Modoc County California Fairgrounds Events

The Modoc County Fairgrounds serves the agricultural community of northeastern California, where ranching, livestock production, and rural traditions remain important parts of local life. The county fair brings residents together for agricultural exhibits, youth projects, entertainment, and activities that reflect the high-desert landscape and ranching heritage of the region.

The annual event is commonly known as the Modoc District Fair. It is associated with Cedarville, in Surprise Valley, near the Nevada and Oregon borders. This is a very different setting from the larger metropolitan fairgrounds elsewhere in California: Modoc County’s population is spread across small communities, ranches, and wide rural distances, so the fair is an important meeting point for residents from across the county.

The fairgrounds are in Cedarville, California, the community that serves as the center of Surprise Valley. Visitors should confirm the current street address and entrance details with fair management before traveling, particularly if arriving from outside the area. Routes through northeastern California can involve long stretches between services, and navigation instructions should be checked before setting out.

The fair is connected with the Modoc District Fair Board and California’s district agricultural fair system. Its central purpose is to showcase agriculture, support youth exhibitors, and provide a place for local residents to gather. Livestock and ranch-related exhibits are especially relevant in a county where cattle operations and working landscapes shape the local economy.

Specific acreage, building counts, seating capacities, and the number of permanent livestock structures should be confirmed with fair management rather than inferred from photographs or general descriptions.

Upcoming Events at Modoc County Fairgrounds

The main annual attraction is the Modoc District Fair, but the grounds may also be used for livestock activities, local gatherings, and other events scheduled by the fair board. Because Modoc County is rural and its event calendar is smaller than those of major California counties, it is particularly important to distinguish confirmed listings from events that are merely common at other fairgrounds.

Events and activities to look for

Depending on the year’s program, visitors may find:

• Livestock shows and youth agricultural projects
• 4-H and FFA exhibits and competitions
• Local agricultural displays and community exhibits
• Fair food, vendors, family activities, and entertainment
• Horse or ranch-related activities when specifically scheduled
• Community gatherings and events organized by local groups

Do not assume that every year includes a rodeo, demolition derby, tractor pull, gun show, swap meet, or touring concert. These activities require confirmation in the current event program.

Seasonal patterns and event listings

The Modoc District Fair is a summer event, making the warmer months the key period for visitors planning around fair week. Livestock preparation and youth project work take place before the fair, while other community activities depend on local bookings and the agricultural calendar.

For upcoming events in Modoc County, consult the fair’s current announcements and contact the fair board if the online schedule does not answer a specific question. Check the dates, daily opening hours, livestock check-in times, and entertainment program separately; not every activity necessarily runs for the entire fair.

Facility rentals

Fairgrounds can provide practical space for organized gatherings, but the availability of individual halls, barns, arenas, or outdoor areas must be confirmed directly. Anyone planning a private celebration, community fundraiser, meeting, or agricultural event should ask the fair board about rental space, insurance, permitted activities, utilities, and booking deadlines.

The Modoc District Fair: Dates, Livestock, and Attractions

When is the Modoc District Fair?

The 2026 Modoc District Fair ran August 27–30, 2026. Those dates have passed, and the 2027 dates should be confirmed with the fair board once announced. The event is held at 1 Center Street, Cedarville, California 96104.

The fair is part of California’s district agricultural fair system and is identified as the 34th District Agricultural Association. It is organized around the agricultural, educational, and community traditions of Modoc County.

Livestock shows and agricultural exhibits

Livestock and youth projects are important parts of the Modoc fair. In a county with extensive cattle ranching and working agricultural land, livestock exhibits connect young people with animal care, showmanship, and the responsibilities of raising and presenting animals.

The fair’s exhibitor information has included livestock show entry forms, a junior Ranchers’ Day, and other youth and adult entry categories. Depending on the current premium book, visitors may see cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, rabbits, or other eligible projects. The precise species, judging classes, check-in requirements, and show times must be confirmed in the year’s rules.

The fair also accepts building exhibits and other entries, giving residents opportunities to display skills beyond livestock. Categories and cash awards can change from year to year, so entrants should read the current premium book before preparing their work.

Horse events, family activities, and entertainment

The Modoc District Fair’s published entry information has included an open horse show and junior gymkhana, sheep dog trials, a companion dog show, a parade, and family activities such as dog races and children’s competitions. These are useful examples of the fair’s rural character, but the schedule may change each year.

Traveling midway rides and food concessions may be part of fair week. The number of rides, participating vendors, wristband deals, and daily entertainment should be checked in the current program. Do not assume a specific grandstand act, rodeo, demolition derby, or concert is scheduled unless it has been announced.

Admission, parking, and ticket prices

Admission and parking arrangements can vary by year and event. The fair’s current premium book and schedule are the best sources for ticket prices, opening hours, special admission offers, and any separately ticketed activities. No current 2027 prices should be assumed before they are published.

Facilities and Grounds

The Modoc District Fairgrounds is a multi-use rural venue rather than a large urban exhibition complex. Its facilities support the annual fair, livestock and horse activities, community gatherings, and other events arranged by the fair board or local partners.

Buildings, livestock areas, and arenas

The grounds include areas used for fair exhibits and agricultural activities. Specific building names, structure counts, livestock-barn capacity, and arena seating figures should be confirmed with the fair board; these details should not be inferred from the general event listings.

Exhibitors should ask about the appropriate livestock area, stall or pen assignments, animal arrival times, and any cleaning or care responsibilities. Horse exhibitors should confirm whether stall reservations are required and whether overnight arrangements are available.

RV camping and overnight stays

The Modoc Heritage Foundation’s event information has listed horse-stall and camping reservation forms, and the fairgrounds are described as offering RV hookups. Availability, electrical and water arrangements, fees, and rules may depend on the event.

Cedarville and Surprise Valley are rural, so visitors attending a multi-day event should make lodging plans early. Confirm whether camping is allowed for the dates you need, whether reservations are required, and what services are available before arriving.

Visitors exploring Modoc County California Fairgrounds Events can also discover regional celebrations through Merced County California Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both counties helps visitors appreciate local heritage, discover seasonal gatherings, and enjoy community activities throughout California.

Accessibility, parking, and visitor amenities

The fair board should be contacted for current information about accessible parking, restroom access, routes between exhibit areas, and accommodations for visitors with mobility needs. The location and availability of concessions, first aid, cash machines, and other amenities may depend on the event layout.

Parking areas and traffic arrangements can also change during fair week. Follow posted directions and event staff instructions, especially when livestock trailers, horses, and general visitor traffic use the grounds at the same time.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a vendor booth

The Modoc District Fair publishes vendor information and entry forms through its fair and community-support channels. Application materials have included forms for non-food vendors, food vendors attending the full fair, and vendors providing food for a single-day event.

Prospective vendors should ask about booth availability, fees, insurance, food permits, power and water needs, setup times, and cleanup rules. Food operators should confirm county health requirements and the fair’s specific concession conditions before making commitments.

For general fairgrounds questions, contact the Modoc District Fair Board at (530) 279-2315. Vendor and exhibitor questions for the annual fair can also be directed to the Modoc Heritage Foundation at [email protected].

Entering exhibits and livestock

The current premium book explains eligible classes, entry procedures, deadlines, and any awards. The fair has published entry materials for livestock shows, building exhibits, horse events, sheep dog trials, dog shows, and other activities.

Entries may have different deadlines and requirements. Livestock exhibitors should pay particular attention to health rules, arrival times, showmanship conditions, and any requirements for participating in a junior sale or special youth program. If the current entry book is not yet available, contact the organizers rather than relying on a previous year’s form.

Getting to Modoc County Fairgrounds

Driving directions from Alturas and nearby communities

The fairgrounds are at 1 Center Street, Cedarville, CA 96104, in Surprise Valley in eastern Modoc County.

From Alturas, the county seat, travel east on California State Route 299 toward Cedarville, following the current road signs and navigation instructions into town. From Nevada, visitors may approach through the Surprise Valley road network; because routes are remote and services can be widely spaced, check road conditions and fuel availability before leaving.

From Lakeview, Oregon, or communities farther north, confirm the most suitable route for the day of travel. Weather, roadwork, and seasonal conditions can affect driving in northeastern California.

Public transportation and rideshare

Do not count on regular public transit or fair-week shuttle service unless the organizers specifically announce it. Cedarville is a small rural community, and rideshare coverage may be limited. Arrange transportation ahead of time if you are staying outside town or traveling with livestock equipment.

4-H and FFA at Modoc District Fairgrounds

Youth agriculture and local clubs

The fair gives young people a public setting to present agricultural projects, demonstrate what they have learned, and compete in livestock and other exhibits. Modoc County’s 4-H and FFA participants are part of a wider agricultural education network that includes animal care, recordkeeping, showmanship, leadership, and responsibility.

The number of active 4-H clubs and the list of FFA chapters participating can change. Families should contact local youth-program leaders or fair organizers for current participation details and eligibility requirements.

Junior livestock and Ranchers’ Day

The fair has published a Ranchers’ Day Junior Entry Form, reflecting its focus on youth involvement in local agriculture. Any junior livestock sale, buyer event, or special judging program should be confirmed in the current schedule.

Where a junior livestock sale is held, eligible young exhibitors present qualifying animals to buyers, who purchase animals or provide approved support through the sale process. Participants should verify eligibility, buyer registration, sale order, payment arrangements, and how proceeds are handled in the current rules.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Car shows and racing

The Modoc Heritage Foundation’s 2026 event calendar listed Hot Summer Car Races at Cedarville Raceway on August 22, 2026, and another car-racing date on September 26, 2026. The August event has passed; visitors interested in future racing dates should check the current calendar before making plans.

The fair’s exhibitor materials have also included a Hot Summer Car Show entry form. Confirm whether a future car show is scheduled and whether registration is required for vehicles on display.

Horse activities and community gatherings

Horse shows, junior gymkhana events, and sheep dog trials have appeared in the fair’s entry information. Other horse events in the wider county may be held at different venues, so check the event’s exact location before traveling.

The fairgrounds can also be used for community events and approved rentals. Do not assume that every event type—such as gun shows, motocross, flea markets, or touring concerts—is a regular part of the Modoc calendar. Verify the event, date, and venue directly with its organizer.

History of Modoc County Fairgrounds

The Modoc District Fairgrounds was established in Cedarville in 1933, according to the fairgrounds’ own history. The tradition behind the fair reaches further back: the grounds’ historical material refers to the first fair being held in Fort Bidwell in 1922.

The fair’s history reflects Modoc County’s agricultural roots and the importance of ranching, livestock, and rural community life. Over time, the event has provided space for exhibits, youth projects, horse-related activities, entertainment, and gatherings that bring residents together across the county’s widely separated communities.

A significant turning point came in 2015, when the fairgrounds faced possible closure because of a lack of funds. The fair board and local residents rallied to keep the property available. The Modoc Heritage Foundation was established as a nonprofit partner and agreed to organize the annual fair under an arrangement that allowed the board to focus on reducing costs and improving operations.

The fairgrounds’ own account says the property is maintained by fair board directors, partner agencies, and volunteers, rather than a dedicated staff. This community involvement remains important to the venue’s continued operation. Claims about attendance records, famous visitors, or specific past cancellations should be checked against historical records before being repeated as fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Modoc County Fair in 2027?

The 2027 Modoc District Fair dates should be confirmed with the fair board once announced. The 2026 fair ran August 27–30, 2026, in Cedarville.

What time does Modoc County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times depend on the event and day. Check the current Modoc District Fair schedule for gate hours, livestock check-in, judging, entertainment, and closing times.

Is there camping at Modoc County Fairgrounds?

The fairgrounds’ event information has listed camping and RV hookups, along with horse-stall and camping reservation forms. Contact the fair board to confirm availability, fees, services, and reservation requirements for your dates.

How do I enter livestock in the Modoc District Fair?

Get the current premium book and livestock entry forms. Follow the published deadlines, animal health requirements, arrival instructions, and judging rules. Ask the organizers if you need help with an entry category.

Are dogs allowed at Modoc County Fairgrounds?

Rules can differ for pets, service animals, companion dog show entries, and working or show animals. Confirm the policy for the specific event before bringing a dog.

Where do I park at Modoc County Fairgrounds?

Follow posted signs and instructions from event staff at the Cedarville grounds. Parking arrangements may differ during fair week and events involving livestock trailers or horse equipment.

Who do I contact to rent Modoc County Fairgrounds?

For general fairgrounds and rental questions, call the Modoc District Fair Board at (530) 279-2315. Ask about available buildings or outdoor areas, rates, insurance, utilities, and booking conditions.

How much does it cost to get into the Modoc District Fair?

Admission prices and parking fees can change from year to year. Check the current fair schedule and ticket announcements for the applicable prices and any special admission offers.

Does the Modoc District Fair include a junior livestock sale?

The fair has youth livestock activities and Ranchers’ Day entry information. Confirm the current year’s sale schedule, eligible animals, and buyer instructions with the fair organizers.

How can I become a vendor at the Modoc District Fair?

Request the current vendor application materials. The fair has published separate information for food vendors, non-food vendors, and single-day food concessions. Ask about deadlines, fees, permits, insurance, and setup requirements.