Lassen County California Fairgrounds Events
Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville, California, is one of the region’s main gathering places for agricultural competitions, rodeos, carnival rides, motorsports, concerts, and community events. The grounds are best known for the annual Lassen County Fair, a summer tradition that brings together ranching families, youth exhibitors, local businesses, and visitors from across northeastern California.
Susanville sits in the Honey Lake Valley at approximately 4,200 feet above sea level, with U.S. Highway 395 and State Route 36 serving as important regional travel routes. The surrounding area has strong ranching, livestock, and rural community traditions, and those connections are particularly visible during fair week.
The grounds remain active outside the annual fair, hosting activities ranging from craft fairs and community programs to racing and private celebrations. Visitors should check the schedule for the particular event because admission, parking, hours, and permitted activities vary throughout the year.
Overview of Lassen County Fairgrounds
Location and address
The fairgrounds are located at 195 Russell Avenue, Susanville, CA 96130, within the city of Susanville in Lassen County. The property is managed as a public fair and event venue serving residents across the Honey Lake Valley and surrounding rural communities.
Travelers arriving on U.S. Highway 395 or State Route 36 can follow local directions into Susanville and continue to Russell Avenue. Because traffic arrangements can change during major events, visitors should follow current parking signs rather than assume the normal approach remains open.
The grounds include exhibition and event facilities, livestock areas, horse stalls, and spaces for outdoor activities. The property also accommodates racing and other interim events. Facility rental materials identify multiple buildings and venues, but visitors planning a large gathering should request the current site plan for exact building availability and dimensions.
Who operates the fairgrounds?
Lassen County Fairgrounds is operated through the county fair organization, with the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board involved in fair-related planning and oversight. The fair is part of California’s district agricultural fair system and serves both agricultural exhibitors and the wider public.
The fair office coordinates event scheduling, commercial concessions, livestock competitions, facility rentals, and public information. It also works with local youth organizations and community groups whose activities are part of the annual fair.
Why the grounds matter to Lassen County
Lassen County’s rural economy and geography make agricultural education and livestock activities an important part of the fair’s identity. Ranch families, 4-H members, FFA students, local organizations, and small businesses all contribute to the annual event.
For many families, the fair is also a social gathering that brings residents together from Susanville, Janesville, Westwood, Standish, and more remote communities. The annual parade along Main Street extends that celebration into downtown Susanville.
Upcoming Events at Lassen County Fairgrounds
Upcoming events in late 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Lassen County Fair ran from July 15–19, 2026. As of October 20, 2026, the summer fair has passed.
The fairgrounds continue to host interim events throughout the year. The official event calendar is the best place to check which gatherings have confirmed dates. At the time of writing, a complete confirmed schedule for late 2026 and the 2027 fair season is not available here, so individual future events should be verified before travel plans are made.
Types of events held throughout the year
Lassen County Fairgrounds has a documented history of hosting auto racing, craft fairs, children’s fairs, gun shows, tool sales, food-bank activities, and private events. Its facilities also support horse-stall rentals and agricultural activities.
The annual fair has featured rodeo performances, monster trucks, a destruction derby, live music, a parade, and livestock competitions. These are established event categories associated with the venue, but their appearance in a particular future program depends on the year’s schedule.
Spring and early summer are important periods for preparing agricultural exhibits and the main fair. The summer fair brings the largest concentration of public activities, while other months accommodate smaller events and facility rentals.
Facility rentals and private events
The fairgrounds are available for suitable private functions, including weddings, family reunions, fundraisers, and community gatherings. Organizers can ask about renting individual venues or combining multiple spaces.
Rental costs, insurance, setup arrangements, cleanup requirements, and availability depend on the event. Horse stalls are also available to rent by prior arrangement; the published rental information lists a rate of $20 per stall per night, which should be reconfirmed before booking.
The Lassen County Fair: Dates, Attractions, and Admission
When is the Lassen County Fair?
The annual Lassen County Fair traditionally takes place during the third week of July. The 2026 fair ran July 15–19, 2026, Wednesday through Sunday. The 2027 dates and daily program should be confirmed through the fair’s announcements before visitors make travel arrangements.
The fair combines livestock competitions, carnival attractions, commercial booths, food concessions, entertainment, and community traditions. Saturday’s parade along Main Street is an important part of the celebration, featuring local organizations, students, clubs, and performers.
Livestock competitions and competitive exhibits
The fair’s livestock department accepts entries in divisions that include beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goats, meat goats, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, cavies, and canine competitions, subject to the current year’s rules.
Indoor exhibits provide opportunities for people to display photography, crafts, baked goods, and other creative or agricultural work. The official Fair Book identifies the eligible divisions, judging criteria, entry procedures, and deadlines.
Youth livestock competitions run during fair week, with the junior livestock auction traditionally scheduled for Sunday. Exhibitors should consult the latest livestock schedule for weigh-in requirements, health documentation, arrival times, and animal-release procedures.
Carnival rides and midway
The Lassen County Fair features a carnival midway with rides for children, families, and thrill-seekers. The 2026 published ride list included attractions such as the Zipper, Expo Wheel, Lolli Swings, Tornado, and other rides.
Carnival access and ride purchases are separate considerations from general fair admission. Wristband deals and ride restrictions depend on the year’s arrangements, and individual attractions have their own height and safety requirements.
Food, entertainment, and the grandstand
Fair food includes familiar midway choices such as burgers, barbecue, corn dogs, fried treats, and other concessions from participating vendors. Food options change each year, and specific local nonprofit stands should be confirmed against the current vendor lineup.
The 2026 program included a California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association rodeo, monster trucks, micro wrestling, live music, and a destruction derby. The fair also featured the Miss Lassen County pageant and free stage entertainment.
These examples show the range of entertainment the grounds can accommodate; they should not be interpreted as a confirmed lineup for 2027.
Admission and parking
The published 2026 daily admission prices were:
| Admission category | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $10 |
| Children age 12 and younger | $5 |
| Seniors age 62 and older | $5 |
| Adult season pass | $25 |
| Child/senior season pass | $15 |
Children age five and younger were listed as free in the fair’s concession handbook. The handbook listed the daily schedule as 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday.
These are 2026 figures, not confirmed 2027 prices. Parking charges and arrangements should be checked before the next visit.
Visitors interested in Lassen County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore local celebrations through Lake County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to discover regional traditions, enjoy community activities, and plan enjoyable outings across California.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition buildings, arenas, and livestock facilities
The fairgrounds include buildings and outdoor spaces for livestock, indoor exhibits, concessions, and entertainment. The grandstand and arena area supports rodeo and demolition-derby programming, while other spaces accommodate community gatherings and commercial displays.
Species-specific livestock requirements and stall assignments are handled through the livestock department. Exhibitors should not assume that a stall is automatically included with an entry; they should confirm housing arrangements and fees in the current handbook.
Accessibility, amenities, and parking
Visitors who need accessible parking, step-free routes, or accessible restrooms should contact the fair office before arriving. Parking arrangements and traffic patterns may change during the annual fair, particularly around popular grandstand events.
Concessions and public services are more likely to be available during major fair activities than during a small private rental. Confirm first-aid arrangements, restroom access, ATM availability, and other amenities for the event you plan to attend.
Camping and RV options
The grounds host the Susanville Bluegrass Festival, which has offered camping arrangements during festival week. That does not establish that overnight camping is available to every fairground visitor or during every event.
Travelers should check the specific event’s camping instructions for reservation requirements, hookups, arrival windows, and permitted vehicle types. Horse-stall rental is a separate arrangement from RV camping.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Commercial vendor applications
Businesses interested in selling products or operating food concessions should request the appropriate application from the fair office. The 2026 concession application required a California seller’s permit for selling spaces and specified different fees for nonprofit booths, indoor selling spaces, equipment areas, and food concessions.
Those were 2026 terms, and applicants should request the latest packet before budgeting for 2027. Vendors should also confirm electrical and water requirements, insurance, booth dimensions, setup times, and any food-service permits.
Entering competitive exhibits
The Fair Book and livestock entry forms are the principal resources for competitors. The 2026 livestock paperwork set a June 15 entry deadline and included requirements for animal categories, documentation, and Youth for the Quality Care of Animals certification where applicable.
Those deadlines have passed. New exhibitors should obtain the next edition’s paperwork rather than reuse the previous year’s forms.
Fair office contact details
Lassen County Fair office
Address
195 Russell Avenue, Susanville, CA 96130
Telephone
530-251-8900
The office can direct inquiries about rentals, vendors, competitive exhibits, livestock entries, and current event dates.
Getting to Lassen County Fairgrounds
Driving from Susanville and nearby towns
The fairgrounds are at 195 Russell Avenue in Susanville. Visitors arriving from within the city can navigate to Russell Avenue and follow signs for the relevant event entrance.
From Janesville and communities to the south, U.S. Highway 395 is an important regional route toward Susanville. From Westwood and areas to the west, State Route 36 is a key approach. Visitors traveling from other parts of northeastern California should check current road conditions, particularly during winter.
Public transportation and rideshare
Confirm local transit service and operating hours before relying on public transportation to reach an evening event. Do not assume that dedicated fair shuttles operate unless the organizers announce them.
Rideshare availability may be limited in this rural region. For late-night pickups, arrange a meeting point that complies with event traffic controls and confirm the driver’s availability in advance.
4-H and FFA at Lassen County Fairgrounds
Youth agricultural programs
Lassen County’s 4-H members and FFA students are important participants in the fair’s livestock program. Their projects can involve animal care, feeding, recordkeeping, showmanship, and preparing animals for competition.
The county’s rural ranching communities provide a strong setting for these activities. The fair gives young exhibitors a public opportunity to demonstrate the work they have completed throughout the year.
The number of active 4-H clubs and the current list of participating FFA chapters should be confirmed with the county’s youth program coordinators and the fair livestock department.
Junior livestock auction
The junior livestock auction traditionally takes place on Sunday of fair week. In 2026, the published schedule listed the auction for 8:30 a.m. on July 19.
Eligible exhibitors present qualifying animals for sale to registered buyers, which can include ranchers, local businesses, and community supporters. Buyers should review the auction rules for registration, bidding, payment, and animal disposition.
Sale proceeds depend on the winning bid and the fair’s applicable rules. Exhibitors should confirm any fees, deductions, and requirements governing the proceeds before entering.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Susanville Bluegrass Festival
The Susanville Bluegrass Festival is a major example of an outside event using the fairgrounds. Its 2026 edition was scheduled for June 26–28, 2026, with the Susanville Music Camp held earlier that week.
The festival is organized by the Susanville Bluegrass Music Alliance and has offered music performances and camping arrangements. Its dates and accommodation details are announced separately from the Lassen County Fair.
Racing, craft fairs, and community gatherings
The fairgrounds have hosted auto racing, craft fairs, children’s activities, gun shows, tool sales, food-bank events, and private functions. The facility also has horse stalls that can be rented by arrangement.
Rodeos, monster trucks, and destruction derbies are established examples of the annual fair’s entertainment programming. Future dates should be verified before treating any particular event as confirmed.
History of Lassen County Fairgrounds
The Lassen County Fair is described by the county as its longest-running community event. Its agricultural roots reflect the importance of livestock, ranching, and youth agricultural education in the Susanville area.
Over time, the fair expanded beyond agricultural exhibitions to include carnival entertainment, a parade, concerts, rodeos, and motorsports. The grounds also became a year-round venue for local events, private celebrations, and public activities.
The fair’s combination of youth competitions and community entertainment remains a defining feature. A detailed founding date, historical attendance records, major construction milestones, and a documented history of cancellations should be confirmed through the fair’s archives rather than inferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Lassen County Fair in 2026–2027?
The 2026 fair ran July 15–19, 2026. The 2027 dates should be confirmed through the fair’s published announcements. The event traditionally takes place during the third week of July.
What time do Lassen County Fairgrounds open?
During the 2026 fair, gates opened at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and closed at 11 p.m.; Sunday’s hours were 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Other events have their own opening times.
Is there camping at Lassen County Fairgrounds?
Camping has been offered for events such as the Susanville Bluegrass Festival. Availability for other dates, including the annual fair, must be confirmed with the organizers.
How do I enter livestock in the Lassen County Fair?
Obtain the current livestock entry forms and Fair Book, then follow the deadlines, animal health rules, identification requirements, and check-in instructions. Contact the fair office at 530-251-8900 for assistance.
Are dogs allowed at Lassen County Fairgrounds?
Check the rules for the specific event before bringing a dog. Service-animal policies and pet restrictions should be confirmed with fair management.
Where do I park at Lassen County Fairgrounds?
Use designated parking areas and follow posted signs and staff instructions. Parking prices and overflow arrangements may vary by event and should be checked before arrival.
Who do I contact to rent Lassen County Fairgrounds?
Call 530-251-8900 or email [email protected] to ask about building rentals, private functions, horse stalls, and availability.
How much does it cost to get into the Lassen County Fair?
The 2026 daily admission was $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and younger and seniors age 62 and older. Children age five and younger were listed as free. Confirm the 2027 prices when released.
Does Lassen County Fairgrounds host events outside fair week?
Yes. The grounds have hosted racing, craft fairs, gun shows, food-bank activities, the Susanville Bluegrass Festival, and private events. Check the current calendar for confirmed dates.
Can I rent a horse stall at Lassen County Fairgrounds?
Yes, the fair’s rental information lists horse stalls at $20 per night, with advance arrangements required. Confirm current rates, availability, and paddock access with the office before traveling.
Planning Your Visit to Lassen County Fairgrounds
Lassen County Fairgrounds is an important public gathering place in Susanville, combining agricultural traditions with rodeos, carnival rides, racing, concerts, and community events. The annual fair remains the main summer attraction, while the grounds continue to support activities throughout the year.
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