held annually, and the calendar can change as bookings are confirmed. Check the current schedule rather than relying on an old event listing.

Types of events

Depending on the schedule, visitors may find:

• Livestock shows and youth agricultural competitions.
• Rodeo or arena events and horse-related activities.
• Wine, food, and community festivals.
• Craft, commercial, and concession vendor displays.
• Private celebrations, meetings, and weddings.
• Live entertainment and seasonal gatherings.

Swap meets, gun shows, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, or motocross events should be treated as confirmed only when they appear on the current calendar.

Renting the grounds

The fairgrounds rents buildings and outdoor spaces to outside organizers. Available facilities include halls, exhibition buildings, arena areas, livestock facilities, and camping areas. Rental suitability depends on the event type, guest count, equipment needs, dates, and insurance or permit requirements.

Contact the fair office at (209) 245-6921 to discuss availability, arrange a tour, and request current rental terms.

The Amador County Fair

Fair dates and daily hours

The 2026 Amador County Fair took place July 30–August 2, 2026. The published 2026 schedule listed opening at 9 a.m. each day, with closing at midnight Thursday and Sunday and at 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. These are historical hours, not a confirmed schedule for 2027.

The 2026 theme was “More Cowbell!” The next fair’s dates, theme, entertainment lineup, admission prices, and daily hours should be checked in the next official announcement.

Livestock and competitive exhibits

Livestock is central to the Amador County Fair. Junior exhibitors participate through programs that include 4-H, FFA, and other eligible youth divisions. The fair also accepts still exhibits in adult and junior categories, including entries associated with 4-H, Junior Grange, and FFA.

Depending on the year’s premium book, exhibits may include livestock, floriculture, agricultural horticulture, vegetables, arts, crafts, photography, and home and hobby categories. Exact species divisions, class lists, and entry rules should be confirmed in the current exhibitor guide.

Visitors exploring Amador County California Fairgrounds Events can also discover local activities through Alpine County California Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both counties allows families and travelers to learn about regional heritage, discover seasonal celebrations, and enjoy community gatherings throughout California.

Carnival rides and midway

Carnival attractions are part of the fair’s regular visitor offering, and ticketing information has included unlimited-ride wristbands. Prices, eligible dates, height restrictions, operating hours, and redemption rules can change each year.

For the 2026 fair, wristband vouchers were exchanged at the carnival office near the games. Check whether future wristbands cover all rides or exclude particular attractions, and review height requirements before buying tickets for children.

Food, entertainment, and special days

Fair food, concessions, and entertainment form part of the annual program. Specific menus, vendors, concert acts, and arena events vary by year, so visitors should consult the current schedule rather than assume a previous lineup returns.

The 2026 schedule identified these themed days:

• Thursday — Kids’ Day: Children 12 and under were admitted free until 6 p.m., subject to ticket requirements.
• Friday — Seniors’ Day: Visitors aged 60 and older were admitted free until 6 p.m.; a ticket was still required.
• Saturday — Cattleman’s Day.
• Sunday — Junior Livestock Auction Day.

These were 2026 arrangements and should not be treated as confirmed for the next fair.

Admission and parking costs

For 2026, general admission was listed at $14 for adults, $10 for seniors aged 60 and older, $8 for children ages 7–12, and free for children 6 and under. Qualifying visitors received free admission during the designated Kids’ Day and Seniors’ Day periods, subject to the fair’s ticket rules.

These are past prices, not confirmed 2027 rates. Check the current ticket information for admission, online offers, carnival wristbands, grandstand events, and separate charges. The published information also identified on-site ATMs and accepted cash and credit cards at ticket booths.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and historic features

The grounds include several distinct facilities rather than one large exhibition hall. Pokerville Hall can accommodate indoor gatherings; the Floriculture Building supports exhibit use; and the Spur Emporium and Frontier Town provide additional spaces and themed features. The Biagi Bandstand serves as an outdoor performance location.

Frontier Town incorporates historic pieces collected from around California. The fair’s history also describes a sawmill display equipped with a working steam-powered sawmill and antique equipment. These features give the property a Gold Country character alongside its agricultural facilities.

Livestock barns, horse facilities, and arena

Livestock barns and horse facilities support the fair’s animal programs and other suitable bookings. The Benny Brown Arena provides a venue for arena-based activities. Stall assignments, animal unloading procedures, bedding rules, water arrangements, and availability are determined by the event and its management.

Exhibitors should not arrive with animals before checking in with the fair’s livestock department. Entry acceptance, animal health requirements, show times, and housing arrangements should be confirmed in advance.

Camping, accessibility, and amenities

The fairgrounds advertise RV and tent camping. Camping availability during fair week may depend on exhibitor reservations, site rules, and the current camping map. Ask the fair office about hookups, length-of-stay limits, fees, check-in times, and availability for general visitors.

The site also includes vendor areas, concession facilities, restrooms, and event-specific services. Visitors who need accessible parking, step-free access, or particular restroom arrangements should confirm current details with the fair office before arrival. Parking procedures and overflow arrangements may change during large events.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendors and food concessions

The fair publishes separate applications for commercial vendors, window displays, and concessionaires. Applicants should use the form for their business type and read the current vendor manual before submitting it.

For the 2026 fair, vendors were required to provide or purchase liability insurance. Food vendors also needed a health permit and food-safety certification. Booth staffing hours differed between indoor and outdoor locations, so vendors should not assume that all spaces follow the same schedule.

Applications, space availability, booth fees, insurance requirements, and acceptance decisions are handled by the fair office. Contact (209) 245-6921 to ask about future opportunities and when the next vendor packet will be released.

Entering competitive exhibits

The fair’s exhibitor information includes adult open, junior open, 4-H, Junior Grange, and FFA categories. Separate entry forms may be required for adult, junior, and youth-agriculture participants. Floriculture and agricultural horticulture may have different deadlines from general still exhibits.

For 2026, the published information listed May 1 as the opening date for still-exhibit entries, with July deadlines that varied by category. Those dates have passed and are not a schedule for 2027. Obtain the new exhibitor book, confirm each class’s deadline, and check whether online entry is available.

Youth livestock exhibitors must also meet the fair’s animal-care education requirements. The University of California Cooperative Extension’s Amador County 4-H fair information states that junior livestock exhibitors must complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification annually and submit it by the fair’s deadline.

Getting to Amador County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The fairgrounds are at 18621 Sherwood Street, Plymouth. From the Sacramento area, drivers commonly travel east toward Amador County and continue via State Route 16 or State Route 49, depending on the starting point and current routing. From Jackson, follow the signed route toward Plymouth and check local directions to Sherwood Street.

From Sutter Creek or other Amador County communities, State Route 49 provides a main regional connection. Use the fair’s physical address for navigation and check for event-day traffic directions, since local access and parking arrangements can be adjusted during fair week.

Public transportation and rideshare

Do not assume that a dedicated shuttle operates for the fair every year. Confirm any shuttle service or public-transit arrangement in the current visitor information. Rideshare availability may be more limited than in Sacramento, especially late at night, so arrange a return trip in advance if you plan to stay for evening entertainment.

4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock

Youth participation

The Amador County Fair gives local youth a place to present agricultural projects, demonstrate animal care, and compete in livestock and still-exhibit categories. The University of California Cooperative Extension’s Amador County 4-H program publishes fair-specific information, while the fair office provides the official entry requirements.

The participating club and FFA chapter lists can change. Families should contact the local 4-H program, their school’s agriculture teacher, or the fair’s entry department for current participation guidance rather than relying on an outdated list.

Junior livestock auction

The 2026 fair calendar identified Sunday as Junior Livestock Auction Day. At a junior livestock auction, eligible young exhibitors present animals under the fair’s rules, and registered buyers bid according to the sale procedures. Payment, animal disposition, buyer responsibilities, and any resale or processing arrangements depend on the auction rules.

Prospective buyers should request the current sale order, buyer registration details, payment instructions, and any required deposits. Youth exhibitors should confirm project eligibility, certification, animal ownership dates, and check-in deadlines before bringing an animal to the fair.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Private celebrations, rodeos, and community gatherings

Amador County Fairgrounds is available for more than the four-day fair. Its mix of indoor halls, open grounds, livestock areas, arena space, and camping makes it suitable for a range of public and private bookings. The venue promotes weddings, private meetings, livestock events, rodeos, and wine and food festivals.

Other event types, including swap meets, flea markets, gun shows, tractor pulls, or motorsport events, should be considered unconfirmed unless they appear on the current calendar. Facilities may be suitable for some activities, but availability, insurance, safety requirements, and permission must be established with the fair office.

Finding events outside fair week

The fair’s official calendar may change as new events are booked. Visitors should check it periodically and confirm details directly with the organizer before travelling. If a listing has no clear date, ticket information, or contact details, contact the fair office rather than assuming it is a confirmed public event.

History of Amador County Fairgrounds

From Ione to Plymouth

The Amador County Fair traces its beginnings to 1887, when the 26th District Agricultural Association held its first fair in Ione. It was called the “Amador and Sacramento County Annual Fair,” and harness racing was among the attractions. The track was located in what is now Howard Park.

In 1938, the fair moved to Plymouth and was held under a large tent on the playground area of what is now Plymouth Elementary School. The first 8.06 acres of the present fairgrounds were purchased in 1940 for $1,250. Additional land was acquired in subsequent years, including a 23-acre purchase from the Detert Estate in 1947.

The property grew through land purchases and community contributions. Published acreage figures vary by date and source, with a county historical account recording 42.06 acres by 2013 and more recent fair materials describing 33 acres.

A fair shaped by community involvement

The fair’s history records the contributions of staff and volunteers who helped shape its exhibits and grounds. Goula Waite, who served as secretary-manager from 1941 to 1965, collected historic objects that helped create Frontier Town. Longtime volunteer Evalynn Bishop tended flower beds, supported junior exhibits, and promoted 4-H in the community.

These contributions explain why the Amador County Fair is not only a livestock and entertainment event. Its buildings, displays, and annual competitions also preserve local agricultural and Gold Country history.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Amador County Fair in 2026 or 2027?

The 2026 Amador County Fair ran July 30–August 2, 2026, in Plymouth. A confirmed 2027 date should be checked in the next official announcement.

What time do Amador County Fairgrounds open?

During the 2026 fair, the grounds opened at 9 a.m. daily. Closing was midnight on Thursday and Sunday and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Hours for future fairs and other events may differ.

Is there camping at Amador County Fairgrounds?

Yes. The venue advertises RV and tent camping. Availability, fees, hookups, and reservation requirements depend on the event, so confirm details with the fair office before arriving.

How do I enter livestock in the Amador County Fair?

Request the current livestock entry information from the fair’s entry department. Check eligibility, registration deadlines, animal health rules, check-in arrangements, and required Youth for the Quality Care of Animals certification.

Are dogs allowed at Amador County Fairgrounds?

The published 2026 fair policy prohibited pets on the grounds, with service animals permitted. Rules for other events may differ, so confirm the policy for your visit.

Where do I park at Amador County Fairgrounds?

Use the event-day parking directions issued by the fair. Parking procedures can change during fair week, and visitors should follow posted signs and staff instructions. Confirm accessible parking arrangements with the office if needed.

Who do I contact to rent Amador County Fairgrounds?

Call the fair office at (209) 245-6921 to ask about facility availability, arrange a site tour, and discuss rental requirements for meetings, weddings, livestock events, or other gatherings.

How much does it cost to get into the Amador County Fair?

For 2026, general admission was listed at $14 for adults, $10 for seniors aged 60 and older, $8 for children ages 7–12, and free for children 6 and under. These are past prices; check the next fair’s ticket information for current rates.

When is the Junior Livestock Auction?

The 2026 schedule listed the auction on Sunday, August 2. The date and time for the next auction must be confirmed through the fair’s current livestock schedule.

How do I apply for a vendor booth?

Use the appropriate commercial vendor or concessionaire application from the fair’s vendor information section. Applicants should review insurance, food-safety, health-permit, booth-staffing, and payment requirements before submitting an application.