Sierra County California Fairgrounds Events
Sierra County, California, is known for its mountain communities, rural traditions, outdoor recreation, and agricultural heritage. Residents looking for a county fair, livestock competitions, carnival rides, or community events should know that the principal regional fair serving Sierra County is the Plumas-Sierra County Fair, held at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy, neighboring Plumas County.
The fair brings together families, livestock exhibitors, local organizations, agricultural businesses, and visitors from across the northern Sierra Nevada. Its annual program combines youth livestock competitions, carnival attractions, entertainment, and community traditions.
The 2026 Plumas-Sierra County Fair took place July 23–26. Visitors planning for 2027 should confirm the next fair dates, admission prices, entertainment schedule, and livestock registration deadlines before making arrangements.
Overview of Sierra County Fairgrounds
Location and Physical Address
The regional fairgrounds serving Sierra County are located at:
Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road
Quincy, California 95971
The fairgrounds are in Quincy, the seat of neighboring Plumas County, rather than Downieville, the county seat of Sierra County. Visitors from Downieville, Loyalton, Sierraville, and other Sierra County communities should plan their journeys according to their starting locations and current mountain-road conditions.
Grounds, Facilities, and Management
The fairgrounds cover approximately 62 to 65 acres, depending on the source and measurement used. The property includes exhibition buildings, livestock facilities, an equestrian arena, grandstand areas, a racetrack, camping facilities, and outdoor event spaces.
Plumas County administers the fairgrounds and its rental facilities. The venue serves both counties and accommodates agricultural exhibitions, motorsports, horse events, community gatherings, and private functions.
Agricultural and Community Importance
The Plumas-Sierra County Fair provides an important gathering place for rural families. Young people involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America can display their livestock projects, develop showmanship skills, and participate in competitive agricultural activities.
For Sierra County residents, the fair also offers an opportunity to support local organizations, meet neighboring communities, and experience agricultural traditions that remain part of life in the northern Sierra Nevada.
Upcoming Events at Sierra County Fairgrounds
Annual and Seasonal Activities
The fairgrounds operate beyond the annual summer fair. Their buildings, arenas, and outdoor facilities accommodate a variety of activities throughout the year.
Events and activities associated with the venue include:
- County fair: Agricultural exhibits, youth competitions, carnival attractions, food concessions, and entertainment.
- Livestock shows: Youth animal exhibitions, judging competitions, and the junior livestock auction.
- Horse events: Equestrian activities, roping events, riding clinics, and rodeo-style programs.
- Motorsports: Scheduled racing at American Valley Speedway.
- Community gatherings: County picnics, meetings, fundraisers, and regional celebrations.
- Indoor exhibitions: Trade shows, sporting activities, meetings, and other events in rentable buildings.
- Music and entertainment: Selected performances and festivals scheduled by event organizers.
These are established venue uses, not a guarantee that every event category will appear on the 2027 calendar. Visitors should verify individual event announcements before traveling.
Finding the Current Event Schedule
The fair office is the primary contact for upcoming events, vendor applications, facility rentals, and visitor information.
Fair office telephone: (530) 283-6272
The official fair calendar and county announcements are useful sources for current dates. Events organized by outside promoters may have separate ticketing arrangements, admission rules, and operating hours.
Facility Rentals and Private Events
The fairgrounds offer buildings and outdoor areas for approved private and public events. Available facilities include the Art Barn, Mineral Building, Serpilio Hall, Tulsa E. Scott Pavilion, horse arena, livestock facilities, and grandstand areas.
Rental applications generally require the proposed event date, estimated attendance, requested space, setup schedule, and cleanup arrangements. Availability and approval depend on the facility and the event.
The Plumas-Sierra County Fair
Fair Dates and Annual Schedule
Typical fair season: July.
The 2026 Plumas-Sierra County Fair ran from July 23 through July 26. Dates for the 2027 fair should be confirmed when the organizers publish the next annual schedule.
Fair week typically combines agricultural competitions, carnival rides, food concessions, horse activities, youth exhibits, and entertainment. The annual parade is held in downtown Quincy, separate from the fairgrounds themselves.
Livestock and Agricultural Competitions
Livestock exhibitions are a central part of the fair’s educational program. Depending on the year’s published rules and classes, youth exhibitors may participate in competitions involving:
- Beef cattle and other eligible cattle classes
- Sheep and goats
- Swine
- Poultry and rabbits
- Horses and equestrian activities
Exhibitors should obtain the current premium book or exhibit guide before registering. The guide explains available classes, eligibility requirements, ownership periods, animal identification, health documentation, weigh-in procedures, and judging schedules.
Other competitive exhibits may include photography, art, horticulture, crafts, baking, canning, and home arts. The available categories and entry requirements can change annually.
Carnival Rides and Midway
Carnival attractions are an established part of the summer fair experience. A traveling carnival may provide rides and midway activities, although the operator, ride selection, wristband offers, and individual ticket prices should be confirmed for each season.
Families planning a visit should check whether ride wristbands are sold for particular sessions, whether individual ride tickets are available, and whether height restrictions apply.
Fair Food and Entertainment
Food concessions contribute to the fair’s social atmosphere, offering visitors an opportunity to eat between exhibits, livestock events, and entertainment. Specific vendors and menus vary by year.
The entertainment program may include live music, community performances, and other scheduled attractions. Visitors should consult the current daily program for performance times rather than assuming that a particular concert, demolition derby, or tractor pull will take place.
Visitors interested in Sierra County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore community gatherings through Shasta County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover regional traditions, enjoy seasonal activities, and experience community celebrations across California.
Admission and Parking
Admission prices, parking charges, season passes, and discounted tickets depend on the annual arrangements.
The 2026 fair calendar advertised free opening-day admission for visitors aged 62 and older and children aged 12 and under. This should be treated as a previous-year policy, not a confirmed offer for 2027.
Visitors should check current ticket rules before arrival, particularly if traveling with children or older family members.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition Buildings and Event Spaces
The fairgrounds contain several permanent facilities used for exhibitions, meetings, sporting activities, and agricultural events.
The Tulsa E. Scott Pavilion provides event space and has an adjacent commercial kitchen. Serpilio Hall accommodates trade shows and sporting activities, while the Mineral Building and Art Barn support meetings, exhibitions, and other gatherings.
The buildings serve different purposes, so organizers should confirm room dimensions, seating arrangements, electrical access, kitchen availability, and rental conditions before reserving space.
Horse Arena and Grandstand
The horse arena measures approximately 41,580 square feet and has bleacher seating for about 308 people. It is used for equestrian activities, roping, clinics, and rodeo-style events.
Additional seating may be possible for certain events, subject to arrangements with fairgrounds management. Visitors should verify seating capacity and accessibility for the particular event they plan to attend.
Camping and RV Facilities
Camping is available under specific conditions, including approved special events and group reservations. Visitors should not assume that the fairgrounds function as an unrestricted public campground throughout the year.
Some horse-arena arrangements provide designated camping or stock-trailer areas with water and electrical hookups. Availability, fees, and reservation requirements depend on the event and facility.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking arrangements vary according to attendance and event layout. During fair week, visitors should follow posted signs and staff instructions and allow extra time for traffic around Quincy.
Visitors requiring accessible parking, accessible restrooms, or step-free routes should confirm the available facilities with event organizers in advance. Parking locations and access routes may differ between indoor exhibitions, racing events, and the annual fair.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Applying for a Commercial Vendor Booth
Businesses, artisans, food vendors, and community organizations interested in participating should contact the fair office to ask about booth availability and application procedures.
Before applying, prepare information about the products or services being offered, booth dimensions, electrical requirements, cooking equipment, insurance, and any applicable food-service permits.
Commercial booths at the annual fair may operate under different conditions from rentals for other events. Applicants should confirm fees, deadlines, setup hours, and cancellation policies before making commitments.
Competitive Exhibit Registration
Livestock exhibitors and other competitors should review the current exhibit guide carefully. Registration deadlines, eligible age groups, animal requirements, class categories, and arrival times may differ from one year to another.
The 2026 registration program used FairEntry for exhibitor registration and buyer accounts. Participants should confirm whether the same platform will be used for the next fair.
Early preparation is particularly important for livestock exhibitors, who may need to meet ownership, identification, health, and recordkeeping requirements before arriving at the fairgrounds.
Getting to Sierra County Fairgrounds
Driving From Downieville and Other Sierra County Communities
The destination for the regional fair is 204 Fairground Road in Quincy, California.
Travelers starting in Downieville should plan a mountain-road journey toward Quincy and check current conditions before departure. Those traveling from Loyalton, Sierraville, or other Sierra County communities should select a route based on their precise starting point.
Roads across the northern Sierra Nevada may include winding sections, elevation changes, and weather-related delays. Extra travel time is advisable during fair week.
Traveling From Nearby Towns
Quincy is the closest community to the fairgrounds. Visitors from Portola, Graeagle, Loyalton, and surrounding mountain communities should confirm directions and estimated journey times before setting out.
Temporary road restrictions, construction, weather, and event-related congestion may affect travel.
Public Transportation and Rideshare
Visitors should not assume that a dedicated fair-week shuttle or public transportation service will operate without a current announcement.
Rideshare passengers should arrange a suitable pickup and drop-off location and follow any event-day traffic instructions. Drivers should confirm whether temporary parking restrictions or designated passenger-loading areas apply.
4-H and FFA at the Plumas-Sierra County Fair
Youth Agricultural Education
The fair gives young people opportunities to demonstrate skills developed through 4-H and FFA programs. These activities can involve animal care, feeding, recordkeeping, showmanship, agricultural knowledge, and responsible project management.
The Plumas-Sierra 4-H program publishes fair-related activities, including livestock meetings and judging sessions. The number of participating clubs and school chapters can vary, so current information should be obtained from local program coordinators and school agriculture advisers.
Junior Livestock Auction
The junior livestock auction is a major part of the fair’s youth agricultural program. Eligible exhibitors prepare animals for competition and may sell market animals through the organized auction.
The 2026 calendar listed the Plumas-Sierra Junior Livestock Auction Association auction for July 26 at the Tulsa E. Scott Pavilion. The 2027 auction date and sale arrangements should be confirmed with the organizers.
Interested buyers should ask about registration, bidding procedures, payment terms, animal disposition, and opportunities to support exhibitors through add-on contributions.
The auction provides a connection between youth agricultural education and the wider community. Buyers may include local businesses, agricultural supporters, families, and individuals who want to encourage young exhibitors.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The fairgrounds serve as a regional event venue throughout the year.
Motorsports and Horse Activities
American Valley Speedway hosts scheduled racing events at the fairgrounds. Racing dates, admission prices, and event formats should be checked before attending.
The horse arena supports equestrian activities, roping, clinics, riding events, and rodeo-style programs. Individual event organizers determine registration requirements and admission arrangements.
Exhibitions, Fundraisers, and Community Gatherings
Indoor facilities can accommodate exhibitions, trade events, meetings, sporting activities, and community functions. Local organizations may also arrange fundraisers or other gatherings when suitable space is available.
Music festivals, county picnics, and selected entertainment events have also been associated with the grounds.
Swap meets, flea markets, gun shows, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and holiday festivals should not be treated as confirmed annual events unless a current announcement identifies the date and organizer.
History of Sierra County’s Regional Fair Tradition
A Shared Regional Agricultural Tradition
The Plumas-Sierra County Fair serves both Plumas and Sierra counties. Its regional character reflects the connections between rural communities across the northern Sierra Nevada, where agricultural activities, youth programs, and local organizations remain important parts of community life.
The fair’s annual parade is a longstanding tradition in Quincy. The 2026 parade was identified as the 79th annual Plumas-Sierra County Fair Parade and took place downtown on July 25.
The event involved cooperation among the fair, community organizations, the Plumas-Sierra County Fair Foundation, and the Quincy Chamber of Commerce.
How the Grounds Have Evolved
The modern fairgrounds accommodate much more than the summer fair. Livestock facilities, exhibition buildings, horse arenas, grandstand areas, camping infrastructure, and the racetrack allow different organizations to use the property throughout the year.
Some livestock facilities are also used for seasonal RV and boat storage, according to county facility information.
A precise founding date for the fairgrounds, a complete building-by-building history, and a verified record of past cancellations should be confirmed through county archives or fair management rather than inferred from the age of the parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sierra County Fair in California in 2027?
The regional fair serving Sierra County is the Plumas-Sierra County Fair in Quincy. The 2026 fair ran July 23–26. The 2027 dates should be confirmed with the fair office before booking travel.
Where are the Sierra County fairgrounds located?
The regional fairgrounds are located at 204 Fairground Road, Quincy, California 95971. The property is in Plumas County and serves residents of both Plumas and Sierra counties.
What time do the fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the event. The 2026 fair schedule listed noon openings from Thursday through Sunday. Visitors should confirm the hours for the specific event they plan to attend.
Is camping available at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds?
Yes, camping is permitted for approved special events and group reservations. Availability, fees, and hookup arrangements vary. Contact the fair office before planning an overnight stay.
How do I enter livestock in the Plumas-Sierra County Fair?
Obtain the current exhibit guide, review eligibility and animal-health rules, and complete registration before the published deadline. Check with the fair office and Plumas-Sierra 4-H program for weigh-in times, judging schedules, and exhibitor meetings.
Are dogs allowed at the fairgrounds?
Pet policies may depend on the event and applicable service-animal requirements. Visitors should confirm the current policy before bringing a dog, as animals being shown may be subject to separate rules.
Where do I park at the fairgrounds?
Use designated parking areas and follow event staff instructions. Parking arrangements and any charges may change during fair week and other large events.
How much does admission to the Plumas-Sierra County Fair cost?
Admission varies by year and ticket type. The 2026 calendar advertised free opening-day admission for visitors aged 62 and older and children aged 12 and under. Confirm the next season’s prices and discounts before attending.
Who do I contact to rent the fairgrounds?
Contact the Plumas-Sierra County Fair office at (530) 283-6272. Rental applications are available for selected buildings, outdoor spaces, livestock facilities, the horse arena, and grandstand areas. All rentals are subject to availability and approval.
Does Sierra County have its own separate county fair?
The established regional fair serving Sierra County is the Plumas-Sierra County Fair in Quincy. It serves both Sierra and Plumas counties rather than operating as a separate fairgrounds facility in Downieville.
What other events take place at the fairgrounds?
Activities beyond fair week include scheduled American Valley Speedway races, equestrian events, exhibitions, community gatherings, and selected music events. Check the current calendar to confirm individual dates and admission arrangements.
