San Benito County California Fairgrounds Events
San Benito County’s fairgrounds are located in Tres Pinos, a small community southeast of Hollister in California’s Central Coast region. The grounds host the annual San Benito County Fair, a longstanding agricultural gathering where livestock exhibitors, 4-H members, FFA students, local businesses, and families come together each fall.
Unlike the larger exposition venues in nearby metropolitan areas, the San Benito County Fairgrounds retain a distinctly rural character. Livestock barns, exhibition spaces, and outdoor gathering areas reflect the county’s agricultural traditions, while carnival rides, food booths, entertainment, and commercial displays bring in visitors from Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Gilroy, and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re planning to attend the next San Benito County Fair, enter a youth livestock project, apply for a vendor space, or find an event outside fair week, understanding the location, annual schedule, and participation process will help you plan your visit.
Overview of San Benito County Fairgrounds
Location and address
The San Benito County Fairgrounds are located at 9000 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos, California 95075, southeast of Hollister. Airline Highway, also known as State Route 25 in this area, is the principal approach road for visitors travelling from Hollister and other parts of San Benito County.
Tres Pinos lies in the agricultural landscape south of Hollister, surrounded by ranchland and open countryside. The fairgrounds are therefore a practical meeting point for livestock exhibitors and agricultural families from across the county, rather than an urban convention center.
Management and community importance
The San Benito County Fair is organized through the county’s agricultural fair administration and the relevant state agricultural district structure. The fair office manages annual event information, competitive entries, exhibitor arrangements, vendor applications, and visitor questions.
The grounds support more than a few days of entertainment. They provide a public setting for agricultural education, youth development, livestock evaluation, local commerce, and community gatherings. For families involved in livestock projects, the fair can be the culmination of months of feeding, training, recordkeeping, and preparation.
Exact acreage, the current inventory of permanent buildings, and the availability of individual facilities should be confirmed with fair management before arranging a rental or planning a large event.
Upcoming Events at San Benito County Fairgrounds
Annual fair and seasonal activities
The main annual attraction is the San Benito County Fair, traditionally held in early October. Its program brings together livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, a carnival midway, food vendors, commercial booths, and entertainment.
Agricultural activity follows a seasonal rhythm. Youth exhibitors prepare livestock projects during the months before the fair, while competitive exhibits and vendor applications generally require advance registration. Other events may take place outside fair week, depending on facility availability and the year’s calendar.
Potential event categories at the grounds include:
- Livestock shows and youth agricultural competitions.
- Craft, home arts, photography, and educational exhibits.
- Carnival rides, games, and family entertainment during the county fair.
- Commercial booths, local business displays, and community fundraisers.
- Horse-related activities and other agricultural gatherings when scheduled.
- Private functions and organized events approved by fair management.
These are event categories, not a guarantee that every activity takes place every year. Rodeos, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, gun shows, motocross events, and flea markets should only be listed as confirmed events when they appear on the current schedule.
How to find upcoming events
Visitors looking for upcoming events at San Benito County Fairgrounds should check the current fair calendar and announcements from the San Benito County Fair office. The annual fair schedule, outside-event listings, livestock entry information, and vendor deadlines may be published separately.
As of October 20, 2026, the 2026 fair season has passed. Specific 2027 dates should not be treated as confirmed until announced by the fair organizers.
Facility rentals
Fairgrounds can be useful for agricultural meetings, community functions, exhibitions, and other organized gatherings. Availability depends on the requested space, event size, dates, insurance requirements, and site rules. Contact the fair office directly to confirm whether the intended event is permitted and which facilities are available for rental.
The San Benito County Fair Itself
2027 fair dates: October 1–3, 2027
The official fair announcement identifies the 104th San Benito County Fair as taking place Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 3, 2027. This is the next scheduled annual fair, making early October the key period for families, exhibitors, and vendors to plan around.
The 2026 fair took place October 2–4, 2026. Its three-day program included agricultural exhibits, carnival attractions, and grandstand entertainment.
Livestock judging and competitive exhibits
Livestock is a central part of the San Benito County Fair. The grounds include dedicated animal areas and show rings, with the fair’s entry office publishing separate livestock, horse, rabbit, and still-exhibit materials.
Competitive opportunities can include beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, and poultry, subject to the current year’s divisions and rules. Youth exhibitors may also enter approved projects in photography, artwork, crafts, baking, sewing, and other still exhibits. Produce and agricultural displays reflect the farming communities around Hollister and the wider county.
The current guidebook determines which classes are offered, how entries are judged, and which awards or premiums are available. Do not assume every livestock species or home arts category will appear in every year’s schedule.
Visitors exploring San Benito County California Fairgrounds Events can also discover community celebrations through Sacramento County California Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both counties allows visitors to learn about local traditions, discover seasonal gatherings, and enjoy regional activities throughout California.
Carnival, food, and entertainment
The fair includes a carnival midway with rides and games. The number of rides, minimum height requirements, unlimited-ride wristbands, and family packages depend on the current carnival agreement and ticket offer.
Fairgoers can expect food concessions offering familiar fair meals, snacks, and refreshments. The vendor lineup changes from year to year, so individual food stands and locally themed menus should be confirmed in the current program.
Recent fair programs have also featured specialty entertainment. The 2026 schedule advertised a bucking bash with bronco and bull riding on Friday, truck and tractor pulls on Saturday, and flat-track racing on Sunday. These were 2026 events, not a confirmed schedule for 2027.
Admission and parking
The published 2026 admission rates were:
- Adults: $14
- Seniors aged 62 and older: $10
- Youth ages 6–12: $7
- Children ages 5 and under: Free
- General fair parking: $10
The fair also advertised a $35 presale unlimited-carnival-ride option and a $40 family fun package. Separate grandstand tickets applied to certain performances.
These prices are historical 2026 rates. The 2027 admission schedule, parking charge, promotions, and senior-day arrangements should be checked when the next ticket information is released.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition halls, barns, and arenas
Bolado Park Event Center serves as the home of the San Benito County Fair. The grounds include livestock barns, animal pens, show rings, exhibition areas, and event spaces used for agricultural competitions and public gatherings.
The fair’s published grounds map identifies designated animal facilities, including beef, goat and sheep, and swine pen areas. Separate stall assignments and judging schedules help exhibitors find their locations during fair week.
The adjoining Joe W. Tripiano Arena is associated with the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, a separate major local event. Arena use, seating arrangements, and spectator capacity vary by configuration; a reliable current capacity figure should be obtained from the venue before planning an event.
Camping, accessibility, and visitor amenities
Camping at Bolado Park is associated with certain events, including the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo. Visitors should contact the fair office before bringing an RV or arranging an overnight stay, since availability, fees, reservations, and permitted dates are event-specific.
Visitors who need accessible parking, restrooms, or assistance with routes around the grounds should confirm current arrangements with the office before arrival. The same applies to first-aid services, concession locations, cash facilities, and other temporary amenities.
Parking and pedestrian movement can become busier during the county fair and major arena events. Follow on-site instructions, particularly when livestock trailers, vendor vehicles, and public traffic are using the same access roads.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Applying for a commercial booth
The San Benito County Fair welcomes commercial exhibitors and concessionaires. Businesses interested in participating can request to be added to the vendor application list by contacting the fair office.
Applications typically require information about the business, products or food being sold, booth requirements, and relevant permits. Food vendors should be prepared to meet applicable health and safety rules. Booth placement, electricity, water, insurance, and setup times must be agreed upon with the organizers.
Because vendor spaces are limited, businesses planning for the October 1–3, 2027 fair should ask when applications will open rather than waiting until the final weeks before the event.
Entering livestock and still exhibits
The entry office handles livestock, horse, rabbit, and still-exhibit information. For the 2026 fair, online entries opened July 15, and the published deadline for livestock and still exhibits was August 25.
Those are 2026 deadlines only. Exhibitors preparing for 2027 should wait for the new guidebooks and verify entry dates, animal identification, required certifications, health paperwork, and any mandatory still exhibit associated with a livestock entry.
For assistance, contact the fair office at (831) 628-3421 or email [email protected].
Getting to San Benito County Fairgrounds
Driving directions from Hollister and nearby communities
The fairgrounds are at 9000 Airline Highway in Tres Pinos, southeast of Hollister. State Route 25 is the main approach for visitors travelling through this part of San Benito County.
- From Hollister: Travel southeast on Airline Highway toward Tres Pinos and follow the fairgrounds entrance signs.
- From San Juan Bautista: Travel toward Hollister using the local highway network, then continue southeast on Airline Highway.
- From Gilroy: Take Highway 25 south toward Hollister and continue toward Tres Pinos.
- From Salinas: Use US 101 north toward the Highway 25 connection, then follow Highway 25 toward Hollister and Tres Pinos. Check current road conditions before travelling.
- From Monterey: Follow the regional highway network toward Salinas and US 101, then connect to Highway 25.
Allow additional time during fair week, especially when livestock trailers and vendor vehicles are arriving. Use the entrance designated for public parking rather than assuming that the livestock or service gates are open to visitors.
Public transportation and rideshare
Public transportation options to Tres Pinos are more limited than those serving Hollister and Gilroy. Check current San Benito County transit services before relying on a bus connection, and do not assume that a dedicated fair shuttle will operate.
Rideshare services may be available from Hollister, but drivers and passengers should agree on a pickup location that does not obstruct the entrance or livestock traffic. Event-specific pickup arrangements should be confirmed with the organizers.
4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock Programs
Youth agriculture in San Benito County
The county fair provides an important opportunity for local young people to demonstrate agricultural knowledge and animal-care skills. Participants affiliated with 4-H clubs and FFA programs can enter eligible livestock, horse, rabbit, and still-exhibit classes.
Hollister-area agricultural education programs and youth clubs are part of the wider community that supports the fair. However, the exact list of participating clubs and FFA chapters can vary each year, so exhibitors should confirm current participation with their advisers and the fair entry office.
Junior livestock auction
The junior livestock auction gives eligible youth exhibitors an opportunity to present qualifying market animals to registered buyers. The fair publishes a sale order, buyer registration information, and applicable sale documents.
A typical auction involves buyers registering, reviewing the sale order, and bidding on eligible animals. The terms governing payment, animal ownership, processing arrangements, and any additional buyer contributions are explained in the current sale paperwork.
Families should check the rules before entering an animal, especially requirements involving identification, health records, certifications, and deadlines. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting youth exhibitors can contact the fair office for information about buyer registration.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Bolado Park is associated with another important regional tradition: the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo. The event uses the grounds’ arena facilities and attracts horse enthusiasts, competitors, and spectators.
The 2026 Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo took place June 26–28. Its program included horse-related competitions and rodeo activities, with separate vendor and camping arrangements. The dates for future editions should be confirmed with the association.
Other events beyond county fair week depend on the annual calendar and facility bookings. Community gatherings, agricultural activities, private functions, and commercial events may use the grounds when approved.
Visitors should not assume that flea markets, gun shows, motocross events, concerts, or demolition derbies take place regularly without a confirmed listing. For event organizers, the fair office can explain the rental process and identify the spaces appropriate for a proposed gathering.
History of San Benito County Fairgrounds
The San Benito County Fair traces its beginnings to 1919, when a local newspaper reported the first annual fair in Hollister. The early event was sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and was believed to have taken place near the site of what is now the local high school football field.
The fair continued through its early decades but stopped for four years during World War II. The interruption is one reason the 2023 celebration was recognized as the 100th San Benito County Fair, even though it marked 104 years since the fair’s founding year.
The fair later developed into a more comprehensive public event, retaining livestock and agricultural competitions while adding carnival rides, entertainment, commercial exhibitors, and food concessions. That evolution reflects San Benito County’s continued agricultural identity alongside its growing residential communities.
Bolado Park Event Center in Tres Pinos became the fair’s established home and also supports the region’s horse-show and rodeo traditions. Its combination of animal facilities, exhibition areas, and arena space allows the annual fair to serve youth exhibitors and the broader public.
Historical details about individual cancellations, attendance records, and major facility renovations should be confirmed through the fair’s historical records before being presented as established facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the San Benito County Fair in 2027?
The 104th San Benito County Fair is scheduled for October 1–3, 2027, at Bolado Park Event Center in Tres Pinos, California. Check the official event announcement for any subsequent schedule changes.
What time does San Benito County Fairgrounds open?
Opening hours depend on the event. The fair’s published 2026 schedule listed opening at noon on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Those hours should not be assumed for 2027.
Is there camping at San Benito County Fairgrounds?
Camping is available in connection with certain Bolado Park events, including the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo. Contact the fair office to confirm reservations, fees, permitted dates, and RV arrangements.
How do I enter livestock in the San Benito County Fair?
Obtain the current livestock guidebook, complete the online entry process, and meet the published deadlines. Animal identification, health documentation, certifications, and class eligibility depend on the species and competition.
Are dogs allowed at San Benito County Fairgrounds?
Check the current fair or event rules before bringing a pet. Animal policies can vary, and service animals are subject to applicable accessibility requirements.
Where do I park at San Benito County Fairgrounds?
Public parking is available at designated areas at Bolado Park. The published 2026 fair parking charge was $10. Confirm the current rate and follow signs directing visitors to the correct entrance.
Who do I contact to rent San Benito County Fairgrounds?
Contact the fair office at (831) 628-3421 or email [email protected] to ask about venue availability, rental requirements, and event arrangements.
How much does it cost to attend the San Benito County Fair?
Published 2026 rates were $14 for adults, $10 for seniors aged 62 and older, $7 for youth ages 6–12, and free for children aged five and under. The 2027 admission rates have not been confirmed.
Does the San Benito County Fair have carnival rides?
Yes. The annual fair features a carnival midway with rides and games. The 2027 ride lineup, wristband prices, and operating hours should be confirmed when the next fair schedule is published.
Can I sell food or merchandise at the fair?
Yes. The fair accepts applications for commercial exhibitors and concessionaires. Contact the fair office to request an application and confirm booth fees, permits, insurance, and submission deadlines.
Does Bolado Park host events outside fair week?
Yes. The grounds are also associated with the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, as well as other approved events. Check the current calendar before travelling to a non-fair event.
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