Stanislaus County California Fairgrounds Events
The Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock, California, is a major gathering place for agricultural exhibitions, livestock competitions, carnival attractions, concerts, and community events in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The grounds are best known for the annual Stanislaus County Fair, which brings together local families, young agricultural exhibitors, food vendors, and visitors from across the Central Valley.
Located near State Route 99, the fairgrounds reflect the agricultural character of Stanislaus County, where dairy farming, almonds, poultry, livestock, and other agricultural industries play an important role in the regional economy. The venue also hosts events outside the summer fair, making it useful for visitors seeking trade shows, entertainment, and seasonal gatherings.
Whether you’re planning a family visit, entering a livestock project, applying for a vendor space, or looking for upcoming Stanislaus County Fair events, the location, annual schedule, and participation rules are the best places to start.
Overview of Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
Location and address
The Stanislaus County Fairgrounds is located at 900 North Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380, in the city of Turlock in southern Stanislaus County.
Turlock sits along the Highway 99 corridor between Modesto and Merced. North Broadway provides access to the fairgrounds, while State Route 99 connects visitors traveling from Modesto, Ceres, Hughson, Delhi, and communities farther south.
The property includes exhibition buildings, livestock facilities, arenas, outdoor event areas, carnival space, and parking. Its layout allows the fair organization to run agricultural competitions alongside commercial exhibits, entertainment, and family attractions.
Who operates the fairgrounds?
The Stanislaus County Fair is managed by the Stanislaus County Fair Board, which oversees the annual fair and the organization’s associated activities. The fair’s agricultural and youth programs work with local exhibitors, community organizations, and agricultural education groups.
The fairgrounds serve a broader purpose than hosting an annual festival. They provide a place where residents can learn about farming, display livestock and creative projects, support local businesses, and gather for public events.
Agricultural and community importance
Stanislaus County is one of California’s important agricultural regions. Dairy operations, almond orchards, poultry production, cattle, and other farming enterprises shape the surrounding communities.
The county fair brings those industries into public view. Visitors can see animals up close, learn how young people prepare competitive projects, and watch agricultural demonstrations that connect rural traditions with modern farming practices.
For Turlock and nearby communities, fair week also brings seasonal employment, vendor sales, entertainment, and visitors who support local restaurants, retailers, and service businesses.
Upcoming Events at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds is active beyond its signature summer event. Its facilities accommodate agricultural shows, concerts, exhibitions, community gatherings, and other scheduled activities.
Stanislaus County Fair 2026
The 2026 Stanislaus County Fair ran July 10–19, 2026. Those dates are now in the past as of October 2026. Visitors planning for 2027 should wait for the next official announcement rather than assume that the same dates will apply.
The summer fair typically combines livestock and competitive exhibits with carnival rides, food concessions, live entertainment, and activities for children.
Other events throughout the year
Depending on the annual booking calendar, the venue may host:
- Livestock shows and agricultural education activities.
- Horse shows and other animal-related events.
- Concerts and live entertainment.
- Trade shows, commercial exhibitions, and community expos.
- Craft markets, specialty shows, and public gatherings.
- Fundraisers and events organized by local groups.
A particular rodeo, demolition derby, gun show, flea market, or tractor pull should only be treated as upcoming when it appears on the current schedule. Not every type of event takes place every year.
Finding event schedules and renting facilities
For current Stanislaus County Fair events, visitors should consult the fair organization’s published calendar, ticket announcements, and social media updates. Event hours, ticket prices, parking rules, and performer schedules can differ between the summer fair and individual bookings.
Outside organizations can inquire about renting suitable spaces for meetings, exhibitions, public events, and private functions. Availability, fees, insurance, permitted uses, and setup requirements depend on the space and date.
Visitors interested in Stanislaus County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore regional celebrations through Sonoma County California Fairgrounds Events. Both locations offer opportunities to learn about local traditions, enjoy community gatherings, and discover seasonal activities across California.
The Stanislaus County Fair
Fair dates and seasonal timing
The Stanislaus County Fair is traditionally held in July, when school is out for summer and families can attend evening entertainment and agricultural activities. The 2026 fair took place July 10–19. Dates for the 2027 fair should be confirmed once published.
Visitors should plan around the official daily program because livestock judging, concerts, special promotions, and carnival operating hours may follow different schedules.
Livestock shows and competitive exhibits
Agricultural competitions are central to the fair’s identity. Youth exhibitors and other eligible participants can enter livestock and approved competitive classes according to the annual rules.
Livestock categories may include beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and rabbits. Additional exhibits may cover agricultural mechanics, horticulture, floriculture, photography, fine art, baking, canning, crafts, and other home arts.
Specific classes, entry eligibility, and judging arrangements vary by year. The current exhibitor guide explains which divisions are available and what participants must submit.
Carnival rides, fair food, and entertainment
The midway typically features a traveling carnival with family rides, larger thrill rides, games, and concessions. The exact number of rides, ride restrictions, and wristband promotions depend on the operator and the current fair arrangements.
Food stands generally offer familiar fair favorites such as corn dogs, burgers, barbecue, funnel cakes, fried treats, desserts, and cold drinks. Vendor selections can change each year, and visitors should check individual stand information for ingredients and dietary needs.
Live music, special performances, and other entertainment are scheduled throughout fair week. The precise lineup changes annually, so a particular concert or arena attraction should not be assumed without checking the published program.
Junior fair and youth programs
Young people involved in 4-H and FFA can gain practical experience through livestock projects, agricultural mechanics, judging, and other eligible competitions.
The junior livestock auction gives qualified exhibitors an opportunity to present their animals to buyers and community supporters. Auction schedules, registration rules, sale order, and payment procedures are published for each year’s fair.
Admission, parking, and opening hours
Fair admission, ride wristbands, parking, and special promotions are set for each year’s event. Prices from a previous season should not be used as a guarantee of current rates.
The same applies to children’s admission, senior discounts, free-entry promotions, and season passes. Visitors should confirm the applicable policy before arriving and allow additional time for parking during popular evening events.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition buildings and livestock areas
The fairgrounds contains indoor exhibition spaces, livestock areas, and outdoor venues used for different activities throughout the year. Exhibition buildings accommodate commercial displays, competitive entries, and community events, while animal facilities support scheduled livestock shows and youth competitions.
The precise number of buildings, stall capacities, and seating figures should be confirmed with the fair office before an event is planned. Layouts and available areas may change depending on the event setup.
Livestock exhibitors should arrange approved pens or stalls through the relevant department and review rules covering bedding, feeding, cleaning, animal health documents, arrival times, and removal after the show.
Arenas, parking, and accessibility
Outdoor event areas accommodate agricultural activities, entertainment, and other gatherings. Commercial vendors may be assigned indoor booths or outdoor spaces according to their event contracts.
Designated accessible parking and accessible routes should be identified through posted signage and event information. Visitors needing specific accommodations should contact the organizers before arrival, particularly for events with temporary seating or restricted areas.
Parking arrangements differ according to attendance and the event being held. During the July fair, allow extra time for entry and follow directions from parking attendants. Do not assume that overflow parking, shuttle services, or RV spaces are available for every booking.
RV camping and visitor amenities
The fairgrounds advertises an RV lot, which can be useful for visitors attending certain events. Availability, reservation requirements, hookups, rates, and permitted lengths of stay should be confirmed with the campground or fair office.
Food concessions, restrooms, first-aid arrangements, and other amenities depend on the event. Visitors should check in advance if they need a particular service or accessible facility.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
How to apply for a vendor booth
The Stanislaus County Fair offers commercial and concession opportunities for businesses that want to reach fair visitors. The organization also handles rental inquiries for events held outside fair week.
For the 2027 fair, the published schedule identifies November 1, 2026, as the opening date for concession and commercial vendor applications. Vendors should confirm the application process, categories, fees, and submission requirements before preparing a booth.
Applicants may need to provide business details, insurance documentation, relevant permits, electrical requirements, and information about the products or food they plan to sell. Approval and space assignment depend on the organizer’s requirements and availability.
Competitive exhibits and livestock entries
The fair publishes exhibitor handbooks for different participant groups, including 4-H, FFA, Grange, youth, adults, small-animal exhibitors, and large-animal exhibitors.
These handbooks explain eligible classes, age divisions, registration procedures, judging rules, and deadlines. Competitive exhibit information for 2027 is expected in early 2027, with livestock entry information and deadlines expected in spring 2027.
Exhibitors should not rely on a previous year’s handbook for current deadlines or requirements. Animal health documentation, show eligibility, and auction procedures may be updated.
Fair office and rental contacts
- Address: 900 North Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380
- Telephone: (209) 668-1333
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding observed holidays
- General email: [email protected]
- Facility rentals: (209) 668-1333, extension 301
- Ticket inquiries: (209) 668-1333, extension 308
- Exhibits office: (209) 668-1333, extension 315
- Livestock office: (209) 668-1333, extension 330
For a commercial booth, contact the vendor department. For animal entries, ask for the livestock office; for art, crafts, and other competitive entries, ask for the exhibits office.
Getting to Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
Driving directions from nearby cities
The fairgrounds is in Turlock, close to State Route 99 and North Broadway.
- From Modesto: Travel south on State Route 99 toward Turlock and follow the signs for the appropriate exit. Continue through local streets toward North Broadway and the fairgrounds.
- From Merced: Travel north on State Route 99 toward Turlock, then follow the signed route toward the fairgrounds.
- From Ceres: Take State Route 99 south toward Turlock and follow the local exit signs.
- From Hughson: Travel toward Turlock using local connecting roads, then continue toward North Broadway.
- From downtown Turlock: Follow local streets toward North Broadway and the fairgrounds entrance identified for your event.
Traffic patterns can change during the annual fair, especially around Highway 99 exits and the roads leading into the venue. Follow posted event directions rather than relying exclusively on a navigation app.
Public transportation and rideshare
Visitors should check current Turlock-area public transportation services for routes serving North Broadway and nearby streets. Direct service, evening frequency, and special fair shuttles should be confirmed for the travel date.
Rideshare passengers should use the designated pickup and drop-off areas provided by event staff. During busy fair evenings, an approved meeting point away from the busiest entrance may make collection easier.
4-H and FFA at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
Agricultural education and youth participation
The fair gives young people a setting to demonstrate the skills they develop through agricultural education, animal projects, and supervised competitions. The local 4-H program and high school FFA chapters are important pathways for eligible youth who want to participate.
Stanislaus County’s agricultural economy provides a practical context for these projects, from livestock care and feeding to agricultural mechanics and recordkeeping. Participants should contact their club leader, FFA adviser, or the fair’s livestock department for current eligibility requirements.
Junior livestock auction
The junior livestock auction connects eligible exhibitors with buyers who want to support youth agricultural projects. Animals are shown and judged under the fair’s rules before the auction or associated sale activities.
Interested buyers should confirm registration requirements, sale times, bidding procedures, payment arrangements, and what happens to purchased animals. The proceeds and final payment arrangements depend on the applicable sale terms, so exhibitors and buyers should review the current rules before participating.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The grounds hosts events beyond its July fair, providing space for markets, exhibitions, entertainment, and community gatherings.
Markets, exhibitions, and community gatherings
The venue’s calendar includes events such as auto swap meets and seasonal markets, alongside meetings and other public activities. The fairgrounds also advertises facility rentals for organizers who need space for exhibitions, fundraisers, celebrations, or business events.
The exact dates and admission rules differ by booking. Before visiting an auto swap meet, specialty show, or market, check whether the event is open to the general public and whether vendors or attendees must register in advance.
Concerts and other entertainment
The annual fair’s entertainment program can feature touring musicians, tribute acts, and other performers. The 2026 program included announced acts across different musical styles.
Future concerts should be confirmed individually because performers, showtimes, ticket prices, and age restrictions can change. Similarly, rodeos, motorsports events, demolition derbies, gun shows, and other specialized activities should only be described as scheduled when they appear on the current calendar.
History of Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
The Stanislaus County Fair has a long-standing role in Turlock’s public and agricultural life. Over the years, it has developed from a traditional county fair into a larger annual event combining agricultural education, livestock judging, commercial exhibits, amusement rides, and live entertainment.
Its continued emphasis on youth exhibits reflects the importance of agriculture across Stanislaus County. Livestock projects and agricultural mechanics give young participants opportunities to present skills developed through 4-H, FFA, and other educational programs.
The fairgrounds has also expanded its year-round role by hosting events and making facilities available for outside rentals. This allows the property to serve local organizations and businesses outside the summer fair season.
Specific claims about the original establishment date, record attendance, historical cancellations, or notable past visitors should be supported by historical fair records. Visitors interested in the venue’s early history can ask the fair organization about archived programs and historical publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Stanislaus County Fair in 2026–2027?
The 2026 Stanislaus County Fair ran July 10–19, 2026. The next fair is scheduled for July 9–18, 2027, according to the published fair calendar.
What time does Stanislaus County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the event. During the annual fair, gate and carnival hours may differ. Check the daily schedule for the date you plan to visit.
Is there camping at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds?
The fairgrounds advertises an RV lot. Contact the fair office to confirm availability, reservations, rates, hookups, and length-of-stay rules before traveling.
How do I enter livestock in the Stanislaus County Fair?
Obtain the current livestock exhibitor handbook and follow its registration deadlines, eligibility rules, animal health requirements, and show procedures. Contact the livestock office at (209) 668-1333, extension 330, for assistance.
Are dogs allowed at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds?
Pet policies vary by event and facility. Check the rules for your specific event before bringing a dog. Service animals are subject to applicable accessibility requirements.
Where do I park at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds?
Use the designated parking areas and follow event signage. During the annual fair, allow additional time for traffic near Highway 99 and North Broadway. Confirm parking charges and accessible parking arrangements before arrival.
Who do I contact to rent Stanislaus County Fairgrounds?
Call the fair office at (209) 668-1333 and ask for facility rentals at extension 301. Rental staff can explain availability, pricing, insurance requirements, and event approval procedures.
How much does it cost to get into the Stanislaus County Fair?
Admission prices vary by year and ticket type. Check the current fair ticket information for general admission, children’s pricing, discounts, special promotions, and separately priced attractions.
When do vendor applications open for the 2027 Stanislaus County Fair?
The published schedule lists November 1, 2026, as the opening date for concession and commercial vendor applications. Applicants should confirm the requirements and deadlines for their particular vendor category.
Does Stanislaus County Fairgrounds host events year-round?
Yes. The grounds hosts markets, auto swap meets, exhibitions, agricultural activities, concerts, and other events outside the annual July fair. Dates and public admission arrangements vary.
One Comment