Humboldt County California Fairgrounds Events
Humboldt County Fairgrounds is located at 1250 Fifth Street, Ferndale, California 95536, in the Eel River Valley, south of Eureka. It is home to the annual Humboldt County Fair, a long-running agricultural event featuring youth livestock projects, exhibits, carnival attractions, entertainment, and local vendors. Outside fair week, the property hosts seasonal attractions, community events, private functions, camping, and equestrian activities.
The fair is organized by the Humboldt County Fair Association. The property includes exhibition halls, livestock facilities, arena and racetrack spaces, grandstands, and an RV park. That range of facilities makes the grounds useful well beyond the August fair.
The fair’s roots in Ferndale date to the late 19th century. In 2026, the event marked its 130th annual fair, continuing a tradition tied to Humboldt County’s agricultural communities. Visitors planning for 2027 should confirm dates and ticket details when the association publishes its new schedule.
Overview of Humboldt County Fairgrounds
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Location and physical layout
The fairgrounds are at 1250 Fifth Street in Ferndale, a Victorian-era town known for its historic commercial district and dairy-farming surroundings. Ferndale lies southwest of Eureka and south of Fortuna, making the grounds accessible to residents from across Humboldt County as well as visitors travelling along the North Coast.
The property contains several distinct areas rather than one single exhibition building. Named facilities include Belotti Hall, Hindley Hall, the Art Building, a board room, covered arena, covered barn, dairy judging barn, grandstands, racetrack, Friendship Square, Flowerhouse, and Turf Club. Different spaces support exhibitions, livestock activities, meetings, equestrian use, celebrations, and larger public gatherings.
A verified total acreage figure is not consistently stated in the association’s current visitor information, so visitors should not rely on an unconfirmed acreage estimate when planning a large event.
Who operates the grounds?
The Humboldt County Fair Association manages the property and the annual fair. Its office handles general fair inquiries, camping questions, rental requests, and other venue matters.
The office contact is 707-786-9511 and [email protected]. The association’s event calendar is the best place to check upcoming public events, while the fair’s annual information and exhibit guidebooks cover entries, livestock rules, and competition requirements.
Why the fair matters locally
The Humboldt County Fair brings together the county’s agricultural, small-business, and family communities. Youth livestock exhibitors spend months preparing animals and records for judging, while open exhibits give residents opportunities to enter creative work, baking, flowers, photography, crafts, and other projects.
For Ferndale, the fair is also a major annual gathering. The property’s year-round events and camping facilities extend its role beyond the traditional summer fair, attracting visitors at other times of the year.
Upcoming Events at Humboldt County Fairgrounds
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Fall and winter events in 2026
The calendar continues after the annual fair. As of October 20, 2026, the association lists several upcoming seasonal attractions:
- SCAREGROUNDS: October 23–25 and October 29–31, 2026, following its first weekend earlier in the month. This is a Halloween-themed attraction at the fairgrounds.
- Ice Skating Rink: November 13, 2026–January 10, 2027, with Mondays listed as closed.
- Polar Bunny Hill: November 13, 2026–January 10, 2027, also listed as closed Mondays.
- Winter Wanderland: November 27–December 24, 2026, with scheduled closure days.
- Holiday of Trees Bazaar: November 27–29, 2026.
Dates and operating arrangements can change, particularly for seasonal attractions. Check the current listing before travelling, and confirm whether admission is timed, whether separate tickets are needed, and which days each activity operates.
Events held through the year
The fairgrounds’ event spaces accommodate livestock and equestrian activities, community gatherings, vendor events, meetings, fundraisers, weddings, birthdays, quinceañeras, and other private functions. The racetrack, covered arena, halls, and exhibition spaces allow organizers to plan events with different layouts and equipment needs.
Flea markets, concerts, or other special events should be checked individually on the current calendar. A type of event that has been held at the grounds previously is not necessarily scheduled for the current season.
How to find the latest schedule
Use the Humboldt County Fair Association’s event calendar for public events and its annual fair information for fair-week details. For private functions, camping, arena passes, or event rentals, contact the office directly. This is particularly useful when a listing does not make clear whether the event is open to the public or requires advance registration.
The Humboldt County Fair: Dates, Attractions, and Competitions
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When is the Humboldt County Fair?
The 2026 Humboldt County Fair ran August 12–16, 2026. The event was promoted as the 130th annual fair, with the theme “Where the Trees Meet the Seas!” The 2027 dates have not been confirmed in the information currently available, so visitors should wait for the association’s official announcement rather than assume the fair will use the same dates.
The fair is held in August, which makes it a summer destination for Humboldt County families and visitors exploring the North Coast. Livestock exhibitors should plan well ahead of opening day because tagging, animal documentation, and online entry deadlines can occur in spring or early summer.
Livestock and competitive exhibits
The youth livestock department includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, meat and dairy goats, pygmy and pet goats, poultry, rabbits and cavies, sheep, swine, and tractor-driving activities. The exact divisions and eligibility rules depend on the current guidebook.
Competitive exhibits extend beyond livestock. The fair’s exhibit program includes baking, preserved foods, flowers, jewelry, painting, photography, quilting, handcrafts, woodworking, and other home arts. A live apple pie contest has also been featured. Entrants should check the current department guide for accepted items, entry deadlines, judging procedures, and any special awards.
Visitors interested in Humboldt County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore community activities through Glenn County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to discover local traditions, enjoy seasonal festivals, and find family-friendly gatherings across California.
Carnival, entertainment, and food
The fair combines agricultural exhibits with a midway, vendor stalls, food, and scheduled entertainment. Carnival rides and ticket arrangements vary by year; the number of rides and wristband deals should not be assumed until the next season’s information is released.
The fair’s food options typically include familiar midway fare, snacks, refreshments, and vendor offerings. Individual stands and menus change from year to year, so no specific food vendor should be considered guaranteed to return.
The grandstands and racetrack support scheduled entertainment and track-related events. Check the fair’s published daily schedule for current performances, admission requirements, and start times rather than relying on an older program.
Admission and parking
Admission prices, parking fees, carnival passes, and special offers are announced for each fair. The association’s 2026 information included advance arrangements for livestock exhibitor passes, wristbands, camping, and extra parking passes. Those dates and prices are specific to 2026 and should not be carried over to 2027.
Parking procedures can become more structured during fair week, when traffic volumes increase. Check the latest visitor information for entrance directions, accepted payment methods, and any rules for parking near livestock or camping areas.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition halls and event spaces
The fairgrounds’ named facilities support different event sizes and purposes. Belotti Hall and Hindley Hall are among the indoor rental options, alongside the Art Building and board room. The covered barn and dairy judging barn support agricultural uses, while the grandstands, racetrack, and covered arena accommodate larger outdoor or livestock-related activities.
The association publishes rental information for individual facilities. Room capacity, included equipment, access times, and cleaning requirements depend on the specific space and event setup. Organizers should request the current rental guide before advertising an event or finalizing a guest count.
Livestock, horses, and camping
Livestock facilities are central to fair operations, particularly during youth judging and the junior livestock program. The grounds also list horse stalls and arena riding passes. Horse boarding, stall access, and riding arrangements are subject to the association’s current policies and availability.
The property has an RV park with more than 60 spaces, offering water and electrical hookups. The association also lists dry camping in the carnival field and designated hike/bike sites. Current published camping information gives indicative nightly rates of $44.80 for a 30-amp site, $56 for a 50-amp site, and $24.64 for tent or dry camping. Rates and availability can change, so confirm the total before booking.
Camping reservations are generally unavailable during the annual fair in August. Some sites may also be restricted when other events occupy the grounds. Paid camping includes access to restrooms and hot showers; hookups and dump-station arrangements vary by site type.
Accessibility, parking, and amenities
The grounds include a mix of indoor halls, outdoor spaces, livestock areas, and arena facilities. Visitors who require accessible parking, step-free access, or a particular restroom arrangement should ask the association about the specific building and event they plan to attend. Do not assume every part of the property has identical access.
Parking instructions and availability vary during major events. Ask about vehicle access, RV parking, livestock trailers, and any event-specific restrictions before arriving. First-aid arrangements, concessions, cash or card acceptance, and other visitor amenities may depend on the event; confirm the details for the date you plan to visit.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Applying for a commercial booth
The Humboldt County Fair Association accepts vendor applications for the annual fair. Prospective vendors should request the current vendor application and guidebook, then review the available spaces, fees, insurance requirements, setup rules, and deadlines.
Food vendors may need permits and approvals beyond the fair’s application process. Confirm electricity, water, cooking restrictions, and waste arrangements before committing to equipment or inventory. For vendor questions, call 707-786-9511 or email [email protected].
Other events may have their own organizers and vendor procedures. Confirm which application applies before paying a fee or assuming a booth is reserved.
Entering competitive exhibits
The annual fair publishes department guidebooks for livestock and non-livestock exhibits. These explain what can be entered, who is eligible, how to submit entries, and when items or animals must be presented.
Youth livestock exhibitors must follow the fair’s local rules and required forms. The 2026 guide included a Code of Conduct, Code of Excellence, and current YQCA certificate requirements for youth livestock exhibitors. These requirements may be revised for 2027, so participants should use the next edition rather than an old copy.
Getting to Humboldt County Fairgrounds
Driving from Eureka, Fortuna, and surrounding communities
The fairgrounds are at 1250 Fifth Street, Ferndale, CA 95536. From Eureka, travel south through the Humboldt Bay area toward US 101, then follow routes serving Ferndale. From Fortuna, follow the signed route toward Ferndale through the Eel River Valley. Visitors coming from inland Humboldt County should check current road conditions and allow extra time for two-lane roads and rural traffic.
Ferndale is a small community, so the final approach uses local streets rather than a large urban freeway interchange. During the fair, follow temporary traffic and parking instructions if they differ from ordinary navigation directions.
Public transportation and rideshare
Public transit options to Ferndale may be limited compared with Eureka or larger towns. Confirm current service and connections with the regional transit provider before relying on a bus for a specific event. A dedicated fair shuttle should not be assumed unless the association announces one.
Rideshare availability can be inconsistent in the area, especially late at night. If you plan to use a rideshare, arrange pickup details ahead of time and follow any temporary event instructions for drop-off or collection.
4-H, FFA, and the Junior Livestock Auction
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Youth agricultural programs
The fair gives local young people a place to demonstrate animal care, project planning, recordkeeping, and showmanship. 4-H and FFA members can take part in eligible youth livestock and exhibit divisions, subject to the current rules. The fair’s guidebook—not assumptions based on a participant’s school or club—determines eligibility.
The University of California Cooperative Extension supports 4-H programming in Humboldt County, while the fair association administers the fair’s own entry and competition requirements. For club participation, current deadlines, and project questions, families should contact their 4-H leader, FFA adviser, or the fair office.
How the junior livestock auction works
At the junior livestock auction, eligible youth exhibitors present animals that have met the fair’s entry, tagging, and health requirements. Registered buyers bid under the auction’s rules, supporting the exhibitor through the sale and any permitted add-on contributions.
The rules explain buyer registration, payment, animal disposition, and sale procedures. Businesses, families, and community members interested in bidding should obtain the current buyer information and auction schedule in advance. Exhibitors need to meet every required deadline; tagging and documentation errors can affect eligibility.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The grounds have a substantial seasonal calendar. In autumn 2026, SCAREGROUNDS brings a Halloween attraction to the property. From November into January, the listed calendar includes an ice skating rink and Polar Bunny Hill, while Winter Wanderland and the Holiday of Trees Bazaar provide additional late-year activities.
The venue also rents halls and outdoor areas for weddings, birthdays, quinceañeras, meetings, fundraisers, and community events. Its racetrack, covered arena, and horse facilities can serve event-specific needs when available. Rodeos, gun shows, motocross, tractor pulls, and similar activities should be treated as unconfirmed unless they appear on the current calendar.
For rentals, contact the fair office to ask about dates, deposits, insurance, permitted activities, setup and cleanup, and any application fees. The association lists a $25 application-processing fee and a $50 administrative fee if an event is approved and scheduled; verify current fees before applying.
History of Humboldt County Fairgrounds
Ferndale’s fair history stretches back to the 19th century. Local historical accounts describe a racetrack on the town’s northern edge that hosted horse races, fairs, and county agricultural exhibits. The Humboldt County Fair established a permanent home in Ferndale in 1897, making the grounds a long-standing gathering place for the region.
Over time, the fair expanded from agricultural displays into a multi-day event combining livestock, home arts, entertainment, carnival attractions, and commercial vendors. The 2026 event was billed as the 130th annual fair, a milestone reflecting the longevity of the tradition.
The fairgrounds have also adapted to year-round community use. Indoor halls, livestock buildings, equestrian facilities, camping, and seasonal attractions support activities beyond the main fair. A complete, verified record of every cancellation, attendance record, or major historical renovation is not established here, so specific claims about record years or interruptions should be checked against the association’s historical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Humboldt County Fair in 2026–2027?
The 2026 Humboldt County Fair ran August 12–16, 2026. Dates for the 2027 fair have not yet been confirmed in the current schedule. Check the Humboldt County Fair Association’s announcements for the official dates.
What time does Humboldt County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the event. The annual fair, SCAREGROUNDS, winter attractions, and private rentals may have different hours. Check the listing for the specific day before travelling.
Is there camping at Humboldt County Fairgrounds?
Yes. The grounds have an RV park with more than 60 spaces, water and electrical hookups, and separate dry-camping options. Reservations and availability can be restricted during the August fair, so confirm directly with the association.
How do I enter livestock in the Humboldt County Fair?
Get the current youth livestock guidebook and complete the required entries, tagging, animal documentation, and certificates by their deadlines. Requirements vary by species and year, so use the current guide rather than last year’s forms.
Are dogs allowed at Humboldt County Fairgrounds?
Pet rules depend on the event and the area being used. Confirm the policy with the fair association before bringing a dog, especially during livestock competitions or ticketed attractions.
Where do I park at Humboldt County Fairgrounds?
The address is 1250 Fifth Street, Ferndale, CA 95536. Follow event-specific signs and staff instructions. Parking arrangements and fees can change during fair week and larger seasonal events.
Who do I contact to rent Humboldt County Fairgrounds?
Call 707-786-9511 or email [email protected]. Ask about facility availability, rental rates, insurance, application fees, setup, and cleanup requirements.
How much does it cost to attend the Humboldt County Fair?
Admission, parking, carnival tickets, and special offers vary by year. Check the current fair ticket information for the latest prices; do not rely on an older schedule for current costs.
Does Humboldt County Fairgrounds host events outside fair week?
Yes. The calendar includes seasonal attractions, community events, and private rentals. In late 2026, listed activities include SCAREGROUNDS, an ice skating rink, Polar Bunny Hill, Winter Wanderland, and the Holiday of Trees Bazaar.
Can I rent a horse stall or use the arena?
Horse stalls and arena riding passes are among the association’s offerings, subject to current availability and rules. Contact the office to confirm access, fees, and requirements before bringing a horse.
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